Unveiling the Legend: Why Eivor Was Called “Wolf-Kissed”
Eivor Varinsdottir, the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, carries a title that resonates with both ferocity and destiny: Wolf-Kissed. This moniker isn’t merely a cool-sounding nickname; it’s deeply rooted in a traumatic childhood experience that shaped Eivor’s identity and foreshadowed their connection to the Norse god Odin. The title is directly attributable to an event where, as a child, Eivor encountered and defeated a wolf, acquiring a scar on their face in the process. This encounter wasn’t just a fight for survival; it was a baptism by blood and ice, a defining moment that cemented their place in Viking legend.
The Fateful Encounter on the Frozen Lake
The story begins in Eivor’s childhood. After witnessing the tragic death of their parents, young Eivor was left vulnerable and alone. It was during this period of immense loss and vulnerability that they stumbled upon a frozen lake. This location wasn’t just a physical setting; it was a crucible where Eivor’s fate was forged.
On this frozen lake, Eivor was attacked by a wolf. It wasn’t just any wolf; in the context of Norse mythology and Eivor’s own destiny, the wolf symbolized a primal force, a test of courage, and a harbinger of their connection to the Allfather. The ensuing struggle was a brutal fight for survival. Severely wounded, Eivor, fueled by adrenaline and an emerging inner strength, managed to kill the wolf with an axe. In the process, they sustained a severe scar on their face–a permanent reminder of the encounter.
More Than Just a Scar: Symbolism and Destiny
The scar and the title “Wolf-Kissed” are far more than superficial details. They are imbued with symbolism that elevates Eivor’s character beyond a typical Viking raider.
- Courage and Resilience: The encounter demonstrates Eivor’s extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Surviving such a brutal attack at a young age speaks volumes about their inner strength and unwavering spirit.
- Connection to Odin: This moment is also intertwined with Eivor’s latent connection to Odin. As revealed later in the game, Eivor is the reincarnation of the Norse god. The wolf encounter can be interpreted as an early manifestation of Odin’s influence, a test orchestrated by fate to prepare Eivor for their destiny. It is heavily implied that Eivor had a vision of Odin during this event, bolstering their strength.
- Fear and Respect: The title “Wolf-Kissed” instills both fear and respect in those who hear it. It signifies that Eivor has faced death and emerged victorious, a quality highly valued in Viking society.
- Identity and Self-Definition: Ultimately, the “Wolf-Kissed” moniker becomes an integral part of Eivor’s identity. It represents their past struggles, their unwavering spirit, and their connection to something larger than themselves.
A Title Earned in Blood and Ice
In essence, Eivor earned the title “Wolf-Kissed” through a harrowing ordeal that tested their limits and revealed their true potential. It is not a title bestowed upon them lightly, but rather one forged in the crucible of survival. The scar serves as a permanent testament to their courage and a constant reminder of the intertwined nature of fate, destiny, and the fierce spirit of a Viking warrior. In a society that valued strength, bravery, and a connection to the gods, “Wolf-Kissed” was a badge of honor, solidifying Eivor’s place among the legends of their time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Eivor and the “Wolf-Kissed” Title
Is Eivor Wolf-Kissed Odin?
Eivor Varinsdottir is the reincarnation of the Isu Odin, a being revered as a god in Norse mythology. While Eivor isn’t literally Odin “kissed” by a wolf, the wolf encounter symbolizes their connection to Odin’s spirit and destiny.
Is Eivor canonically a girl?
Yes, the canon version of Eivor is female. While the game allows players to choose between male and female Eivor, the Animus generally interprets Eivor as female, except in specific Asgard and Jotunheim story arcs.
Why do they call Eivor Havi?
Havi is another name for Odin. During the Asgard and Jotunheim segments, the player essentially embodies Odin, hence the use of “Havi.” It is a plot device used to reveal the past lives of some of the characters.
How does Eivor lose his/her eye?
Eivor loses their eye in two instances within the game when they play as Havi. Firstly, as Odin, they sacrifice it for wisdom. Secondly, in Valhalla, they are shot and lose the use of it.. This symbolizes Odin’s own sacrifice for knowledge and alludes to Eivor’s connection with Odin.
Why does Eivor seem drunk?
Players sometimes encounter a bug that causes Eivor to constantly appear drunk. The game also incorporates the ability for Eivor to get drunk as a feature, but in the context of this bug, it is an error.
Why is Eivor female at the end?
The Animus struggles to accurately interpret Eivor’s DNA due to the presence of Odin’s genetic information. In reality, Eivor’s physical manifestation is female, and this is what the NPCs actually perceive.
What Viking is Eivor based on?
Eivor Varinsdottir is a fictional character, but she embodies the spirit of a Viking shieldmaiden who raided England during the 9th century. The game aims to authentically portray the Viking way of life.
How is Basim Loki?
In Assassin’s Creed lore, the Isu civilization is the basis for human mythology. Basim is the reincarnation of Loki, an Isu whose memories are locked within him. He harbors resentment against Odin and his fellow Isu.
What happens if you let the Animus choose Eivor’s gender?
If you select “Animus decides,” you will primarily play as female Eivor. However, during the Asgard and Jotunheim mythological sequences, you will play as male Eivor (Odin).
Can Eivor marry a man or woman?
Eivor can engage in romantic relationships with both men and women. There are no gender restrictions on romance options within the game.
Why is male Eivor not canon?
The Animus is confused by Odin’s DNA present in Eivor’s bloodline, causing it to occasionally misinterpret Eivor’s appearance as male, resembling Odin. This is the game’s explanation.
Who was the real Eivor Wolf-kissed?
Eivor Wolf-Kissed is a fictional character from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. While inspired by Viking culture, there is no historical record of an actual person with that name and specific backstory.
Who can Eivor sleep with?
Eivor can have romantic relationships with various characters, including:
- Pierre
- Ciara
- Bil
- Broder
- Stowe
- Petra
- Gunlodr
- Tewdwr
How old is Eivor Wolf-kissed?
At the beginning of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla in 856 CE, Eivor is 9 years old. By 872 CE, when the main storyline begins, Eivor is approximately 25 years old.
Why does Basim hate Eivor?
Basim, being the reincarnation of Loki, harbors hatred towards Eivor because Eivor is the reincarnation of Odin. This stems from the ancient conflict between the Isu Loki and Odin.
Understanding why Eivor was called “Wolf-Kissed” provides a deeper appreciation for the character’s backstory, motivations, and connection to the larger Assassin’s Creed lore. It underscores the game’s exploration of identity, destiny, and the enduring power of Norse mythology. Further resources regarding the learning aspects of video games can be found at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.