Was Lucy Stillman a Traitor in Assassin’s Creed? The Definitive Answer
Yes, Lucy Stillman was indeed a traitor in the Assassin’s Creed storyline. While initially presented as a key member of the Assassin Order and a valuable ally to Desmond Miles, it was revealed at the end of Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood that she was, in fact, a double agent working for the Templar Order. This revelation, shocking to many players, fundamentally altered the narrative and the perceived allegiances within the franchise.
The Shocking Revelation: Brotherhood’s Twist Ending
The game Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood ends with Desmond, under the influence of the Apple of Eden, stabbing Lucy Stillman. This act, seemingly incomprehensible at first, is later explained in Assassin’s Creed: Revelations and Assassin’s Creed III. It is revealed that Juno, a member of the First Civilization, manipulated Desmond into killing Lucy because she posed a threat to her plans. The game presents her as a Templar agent working undercover inside the Assassin Order.
Unraveling the Truth: Lucy’s Templar Ties
Lucy’s allegiance to the Templars wasn’t a sudden shift; it was deeply ingrained in her history. Evidence suggests that she was recruited by the Templars early in her life. While she initially presented as loyal to the Assassins, providing vital support to Desmond and the team as they explored the genetic memories of Altaïr and Ezio, her ultimate goal was to locate the Pieces of Eden for the Templars. She was positioned as a “sleeper agent,” ready to betray the Assassins when the time was right. This plan was derailed by Juno’s intervention, who saw Lucy as a hindrance to her own agenda.
Why Juno Deemed Lucy a Threat
Juno’s decision to eliminate Lucy wasn’t solely based on her Templar allegiance. Juno perceived Lucy as having an ulterior motive, a desire for power stemming from her proximity to the Pieces of Eden, which threatened Juno’s overall mission and the balance of power between the Assassins and Templars. The specifics are vague, but Juno clearly feared what Lucy might do with the knowledge and artifacts she possessed.
The Consequences of Her Betrayal
Lucy’s betrayal had profound consequences for the entire Assassin’s Creed universe. It sowed distrust within the Assassin ranks and highlighted the ongoing struggle for power. Desmond’s act of killing her, while manipulated, left him deeply scarred and further complicated his mission to prevent the 2012 apocalypse. Furthermore, her death left a void in the team and created new challenges for the remaining Assassins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lucy Stillman’s Betrayal
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Lucy Stillman’s role as a traitor in the Assassin’s Creed universe:
1. When was it confirmed that Lucy was a Templar?
The confirmation came primarily through the narrative of Assassin’s Creed: Revelations and Assassin’s Creed III, where contextual clues and dialogue revealed her true allegiance.
2. What specific actions proved Lucy’s Templar loyalty?
While not explicitly shown in-game, the backstory presented reveals her recruitment and continued communication with the Templar Order. Additionally, her intent to secure the Pieces of Eden for them solidifies her loyalty to that cause.
3. Could Lucy have been redeemed or turned back to the Assassin side?
That’s a question heavily debated by the fan community. Some believe she was ultimately conflicted, but the narrative leans towards her being a dedicated Templar operative. Redemption was likely not a feasible option given the depth of her involvement.
4. How did Abstergo (the Templar corporation) benefit from Lucy’s position?
Lucy provided Abstergo with insider information about the Assassin’s activities, their hideouts, and their goals related to finding the Pieces of Eden. This gave the Templars a significant advantage in the ongoing conflict.
5. Was Desmond aware of Lucy’s betrayal before he killed her?
No, Desmond was completely unaware. He was manipulated by Juno, who used the Apple of Eden to control his actions.
6. Did Shaun Hastings or Rebecca Crane suspect Lucy’s true allegiance?
There were no explicit hints within the games that Shaun or Rebecca suspected Lucy. Their shock after her death indicates their genuine trust in her.
7. How does Lucy’s betrayal impact the broader Assassin-Templar conflict?
It highlights the complexity and pervasive nature of the conflict. It demonstrates that both sides are willing to use deception and infiltration to achieve their goals, blurring the lines between good and evil.
8. What was Lucy’s ultimate goal in working with Desmond?
Her goal was to use Desmond’s genetic memory to locate the Pieces of Eden, specifically the Apple of Eden, and then deliver them to the Templar Order.
9. Why didn’t the Templars stop Juno from killing Lucy?
The Templars were unaware of Juno’s plans and her perception of Lucy as a threat. Juno acted independently, driven by her own agenda that transcended the Assassin-Templar conflict.
10. Are there any clues in the earlier Assassin’s Creed games hinting at Lucy’s true nature?
Looking back, some fans have pointed to subtle dialogue or actions that could be interpreted as hints. However, these are largely speculative and open to interpretation.
11. How does the game explore the moral ambiguity of both the Assassins and Templars?
Lucy’s character underscores the moral ambiguity present in the franchise. It showcases that both factions employ questionable methods and harbor individuals with hidden agendas, challenging the simple dichotomy of good versus evil.
12. How did Lucy manage to hide her Templar allegiance for so long?
Lucy maintained a facade of loyalty and dedication to the Assassin cause, carefully controlling her interactions and information sharing. Her training and experience as a double agent allowed her to effectively deceive those around her.
13. Does Lucy’s character development reflect real-world examples of espionage and betrayal?
Yes, Lucy’s character mirrors real-world examples of espionage, where individuals infiltrate organizations and betray their trust for personal or ideological gain. Her story reflects the complex motivations and ethical dilemmas faced by double agents.
14. What happened to the data and research Lucy collected while working with the Assassins?
It is presumed that she regularly transmitted that data to the Templar Order via secret communications channels. The extent to which that information impacted the Templars’ operations is not fully explored in the games.
15. What is the legacy of Lucy Stillman’s character in the Assassin’s Creed series?
Lucy’s legacy is one of betrayal and intrigue. Her character serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind trust and the complexities of war. Also, many gamers have looked at this storyline and its nuances at places like the Games Learning Society. It’s a reminder that things are not always as they seem and that even those closest to you can harbor hidden agendas. It shows an understanding that we can learn from games at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Lucy Stillman’s betrayal remains one of the most significant and controversial plot twists in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. It served to deepen the narrative, complicate the characters, and underscore the ever-present struggle between the Assassin and Templar Orders. Her story continues to be discussed and debated by fans, highlighting her lasting impact on the series.