Are Desmond and Ezio Related? Unraveling the Assassin’s Creed Family Tree
Yes, Desmond Miles and Ezio Auditore da Firenze are related. Desmond is a direct descendant of Ezio, meaning Ezio is one of Desmond’s many ancestors. The Assassin’s Creed storyline hinges heavily on the concept of genetic memory, where individuals can relive the experiences of their ancestors. This connection is pivotal to the plot, allowing Desmond to access the skills and knowledge of historical assassins like Ezio, Altaïr, and others.
Understanding the Assassin’s Creed Lineage
The Assassin’s Creed universe boasts a sprawling family tree, connecting characters across centuries. Desmond’s lineage is particularly significant because it links him to some of the most iconic figures in the Assassin Brotherhood. The animus technology allows characters like Desmond to relive the memories of these ancestors, which are encoded in their DNA. This familial connection forms the basis of the entire narrative arc of the early Assassin’s Creed games.
How Genetic Memory Works
The Animus in the Assassin’s Creed universe allows people to access the genetic memories of their ancestors. This technology taps into the DNA of an individual to let them virtually relive the experiences of their past relatives. It’s a cornerstone of the franchise’s narrative, connecting disparate historical periods and characters. The ability to learn from and even influence these memories is crucial to the fight against the Templars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Desmond and Ezio’s Relationship
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the relationships within the Assassin’s Creed family tree, focusing on Desmond, Ezio, and their connections to other key figures:
1. How is Desmond related to Altaïr?
Desmond is a descendant of Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, just as he is a descendant of Ezio. The specific line of descent varies; Altaïr is believed to be an ancestor through Desmond’s mother’s side, whereas Ezio is an ancestor through Desmond’s father’s side. Both are important figures whose memories Desmond accesses through the Animus.
2. Are Ezio and Altaïr related to each other?
No, Ezio and Altaïr are not directly related. While they are both Desmond’s ancestors and prominent figures in the Assassin Brotherhood, there’s no familial connection between them. The game highlights how the Assassin’s Creed universe pulls heroes from across historical periods, connected by their shared ideals and Desmond’s lineage.
3. Why do Ezio and Desmond look alike?
In Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood, the Animus used a specific technology (version 2.0) that projected Desmond’s facial features onto the ancestral simulations. This is why Ezio and Altaïr shared a resemblance to Desmond in those earlier games. This was a design choice by the developers to visually connect the characters and emphasize the link between the past and present.
4. Did Ezio know he was being watched by Desmond?
Yes, Ezio had a brief encounter with Desmond in Assassin’s Creed: Revelations. While reliving Ezio’s memories, Desmond encounters an apparition of himself at the end of Ezio’s storyline. Ezio acknowledges that he is merely a conduit for a message, indicating awareness of a future connection.
5. Who did Ezio see before he died?
Shortly before his death, Ezio saw a young man resembling his younger self, berating women in Florence. This encounter served as a reflective moment for Ezio, highlighting his growth and the legacy he was leaving behind.
6. What other historical figures are Desmond’s ancestors?
Besides Ezio and Altaïr, Desmond’s ancestors include Edward Kenway, Haytham Kenway, and Ratonhnhaké:ton (Connor). Each of these figures played a significant role in the Assassin-Templar conflict, and their memories were crucial in Desmond’s quest to prevent the end of the world.
7. Why was Ezio such a beloved Assassin character?
Ezio is widely considered the most beloved Assassin in the franchise due to his compelling character arc, spanning from a young, carefree nobleman to a wise and seasoned Mentor. His story of revenge, justice, and personal growth resonated with many fans, making him a standout character in the series.
8. Why did early Assassins have to lose a finger?
In the original design of the Hidden Blade, Assassins had to amputate their ring finger to accommodate the mechanism. This was a symbolic sacrifice and practical necessity. Later, Da Vinci redesigned the Hidden Blade so that the Assassins no longer needed to cut off their ring finger.
9. Who is considered the strongest Assassin in Assassin’s Creed?
The title of the “strongest” Assassin is subjective, but Ezio Auditore is often cited as one of the most powerful due to his extensive training, resourcefulness, and leadership skills. Others like Altaïr and Edward Kenway are also considered formidable assassins.
10. Who did Ezio end up marrying and having children with?
After retiring from the Assassin Brotherhood, Ezio married Sofia Sartor. They had two children: Marcello and Flavia. Ezio lived out his final years peacefully with his family in Tuscany.
11. Was Altaïr smarter than Ezio?
While both were highly skilled, Altaïr is often considered more intellectually gifted than Ezio. Altaïr’s deep understanding of the Apple of Eden and his innovative contributions to the Assassin Order demonstrate his superior intellect and foresight.
12. Why did Desmond stab Lucy?
Under the influence of the Apple of Eden, Desmond was compelled to stab Lucy Stillman. It was revealed that Lucy was a double agent working for the Templars, and this act was necessary to prevent her from revealing the location of the Apple and foiling the Assassin’s plans. This was foreseen by Juno.
13. What is Ezio’s ethnic background?
Ezio was born into the House of Auditore, a noble Italian family from Florence. He is of Italian descent.
14. How many confirmed kills did Ezio have?
Ezio Auditore is credited with approximately 68 confirmed kills. This number stems from the several games he was involved in. This number isn’t necessarily definitive as some of his kills would have been difficult to verify or record.
15. Who were the first Assassins in the Assassin’s Creed universe?
In terms of founding the Hidden Ones, Bayek and Aya are often considered the first true Assassins. They established the creed and principles that would guide the Assassin Brotherhood for centuries.
The Enduring Legacy of Desmond and Ezio
The connection between Desmond and Ezio is a cornerstone of the Assassin’s Creed saga, highlighting the power of genetic memory and the enduring struggle between Assassins and Templars. Their stories intertwine to create a compelling narrative that explores themes of identity, destiny, and the impact of history. Desmond’s ability to tap into Ezio’s experiences allows players to immerse themselves in a rich historical world while advancing the overarching plot.
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