Are the Templars the Bad Guys in Assassin’s Creed? It’s Complicated.
The answer, as with many things in the Assassin’s Creed universe, is a resounding: it’s complicated. While the series often positions the Templars as antagonists, painting them as power-hungry manipulators seeking to control humanity through order and oppression, a deeper exploration reveals a far more nuanced picture. To simply label them “bad guys” is a gross oversimplification that ignores the core philosophical conflict driving the entire franchise. They are often antagonists, but their motives, and even their methods, frequently highlight a disturbing truth: sometimes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
The Templar Creed: Order Through Control
The fundamental difference between the Assassins and the Templars lies in their beliefs about achieving peace and stability. The Assassins champion free will and individual liberty, believing that humanity is inherently capable of self-governance, even if that path is fraught with chaos and mistakes. The Templars, on the other hand, believe that humanity is inherently flawed and prone to self-destruction. They advocate for a controlled society, one guided by a select few who possess the wisdom and foresight to make the “right” decisions for the greater good. This control often manifests as strict hierarchies, suppression of dissent, and manipulation of events to achieve their desired outcome.
This pursuit of order through control is where the Templars’ actions often cross the line into villainy. Throughout the series, we see them orchestrating wars, manipulating political figures, and suppressing scientific advancements – all in the name of maintaining their vision of a perfect society. Their willingness to sacrifice individual freedoms for the sake of collective stability is a recurring theme, and one that often places them directly in opposition to the Assassins.
Shades of Gray: Exploring Templar Motivations
However, reducing the Templars to mustache-twirling villains ignores the complexity of their motivations. Many Templars genuinely believe they are acting in the best interests of humanity. They see the chaos and suffering caused by unchecked freedom and believe that their methods, however harsh, are necessary to prevent even greater disasters.
Consider characters like Haytham Kenway from Assassin’s Creed III. While undeniably a Templar Grand Master, his actions are often driven by a desire for a stable and prosperous society. He views the American Revolution as a chaotic and destructive force, and believes that Templar control is necessary to guide the fledgling nation towards a better future. Even his methods, while ruthless, are often presented as pragmatic and strategic, rather than purely malicious.
The Assassin’s Creed games often force players to confront the uncomfortable truth that both the Assassins and the Templars have flaws. The Assassins’ commitment to freedom can lead to recklessness and instability, while the Templars’ pursuit of order can result in tyranny and oppression. The games encourage players to question the ideologies of both factions and to consider the potential consequences of their actions. This nuanced approach is what sets Assassin’s Creed apart from many other action-adventure games. Through this lens, we can learn how complex game design can convey moral and philosophical lessons. Institutions like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, delve into the educational potential inherent in games, further proving how such media can offer more than just entertainment.
Examining Individual Templars
It’s also crucial to consider the individual characters within the Templar Order. Just as the Assassins are not a monolithic group of saints, the Templars are not a homogenous collection of villains. There are Templars who are genuinely altruistic and dedicated to improving the world, even if their methods are questionable. There are also Templars who are corrupt and power-hungry, using the Order as a means to achieve their own selfish ambitions.
The Assassin’s Creed series frequently explores these individual nuances, presenting players with Templar characters who are sympathetic, complex, and even redeemable. This further complicates the simple “good vs. evil” narrative and forces players to engage with the moral ambiguities of the conflict.
The Cycle Continues
Ultimately, the Assassin’s Creed franchise emphasizes that the conflict between the Assassins and the Templars is a cyclical one. Each side believes it is fighting for the betterment of humanity, but their opposing ideologies inevitably lead to conflict. This conflict, in turn, perpetuates the cycle of violence and oppression that both sides claim to be fighting against.
This cyclical nature highlights the futility of absolute ideologies and the importance of finding a balance between freedom and order. The Assassin’s Creed games suggest that true progress can only be achieved through dialogue, compromise, and a willingness to question one’s own beliefs.
In conclusion, while the Templars are often portrayed as antagonists in the Assassin’s Creed series, they are not simply “bad guys.” Their motivations are complex, their methods are often driven by a genuine desire to improve the world, and their actions frequently highlight the dangers of unchecked freedom. To fully understand the Assassin’s Creed universe, it is essential to move beyond simplistic labels and engage with the nuanced moral and philosophical questions that the games raise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Templars in Assassin’s Creed
1. What is the main goal of the Templar Order in Assassin’s Creed?
The main goal of the Templar Order is to establish a new world order based on control, stability, and peace. They believe humanity is inherently flawed and needs guidance to prevent chaos and self-destruction. They aim to achieve this through manipulation, control of resources, and influence over key figures in society.
2. How do the Templars differ from the Assassins?
The Templars value order and control, believing humanity needs guidance to thrive, while the Assassins champion free will and individual liberty, believing that humanity can self-govern even with the risk of chaos. The Templars often use force and manipulation to achieve their goals, while the Assassins rely on stealth, information gathering, and direct action.
3. Are all Templars evil?
No, not all Templars are inherently evil. Many genuinely believe they are acting in the best interests of humanity by providing stability and order. However, their methods can often be ruthless and oppressive. Individual motivations within the Order can vary greatly.
4. Is Haytham Kenway a villain?
Haytham Kenway is a complex character. While he is a Templar Grand Master and often acts as an antagonist, his motivations are not purely malicious. He believes in establishing order and stability in a world he sees as chaotic. His actions are often driven by pragmatism and a desire to prevent greater harm, making him a morally ambiguous figure.
5. What are the Pieces of Eden, and how do the Templars use them?
Pieces of Eden are powerful artifacts created by the Isu, a precursor civilization. The Templars seek to acquire and control these artifacts, believing they hold the key to ultimate power and control over humanity. They use them to manipulate minds, create illusions, and enhance their own abilities.
6. What is the Templar’s view on free will?
The Templars view free will as a dangerous concept that leads to chaos and instability. They believe that humanity is incapable of self-governance and needs to be guided by a select few who possess the wisdom and foresight to make the right decisions.
7. Have the Templars ever been right about anything?
Yes, the Templars have occasionally been right about certain threats or dangers that the Assassins overlooked. Their focus on stability and order can sometimes lead them to identify potential problems before they escalate.
8. How does the Assassin’s Creed series portray the conflict between the Assassins and Templars?
The Assassin’s Creed series portrays the conflict as a complex and cyclical one, where both sides believe they are fighting for the betterment of humanity. The games often highlight the flaws of both ideologies and the potential consequences of their actions.
9. Can Templars and Assassins ever work together?
While rare, there have been instances of Templars and Assassins working together in the Assassin’s Creed universe, typically when faced with a common threat that transcends their ideological differences. These alliances are usually temporary and fragile.
10. What is the significance of the Templar cross?
The Templar cross symbolizes the Order’s dedication to their ideals of control, order, and power. It represents their belief that they are the shepherds of humanity, guiding them towards a better future, even if it requires sacrifices.
11. What is Abstergo Industries, and what is its connection to the Templars?
Abstergo Industries is a modern-day corporation that serves as a front for the Templar Order. They use their vast resources and technology to search for Pieces of Eden and manipulate global events to further their agenda.
12. Are the Templars always the primary antagonists in the Assassin’s Creed games?
While often antagonists, the Templars are not always the primary focus. Some games feature other antagonists or threats that both the Assassins and Templars must contend with, such as rogue factions or supernatural forces.
13. What motivates individuals to join the Templar Order?
Individuals join the Templar Order for various reasons, including a desire for power, a belief in their ideology, a desire to create a more stable world, or a personal connection to the Order’s history and traditions.
14. How has the Templar Order evolved throughout the Assassin’s Creed series?
The Templar Order has evolved significantly throughout the Assassin’s Creed series, adapting to changing times and incorporating new technologies and strategies. Their core ideology, however, remains consistent: to establish a new world order based on control and stability.
15. Is there any chance for peace between the Assassins and Templars?
The possibility of lasting peace between the Assassins and Templars remains a central question in the Assassin’s Creed series. While moments of cooperation and understanding have occurred, the fundamental ideological differences between the two factions make true peace a challenging prospect. The narrative often suggests that a balance between freedom and order is necessary for true progress, but achieving that balance remains elusive.