Do You Play as Bayek and Aya? Exploring Assassin’s Creed Origins Protagonists
Yes, you primarily play as Bayek in Assassin’s Creed Origins, but Aya is also a playable character in several missions. This is a crucial distinction. While Bayek is undoubtedly the central figure of the narrative, guiding players through the vast majority of the game, Aya’s role is far from negligible. She isn’t simply a supporting character; she has her own agency, objectives, and impactful story arc that intertwines with Bayek’s. Players experience the world through her perspective during specific missions, adding a dynamic layer to the narrative and gameplay.
Aya’s Role in Assassin’s Creed Origins
Though not the main protagonist for the bulk of the game, Aya has a very significant presence. Her inclusion provides a unique point of view on the events unfolding in ancient Egypt. She’s not merely Bayek’s wife; she’s an independent force with strong motivations and a key role in the political landscape of the time. Players control Aya during missions that often relate to her involvement with Cleopatra and her growing desire to fight against the Order of the Ancients. Her missions are not simply side quests, but integral parts of the main story, providing crucial context and emotional resonance.
The Shifting Perspectives
The game’s design ensures you alternate between Bayek’s and Aya’s experiences seamlessly. The transitions feel natural, contributing to a richer understanding of the overarching narrative. You witness the world through Bayek’s eyes in his role as a Medjay, protecting his people and seeking vengeance, then from Aya’s perspective as she navigates the complex politics of Egypt and Rome. This back-and-forth allows players to connect more deeply with both characters, understanding their individual motivations and the tragic trajectory of their relationship. It is this interplay of perspectives that enriches the narrative impact and avoids the pitfalls of having a single-character-driven narrative.
Bayek and Aya: A Complex Relationship
Their relationship is the emotional core of Assassin’s Creed Origins. Throughout the game, you witness their intense love and then its slow disintegration because of grief and different ideals. This portrayal of a relationship under immense pressure is a refreshing take on the protagonist pairing in a video game. By playing as both, players gain a deeper appreciation for the emotional complexity and the significant impact their individual paths have on their shared history. The final choice they make in the game to separate highlights their different approaches to dealing with tragedy and their respective futures as individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Bayek and Aya:
1. Was Aya originally intended to be the main protagonist?
Yes. There are reports that the initial design of Assassin’s Creed Origins involved Bayek’s early death, with Aya taking over as the main playable character. This would have resulted in her becoming the core playable female protagonist. However, during development, the game shifted towards focusing more on Bayek.
2. Is Aya a villain in Assassin’s Creed Origins?
No, Aya is not a villain. She does make morally ambiguous decisions, but her motivations stem from her desire to avenge her son and to fight for what she believes is right. She is a complex character driven by grief and ambition but not by evil intent.
3. Why did Bayek and Aya break up?
The breakup of Bayek and Aya is rooted in their shared grief over their son’s death and their divergent paths. Aya becomes increasingly involved in the political machinations of Cleopatra and Rome, while Bayek remains rooted in Egypt and his role as a Medjay. Their differing values and desires, coupled with their inability to move past the loss, lead to their inevitable separation.
4. Did Aya and Bayek start the Assassin Brotherhood?
Yes. Bayek and Aya are the founders of the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood. Their experiences fighting against the Order of the Ancients lead them to create this organization. Bayek is credited with formulating the Creed itself.
5. Is Bayek the first assassin?
Yes, because Bayek founded the Hidden Ones, who are the original precursors to the Assassin Brotherhood, that makes Bayek the first assassin.
6. What happened to Aya after Assassin’s Creed Origins?
After the events of Assassin’s Creed Origins, Aya goes to Rome and changes her name to Amunet, becoming a significant figure in the Hidden Ones’ operations there. Her new identity signals a rebirth and a separation from her past.
7. Is Aya related to Kassandra/Alexios?
Yes. In the Assassin’s Creed universe, Aya is a descendant of Kassandra or Alexios from Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. They are her great-great-great-etc. grandparents and this connection highlights the deep, complex familial tapestry that weaves through the franchise’s history.
8. How old is Bayek during the events of Assassin’s Creed Origins?
At the beginning of Assassin’s Creed Origins, Bayek is around 36 years old. By the end of the DLC, he’s approximately 47.
9. Why did Aya change her name to Amunet?
Aya changed her name to Amunet as part of her new life. She wanted to symbolically separate herself from her past and embrace her new role as a leader in the Hidden Ones. The name Amunet comes from an Egyptian goddess whose name means “hidden one” which is significant to the Order.
10. Why wasn’t Aya the main protagonist?
According to the game’s writers, the decision not to have Aya as the sole protagonist was a result of developmental shifts during the game’s creation. Some feel it’s a shame as Aya wasn’t as fleshed out as she could have been.
11. Is there romance in Assassin’s Creed Origins?
Yes, the love between Aya and Bayek is a significant focus of the game, particularly in the beginning. However, this romance slowly breaks down as the story progresses due to tragic circumstances and different paths.
12. Does Cleopatra betray Bayek and Aya?
Yes. Cleopatra betrays Aya and Bayek by allowing Septimius to live and by demonstrating that their relationship was strategic for her, rather than built on trust. This betrayal further fuels the animosity between them and their growing distrust in political alliances.
13. Is Bayek in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
While Bayek doesn’t appear physically in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, he has a voiceover cameo. His presence is felt through the discovery of the Magas Codex in the “A Brief History of the Hidden Ones” side mission.
14. Who is the strongest Assassin?
There is no single consensus on the strongest assassin. However, Aya is often cited as one of the most powerful and formidable, due to her skills and determination. She is frequently included in top lists.
15. What happens to Bayek after the events of Origins?
Bayek dies after the events of Origins. His remains are found by Layla in the modern-day segment of Assassin’s Creed Origins, and his genetic memories are relived through the Animus. This signifies his end as a character in the modern timeline.
In conclusion, while Bayek is the primary playable character in Assassin’s Creed Origins, Aya’s presence and playable segments add depth and complexity to the narrative. Players get a glimpse of her motivations and her perspective, enhancing the game’s rich story and overall experience. It’s the interplay between these two characters, and their shared and divergent paths, that make Assassin’s Creed Origins a truly engaging and memorable experience.