Does Kassandra Get Pregnant? Exploring Parenthood in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Yes, Kassandra does get pregnant in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’s “Legacy of the First Blade” DLC, specifically in the “Shadow Heritage” episode. This occurs through a romantic relationship with Natakas, the son of Darius, a significant figure in the Assassin’s Creed lore. While this plot point was controversial among some players, it’s an integral part of the Assassin’s Creed Odyssey storyline. This event ultimately leads to the birth of her son, Elpidios, ensuring her bloodline continues and eventually plays a crucial role in the broader Assassin’s Creed universe.

Parenthood in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: A Deeper Look

The pregnancy and birth of Elpidios introduce a complex layer to Kassandra’s character. While the game allows players to make choices about romance and relationships, the storyline with Natakas and the subsequent pregnancy are largely unavoidable. This narrative decision sparked debate within the Assassin’s Creed community because some felt it undermined the player’s agency and the concept of creating their own “odyssey.”

The Controversy Surrounding Kassandra’s Pregnancy

The primary argument against the forced pregnancy revolves around the player’s intended role-playing experience. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey heavily promoted the idea of player choice, allowing individuals to shape Kassandra’s personality and relationships as they saw fit. The mandatory pregnancy felt like a deviation from this core principle, forcing a narrative arc upon players who may not have desired it.

Elpidios’s Significance in the Assassin’s Creed Universe

Despite the controversy, the birth of Elpidios has a significant impact on the overall Assassin’s Creed storyline. Elpidios is an ancestor of Aya, one of the founders of the Hidden Ones (the precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood) in Assassin’s Creed Origins. Therefore, Kassandra’s bloodline plays a vital role in the creation of the very organization that is central to the entire franchise.

Kassandra’s Complex Maternal Role

Kassandra’s relationship with Elpidios is bittersweet. Recognizing the dangers that surround her life as a mercenary and a figure connected to powerful artifacts, she eventually makes the difficult decision to leave Elpidios in Darius’s care. This highlights a more vulnerable side to Kassandra, showcasing her concern for her child’s safety above her own desires.

FAQs: Kassandra, Elpidios, and the Legacy of the First Blade

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further explore the topic of Kassandra’s pregnancy and its implications within Assassin’s Creed Odyssey:

1. How did Kassandra have a baby?

   Kassandra has a baby, Elpidios, through a romantic relationship with Natakas, the son of Darius, during the “Shadow Heritage” episode of the Legacy of the First Blade DLC.

2. Does Alexios have a child in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?

   Yes, Alexios also has a child with Natakas/Neema if the player chooses to play as him. The circumstances are identical regardless of which sibling the player chooses.

3. What happens to Kassandra’s son, Elpidios?

   Kassandra, fearing for Elpidios’s safety, leaves him in the care of his grandfather, Darius.

4. Is Kassandra a hybrid?

   Yes, Kassandra is a hybrid, meaning she has Isu ancestry. This lineage grants her enhanced strength, abilities, and longevity. This connection to the Isu also makes her a target for those who seek to exploit such abilities. Exploring the history of video games and education shows such narratives are important tools in illustrating the impacts and implications of these themes, as demonstrated by the Games Learning Society.

5. Why is Kassandra considered the canon character?

   While both Kassandra and Alexios are playable, Kassandra is often considered the canon character because she was chosen by the writers of the official Assassin’s Creed Odyssey novel. The writing of the game and associated materials has also given Kassandra more of the spotlight.

6. Is Aya related to Kassandra?

   Yes, Aya from Assassin’s Creed Origins is a descendant of Kassandra. Elpidios is one of her ancestors, establishing a vital link between the Odyssey storyline and the formation of the Assassin Brotherhood.

7. Can you choose to not get pregnant in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?

   No, the pregnancy is a mandatory part of the “Legacy of the First Blade” DLC storyline. The player cannot avoid the relationship with Natakas or the birth of Elpidios.

8. Does Kassandra love Natakas?

   Whether Kassandra truly loves Natakas is subjective and open to player interpretation. The game presents the relationship as developing out of necessity and shared experiences, but whether that blossoms into genuine love is up to the individual player.

9. How old is Kassandra when she dies?

   Kassandra lives for over 2000 years thanks to the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus. She appears in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, suggesting she died sometime after the events of that game.

10. Does Kassandra appear in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

    Yes, Kassandra makes an appearance in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as part of a crossover story arc.

11. Who is the strongest Assassin in Assassin’s Creed?

    The “strongest” Assassin is a subjective debate, but Kassandra is often considered one of the most powerful due to her Isu heritage and mastery of combat. Other strong contenders include Ezio Auditore and Edward Kenway.

12. Can Kassandra have same-sex relationships in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?

    Yes, Kassandra can engage in same-sex relationships. The game allows players to romance various characters regardless of Kassandra’s gender.

13. How old is Kassandra during the events of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?

    Kassandra is approximately 27-28 years old at the beginning of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.

14. Was Kassandra a demi-god?

    While not a demi-god in the traditional sense, Kassandra’s Isu lineage grants her abilities and strength far beyond that of ordinary humans, leading some to consider her a demi-god-like figure.

15. Is Alexios or Kassandra older?

    Kassandra is the older sibling. This distinction is significant because it influences the narrative events and power dynamics within the game.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Elpidios

Kassandra’s journey into parenthood in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is a complex and divisive storyline that generated significant debate among players. While the forced pregnancy angered some, it is undeniable that Elpidios serves as a vital link connecting the events of Odyssey to the broader Assassin’s Creed narrative. This pivotal role highlights the long-term implications of Kassandra’s actions and the enduring legacy she leaves behind. By having a child, Kassandra leaves a mark on the world that goes far beyond her own lifetime. Learning more about the power of gaming from professionals like the GamesLearningSociety.org can give us unique insights into the important role video games play in our society.