How Did Bayek Lose His Finger in Assassin’s Creed Origins?
Bayek, the stoic and deeply honorable Medjay of Siwa in Assassin’s Creed Origins, is missing the ring finger on his left hand. He didn’t lose it in some random brawl or hunting accident. The heartbreaking truth is, Bayek lost his finger as part of a ritualistic pledge to the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood. This act symbolized his unwavering commitment to protecting the innocent and fighting against the corrupt Order of the Ancients. Specifically, he sacrificed his finger during the formation of the Creed, solidifying his dedication to the tenets that would guide the assassins for centuries to come.
The Sacrifice and Its Meaning
The loss of Bayek’s finger isn’t just a gruesome detail; it’s a crucial piece of narrative symbolism. The physical act of amputation represents a severing of ties to Bayek’s old life and an embrace of a new path. It signifies a profound shift in his identity, from a protector of Siwa to a protector of all of Egypt (and eventually, beyond). This act of self-mutilation highlights the seriousness with which Bayek takes his commitment to the Creed, showing his willingness to endure pain and sacrifice for the greater good. The physical mark is a constant reminder of the oath he swore and the principles he vowed to uphold.
The Hidden Ones and the Birth of the Creed
The formation of the Hidden Ones is inextricably linked to the events that led to the death of Bayek’s son, Khemu. Consumed by grief and a thirst for vengeance, Bayek and his wife, Aya, embarked on separate paths to dismantle the conspiratorial Order of the Ancients. As they uncovered the Order’s machinations and witnessed their devastating impact on the people of Egypt, they realized the need for a more organized and systematic approach to combating injustice. This realization ultimately led to the creation of the Hidden Ones, a proto-assassin organization dedicated to fighting tyranny and protecting free will. The sacrifice of Bayek’s finger was a foundational act, solidifying the Hidden Ones’ dedication and establishing a tradition that would later be adopted by the Assassin Brotherhood.
Origins of the Assassin’s Creed Hidden Blade
Interestingly, Bayek’s missing finger becomes a relevant plot point later in the Assassin’s Creed timeline. The original Hidden Blade design necessitated the removal of the ring finger to allow for its proper deployment. This design flaw highlights the nascent stages of the Hidden Ones and the Assassin Brotherhood. It’s a tangible reminder that their methods weren’t always perfect, and that early members were willing to endure physical hardships for the sake of their cause. This also raises questions about the long-term ethics and practicality of such a requirement.
Why Was the Finger Removal Abandoned Later?
The brutal practicality of finger removal was eventually re-evaluated within the Assassin Brotherhood. As the organization matured, its leaders recognized the unnecessary suffering it inflicted. Improvements to the Hidden Blade’s design, attributed to Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad during his time studying the Apple of Eden, eliminated the need for the amputation. This change reflects the Brotherhood’s evolution towards a more refined and humane approach, while still maintaining its core principles. Studying the origins of gaming and how games like Assassin’s Creed portray historical fiction, it is important to understand the impact and narrative of the stories they tell. The Games Learning Society offers resources and insights into the educational value and societal impact of games. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
FAQs: All About Bayek’s Finger and More!
1. Was Bayek’s finger loss optional? Could he have avoided it?
No, within the game’s narrative, the sacrifice was presented as a necessary act to formally join and cement his commitment to the Hidden Ones. It wasn’t a suggestion; it was an expected ritual.
2. Did Aya also lose a finger?
No, Aya did not lose a finger. While she was equally instrumental in the formation of the Hidden Ones, the ritual of finger amputation was not universally applied, or perhaps she found a workaround due to her different role.
3. Did other Hidden Ones also lose fingers?
The game implies that finger amputation was common, though not necessarily universal, within the Hidden Ones at this early stage. It served as a symbol of dedication.
4. Is there any historical basis for this practice within assassin groups?
No, there is no documented historical evidence of real-world assassin groups deliberately removing fingers as part of their initiation or training. It’s a fictional element created for the Assassin’s Creed universe.
5. How does Bayek use the Hidden Blade without a ring finger?
In Assassin’s Creed Origins, Bayek’s Hidden Blade is an early prototype. The fact that he IS missing a finger hints to the original designs of the hidden blade. Later in the series, the design is updated.
6. Does Bayek ever regret losing his finger?
The game doesn’t explicitly show Bayek regretting the loss. He sees it as a symbol of his dedication and a constant reminder of his purpose.
7. Did this tradition continue throughout the entire Assassin Brotherhood’s history?
No, as mentioned earlier, the practice was eventually discontinued due to advancements in Hidden Blade technology.
8. How did the Hidden Blade design change to eliminate the need for finger removal?
The specifics aren’t detailed in Origins, but subsequent games suggest Altaïr’s research into the Apple of Eden allowed for a more compact and efficient design.
9. Is the finger loss mentioned or referenced in later Assassin’s Creed games?
Yes, it is often referenced when discussing the history and origins of the Assassin Brotherhood and the Hidden Blade. It’s a crucial part of Assassin lore.
10. Does the absence of Bayek’s finger affect gameplay?
No, the absence of his finger doesn’t impact gameplay mechanics. It’s purely a narrative detail.
11. What was the immediate aftermath of Bayek losing his finger? Was it painful?
The game shows Bayek enduring significant pain during the ritual. The immediate aftermath involves bandaging and tending to the wound. The emotional impact, however, is arguably greater.
12. Does losing his finger affect Bayek’s relationship with Aya?
Their relationship is primarily strained by their differing approaches to achieving justice and dealing with grief, not directly by the finger loss. However, it could be argued that Bayek’s unwavering commitment, symbolized by the loss, may have contributed to their diverging paths.
13. Was the Order of the Ancients responsible for the Hidden Blade design flaws that required finger removal?
No, the Order of the Ancients wasn’t directly responsible. The design flaw was a result of the Hidden Ones’ own early experimentation and limitations in their understanding of mechanics.
14. Can you see the missing finger in Bayek’s character model throughout the game?
Yes, the detail is visible on Bayek’s left hand. It serves as a constant visual reminder of his sacrifice.
15. How important is Bayek’s sacrifice to the overall Assassin’s Creed lore?
It’s incredibly important. Bayek’s sacrifice and the formation of the Hidden Ones are foundational events upon which the entire Assassin Brotherhood is built. It shapes the Creed’s principles, traditions, and overall narrative arc.