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How Many Years Passed in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey? A Deep Dive into the Timeline

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey plunges players into the heart of ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. While the immediate narrative of the game unfolds over a relatively short period, the overarching story encompassing the protagonist’s life spans centuries. So, how many years passed in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey? The main story, centered around the family questline, takes place over roughly 9 years, starting in 431 BCE and ending around 422 BCE. However, the character of Kassandra (or Alexios, depending on player choice) experiences a lifespan exceeding 2400 years due to the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus.

The Nine-Year War and the Family Saga

The primary storyline of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is intricately tied to the Peloponnesian War, a protracted conflict between Athens and Sparta. As the Eagle Bearer, players navigate the political turmoil, aligning with either side while pursuing their personal quest to reunite their family and uncover the secrets of their lineage. This core narrative unfolds within the timeframe of the war, spanning approximately nine years. Players witness the impact of the war on the Greek world, exploring iconic locations and encountering historical figures.

Beyond the Peloponnesian War

While the war provides the backdrop for the game’s events, the true scope of Odyssey extends far beyond these nine years. Through flashbacks, players learn about the childhood trauma experienced by Kassandra or Alexios, including the tragic events on Mount Taygetos. These glimpses into the past enrich the character’s motivations and provide context for their actions in the present.

The Immortal Eagle Bearer: A Lifespan Spanning Millennia

The most remarkable aspect of the game’s timeline is the extended lifespan of the chosen protagonist. Kassandra, established as the canon Eagle Bearer, possesses the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus, an artifact that grants its wielder near-immortality. This explains Kassandra’s appearance in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, set centuries later, and her eventual meeting with Layla Hassan in modern times.

The Staff of Hermes: Key to Immortality

The Staff of Hermes Trismegistus is not merely a plot device but a crucial element of the Assassin’s Creed lore. Its power extends beyond simple longevity, granting its wielder enhanced abilities and resistance to aging. This explains how Kassandra could remain active and influential for over two millennia, guiding the course of history from the shadows. It’s through Games Learning Society and other educational resources that we can understand the historical context woven into these narratives.

From Ancient Greece to the Modern Era

The game’s ending reveals Kassandra’s ultimate fate: passing on the Staff of Hermes to Layla Hassan in the modern era. This act underscores the long-term consequences of the Eagle Bearer’s choices and the enduring legacy of the Assassin’s Creed storyline. By this point, Kassandra has lived for over 2400 years, making her the longest-lived character in the Assassin’s Creed universe. The implications of such extended life on a person’s worldview and purpose are fascinating to consider. You can find out more about video games and education at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Timeline

Here are some frequently asked questions about the timeline and characters featured in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey:

What year does Assassin’s Creed Odyssey take place? The main events of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey occur during the Peloponnesian War, primarily between 431 BCE and 422 BCE.
How old is Kassandra at the start of the game? Based on available information and inferences from the game, Kassandra is estimated to be around 27 or 28 years old at the beginning of the story.
Why is Kassandra considered the canon protagonist? Kassandra is designated as the canon Eagle Bearer because she was chosen as the protagonist in the official novelization of the game and further confirmed through her appearance in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
How does Kassandra live for over 2400 years? Kassandra possesses the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus, a Piece of Eden that grants immortality to its wielder.
What is the significance of the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus? The Staff of Hermes Trismegistus is a powerful artifact that not only grants immortality but also provides other benefits, making it a key item in Assassin’s Creed lore.
Is Alexios a demigod? Both Alexios and Kassandra are considered demigods due to their unique lineage and abilities.
What role does the Peloponnesian War play in the game? The Peloponnesian War serves as the backdrop for the main storyline, influencing the political landscape and the events that unfold throughout the game.
Does Assassin’s Creed Odyssey have multiple endings? Yes, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey features multiple endings depending on the choices and decisions made by the player throughout the game.
What happens to Kassandra in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla? Kassandra appears as a guest character in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as part of a bonus questline, further expanding her story beyond the events of Odyssey.
Who passes down the Staff of Hermes to Layla Hassan? Kassandra passes down the Staff of Hermes to Layla Hassan in the modern era, ensuring its continued influence on the Assassin’s Creed storyline.
How does the game depict the Cyclops? In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the Cyclops appears as a powerful enemy, drawing inspiration from the mythical one-eyed giant of Greek legend.
What is Deimos if you choose Kassandra? If the player chooses to play as Kassandra, Alexios becomes Deimos, serving as the primary antagonist for much of the game.
Is there any historical accuracy in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey? While Assassin’s Creed Odyssey takes creative liberties, it includes numerous historical figures and events, providing players with a glimpse into ancient Greece.
Are there romance options for both Kassandra and Alexios? Yes, both Kassandra and Alexios have romance options available throughout the game, allowing players to explore different relationships and interactions.
What happens if you make all the right choices in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey? Making all the right choices and selecting the correct dialogue options can lead to the best possible ending, ensuring a more positive outcome for the characters involved.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the immediate narrative of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey spans roughly 9 years, the game’s timeline is ultimately defined by the eternal lifespan of Kassandra, the canon Eagle Bearer. Her possession of the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus allows her to live for over 2400 years, bridging the gap between ancient Greece and the modern era. This extended lifespan adds a unique dimension to the game’s story, exploring the long-term consequences of choices and the enduring legacy of the Assassin’s Creed universe. The combination of historical setting, mythical elements, and modern-day connections makes Assassin’s Creed Odyssey a fascinating exploration of time and the enduring struggle between assassins and templars.

How many years passed in Odyssey?