Decoding the Sibling Saga: Alexios, Kassandra, and the Assassin’s Creed Family Tree

Yes, within the narrative of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, Alexios and Kassandra are indeed half-siblings. They share the same mother, Myrrine, but have different fathers. This crucial detail forms the foundation for much of the game’s complex plot and character dynamics.

The Misthios and the Deimos: A Twisted Family Affair

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey throws players into the heart of ancient Greece, a land of gods, myths, and political intrigue. At the center of this maelstrom are Kassandra and Alexios, two Spartan siblings torn apart by a dark prophecy and the machinations of the Cult of Kosmos. The game presents players with a choice: embody either Kassandra or Alexios as the protagonist, the Misthios (mercenary). The sibling not chosen then becomes Deimos, a powerful and ruthless enforcer for the Cult.

Canonical Considerations: Kassandra Takes the Lead

While players can choose to experience the story from either perspective, Kassandra is considered the canonical protagonist. This designation stems from the fact that the official Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey novelization and the game’s writers have officially recognized Kassandra as the central figure. This doesn’t invalidate the experience of playing as Alexios, but it does provide a definitive answer to the question of which character is the “true” hero of the story. The choice to make Kassandra canon was likely driven by a desire to feature a strong female lead within the franchise.

The Father Figure Puzzle: Who is Their Dad?

The parentage of Alexios and Kassandra is a point of significant intrigue. While Myrrine is their shared mother, their fathers differ. For Kassandra, her father is the legendary Spartan King Leonidas I. This makes her a direct descendant of a heroic lineage. Alexios, on the other hand, is the biological son of Pythagoras, a renowned Greek philosopher. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to the siblings’ relationship, highlighting the divergence in their upbringing and destinies.

The Impact of the Prophecy

The tragedy that befalls Alexios and Kassandra is rooted in a prophecy delivered by the Oracle of Delphi. This prophecy foretold doom and destruction linked to the children, leading the Spartan elders to order their execution. Myrrine, desperate to save her children, was forced to make a heart-wrenching choice, inadvertently setting in motion the events that would define their lives. This separation and the trauma they endured as children profoundly impacted their individual paths and their relationship with one another.

Exploring Themes of Family, Fate, and Free Will

The dynamic between Alexios and Kassandra serves as a powerful exploration of themes of family, fate, and free will. The siblings are bound by blood, yet their experiences and choices lead them down vastly different paths. The game grapples with the question of whether their destinies were predetermined by the prophecy or whether they had the agency to shape their own lives. The ultimate outcome of their relationship often depends on player choices and decisions made throughout the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are Kassandra and Alexios twins? No, they are not twins. Kassandra is canonically older than Alexios.

2. Is Deimos related to Alexios? If Alexios is chosen as the player character, Kassandra becomes Deimos. If Kassandra is the protagonist, Alexios assumes the role of Deimos. Therefore, yes, Deimos is always related to Alexios, either as his sister or, if you are playing as him, he is Deimos.

3. Is Deimos Kassandra’s brother? The canonical answer is yes. In the official storyline, Alexios is Deimos, making him Kassandra’s half-brother and antagonist.

4. How old is Kassandra when she dies? Kassandra lives for over 2000 years due to her Isu heritage and the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus.

5. Is Kassandra a hybrid? Yes, Kassandra is a Hybrid, meaning she has Isu (a precursor race) ancestry, granting her enhanced strength and abilities.

6. Is Alexios a demigod? Both Alexios and Kassandra are often referred to as demigods due to their Isu lineage, which makes them exceptionally powerful but not divine in the traditional sense.

7. Why is Alexios not canon? While Alexios is a playable character, the official narrative designates Kassandra as the canon protagonist, as chosen by the writers of the official novel and game storyline.

8. Who is Alexios’ real father? Alexios is the biological son of the philosopher Pythagoras.

9. Who is Alexios married to? Alexios has a romantic relationship with Neema in the Legacy of the First Blade DLC, with whom he has a son. In historical accounts, Alexios IV of Trebizond was married to Theodora Kantakouzene.

10. What race is Alexios? Alexios is Greek, specifically Spartan, by birth.

11. Is Alexios’ death canon? The canonical storyline dictates that Kassandra ultimately confronts and kills Alexios (as Deimos) to prevent him from harming their mother.

12. How old is Kassandra in Valhalla? Kassandra is approximately 1300 years old when she appears in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, showcasing her longevity due to the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus.

13. Who is older, Alexios or Kassandra? Kassandra is the older sibling.

14. Can Alexios have a child? In the Legacy of the First Blade DLC, Alexios (or Kassandra, depending on who the player chooses) has a child with Neema (or Natakas).

15. Is Alexios related to Bayek? Bayek, Alexios, and Kassandra are all connected through Layla Hassan’s use of the Animus, but they are not directly related by blood. They are linked because Layla accesses their memories, not through shared ancestry.

The Enduring Legacy of Alexios and Kassandra

The story of Alexios and Kassandra is a testament to the power of family bonds, even when strained by fate and circumstance. Their journey through the tumultuous world of ancient Greece is filled with conflict, betrayal, and moments of redemption. Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey allows players to experience this epic tale from two distinct perspectives, offering a nuanced and engaging exploration of the complexities of siblinghood. The characters of Alexios and Kassandra, whether as allies or adversaries, leave a lasting impact on the Assassin’s Creed universe, making them compelling figures in the franchise’s rich history. For more on the educational aspects of gaming, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.