Are Altair and Ezio Related? Unraveling the Assassin’s Creed Family Tree
Yes, Altair Ibn-La’Ahad and Ezio Auditore da Firenze are indeed related. Within the intricate lore of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, they are connected through blood lineage. Altair is an ancestor of Ezio, meaning that Ezio is a descendant of Altair. This familial connection is a crucial plot point, enabling Desmond Miles, a central character in the modern-day narrative, to access their memories through the Animus, a device that unlocks ancestral memories encoded in DNA.
The Assassin’s Creed Genealogy: More Than Just Blood
The relationship between Altair and Ezio isn’t just a simple genealogical footnote; it’s a cornerstone of the Assassin’s Creed narrative. The game leverages the concept of genetic memory to explore themes of legacy, destiny, and the enduring struggle between Assassins and Templars. By experiencing the lives of his ancestors, Desmond gains insights and skills necessary to confront the Templars in his own time.
Desmond Miles: The Key to the Past
Desmond Miles is the lynchpin that connects Altair and Ezio, and many other historical assassins. He’s not merely a witness to their lives, but an active participant in reliving their experiences. The Animus allows him to learn from their skills, understand their motivations, and ultimately inherit their knowledge. This intricate web of interconnected lives underscores the series’ central theme of inherited struggle and the responsibility that comes with a powerful lineage.
The Animus and the Bleeding Effect
The Animus is more than just a memory playback device; it’s a crucial plot device that introduces the concept of the Bleeding Effect. This phenomenon occurs when a subject spends a prolonged amount of time within the Animus, causing them to begin exhibiting the skills, knowledge, and even personality traits of their ancestors. In Ezio’s case, the Bleeding Effect manifests as an enhanced Eagle Sense and potentially even visions of Altair’s life.
Unveiling the Family Ties: A Deeper Dive
While the direct genealogical connection is established, the Assassin’s Creed universe expands beyond simple parent-child relationships. The Assassin Brotherhood is a global organization, and the bonds between its members often transcend blood ties. Shared ideology, mutual respect, and a commitment to the Creed create a family in its own right.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Assassin’s Lineage
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Altair, Ezio, and the wider Assassin’s Creed universe:
1. Is Altair the ancestor of all Assassins?
No, Altair is not the ancestor of all Assassins. While he is a significant figure and an ancestor to characters like Desmond and Ezio, the Assassin Brotherhood predates him. There were Assassins before Altair, and the lineage extends to many other historical figures within the Assassin’s Creed universe.
2. Are Ezio and Altair the same person?
No, Ezio and Altair are not the same person. They are distinct individuals living in different time periods. However, their shared lineage and the Bleeding Effect experienced through the Animus can blur the lines, leading to the perception of similarities. The game designers did reuse character models though, which can add to the confusion.
3. How did Ezio see Altair?
Ezio experienced visions of Altair through the Bleeding Effect, triggered by his use of the Animus. This allowed him to access memories and experiences of his ancestor, blurring the lines between his own reality and Altair’s past. Specifically, he accesses Altair’s memories via the Pieces of Eden.
4. Is Altair smarter than Ezio?
The game suggests Altair is portrayed as smarter and more intellectually inclined than Ezio. Altair’s extensive research into the Pieces of Eden and his subsequent codex demonstrate a deep understanding of technology and philosophy. While Ezio is charismatic and cunning, Altair is often depicted as more intellectually gifted.
5. How old was Altair when he died?
Altair Ibn-La’Ahad lived a long and impactful life. He was born on January 11, 1165, and died at the age of 92. His longevity allowed him to shape the Assassin Brotherhood and leave a lasting legacy.
6. Is Altair the most powerful Assassin?
Whether Altair is the “most powerful” is subjective and depends on how power is defined. He’s undoubtedly one of the most influential and skilled Assassins, responsible for significant innovations and reforms within the Brotherhood. His understanding of the Pieces of Eden also gives him a unique advantage.
7. Why did Altair become an Assassin?
Altair was raised within the Assassin Brotherhood from a young age, following the loss of his parents. His training and upbringing instilled in him the values and principles of the Creed, making him a dedicated and skilled member of the organization.
8. Did Ezio actually see Desmond?
In Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, Ezio does see an apparition of Desmond in the present day. He realizes that he is only a conduit for a message intended for Desmond, acknowledging the interconnectedness of their lives and the shared destiny they carry.
9. Who was Altair’s lover?
Altair’s lover was Maria Thorpe, a former Templar who eventually joined the Assassin Brotherhood. Their relationship blossomed after Maria’s defection, and they shared a deep commitment to the Creed and to each other.
10. Is Ezio the most loved Assassin?
Ezio is widely considered the most beloved character in the Assassin’s Creed franchise by many fans. His charisma, compelling story arc, and lasting legacy have made him an iconic figure in gaming.
11. What does Ezio call Altair?
Ezio refers to Altair as his ancestor in Assassin’s Creed: Revelations. This acknowledgement underscores the familial connection and the weight of the legacy he carries.
12. Who is the first Assassin?
While the exact identity of the “first” Assassin is debated within the lore, characters like Darius and Bayek are often cited as early precursors to the Assassin Brotherhood. They embody the principles of freedom and justice that would later define the Creed.
13. Who kills Haytham Kenway?
Haytham Kenway is killed by his son, Connor Kenway, in Assassin’s Creed III. This tragic confrontation highlights the ideological divide between the Assassins and Templars and the personal cost of their conflict.
14. Who is the toughest assassin?
Determining the “toughest” Assassin is subjective, but characters like Kassandra from Assassin’s Creed Odyssey are often cited due to their superhuman abilities and feats of strength.
15. Who did Ezio see before he died?
Shortly before his death in Assassin’s Creed Embers, Ezio sees a young man who reminds him of his younger self. This encounter prompts a moment of reflection on his life and legacy before he peacefully passes away.
The Assassin’s Creed series thrives on its intricate and compelling narratives, and the relationship between Altair and Ezio is a prime example of the franchise’s ability to weave together historical events with fictional characters and themes. It highlights how games can create rich, interconnected worlds that resonate with players on an emotional level. Studying the game is a great exercise to understand how video games may enhance learning as explored by the Games Learning Society. More information about learning through games can be found on GamesLearningSociety.org.