Is Bayek Actually an Assassin? Unpacking the Origins of the Brotherhood in Assassin’s Creed Origins
Bayek of Siwa. Protector of Egypt. Husband. Father. Medjay. But was he, in the strictest sense, an Assassin? The answer, while seemingly straightforward, is nuanced. No, Bayek wasn’t initially an Assassin in the formal, established sense that we see in later Assassin’s Creed games. He was a Medjay, a protector of his people, driven by vengeance and a burning desire to protect the innocent. However, through his experiences, his pursuit of the Order of Ancients, and his eventual partnership with his wife Aya, he became a founding figure, a proto-Assassin whose actions and principles laid the groundwork for the Hidden Ones, the organization that would evolve into the Assassin Brotherhood. He embodies the core tenets of the Creed long before the Creed itself was formally codified. He sought freedom, fought against oppression, and operated in the shadows to achieve his goals. Therefore, while not an Assassin by pre-existing definition, Bayek is undeniably the spiritual and practical progenitor of the Assassin Order.
The Medjay: A Protector Before the Brotherhood
Bayek’s life as a Medjay is crucial to understanding his journey. Medjay were essentially protectors and peacekeepers, deeply connected to their communities and responsible for upholding justice. This role instilled in Bayek a strong sense of duty, loyalty, and a commitment to fighting for what’s right. His skills in combat, stealth, and investigation were honed during his time as a Medjay, forming the foundation upon which his later actions as a proto-Assassin were built. His deep understanding of Egyptian society, his network of contacts, and his unwavering commitment to protecting the vulnerable were all traits that would become hallmarks of the Assassin Brotherhood. The loss of his son, Khemu, at the hands of the Order of Ancients spurred him and his wife, Aya, to undertake a path of vengeance and justice, ultimately leading them to dismantle the Order’s influence in Egypt.
The Seeds of the Hidden Ones: A New Kind of Justice
The turning point comes with the realization that the Order of Ancients poses a systemic threat to Egypt and its people. Bayek and Aya begin to understand that their individual acts of vengeance, while cathartic, are not enough to address the root of the problem. This leads them to form alliances and recruit like-minded individuals who share their commitment to freedom and justice. This nascent group, initially focused on eliminating the Order of Ancients, gradually begins to coalesce around a set of principles that foreshadow the Assassin’s Creed. The concept of operating in the shadows, of sacrificing personal gain for the greater good, and of fighting against those who abuse their power are all present in their actions. The Games Learning Society explores the historical and cultural contexts that inform these narratives, providing deeper insights into the development of moral codes and ethical frameworks within game worlds. This early group eventually becomes the Hidden Ones, the direct precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood, marking the formal beginning of the Assassin lineage.
Bayek’s Legacy: The Forefather of Assassins
While Bayek might not have been an Assassin in the traditional sense at the start of his journey, his actions, his principles, and his contributions to the formation of the Hidden Ones solidify his position as a key figure in the history of the Assassin Brotherhood. He is a founding father, a pioneer who paved the way for future generations of Assassins. His dedication to protecting the innocent, his willingness to fight against injustice, and his commitment to operating in the shadows all became defining characteristics of the Assassin Order. Bayek’s story is a testament to the idea that the seeds of change can be sown by individuals driven by a strong moral compass, even if they don’t initially identify with a formal organization. GamesLearningSociety.org provides resources for educators and game designers to analyze how games explore complex historical and ethical themes. His actions, both as a Medjay and as a leader of the Hidden Ones, cemented him as one of the most important figures in the Assassin’s Creed universe, shaping the very foundation upon which the entire Brotherhood was built.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bayek and the Origins of the Assassin Brotherhood
1. What exactly was a Medjay in ancient Egypt?
A Medjay was a member of a specialized police force in ancient Egypt, often responsible for protecting specific areas or individuals. They were skilled warriors, trackers, and investigators, and they held a position of respect within their communities. Their roles were diverse, encompassing everything from border security to personal protection.
2. How did Bayek’s son, Khemu, die?
Khemu was killed by agents of the Order of Ancients during an attempt to extract information from Bayek. This tragic event served as the catalyst for Bayek and Aya’s quest for vengeance and their eventual involvement in the fight against the Order.
3. What was the Order of Ancients, and why were they Bayek’s enemies?
The Order of Ancients was a secretive organization that sought to control Egypt and manipulate its leaders for their own gain. They were the predecessors to the Templar Order, and their methods involved corruption, manipulation, and violence. Bayek opposed them because they represented everything he stood against: tyranny, injustice, and the exploitation of the innocent.
4. How did Aya influence the formation of the Hidden Ones?
Aya was a crucial partner to Bayek in their fight against the Order of Ancients. She was intelligent, resourceful, and deeply committed to the cause of freedom. Aya’s political connections and her strategic thinking were instrumental in shaping the direction of the Hidden Ones. Some even argue that Aya was the driving force that created the Hidden Ones.
5. What is the significance of the Hidden Ones’ headquarters in Memphis?
Memphis was a major city in ancient Egypt and served as a strategic location for the Hidden Ones. Its size and complexity allowed them to operate discreetly and maintain a network of contacts throughout the region. It allowed them to blend into the city in plain sight.
6. How does the Hidden Ones’ ideology differ from that of the Medjay?
While both the Medjay and the Hidden Ones were committed to protecting the innocent, the Hidden Ones operated on a larger scale and with a more specific focus on dismantling oppressive systems. The Medjay were primarily concerned with local security and justice, while the Hidden Ones sought to liberate entire regions from tyrannical rule.
7. What is the origin of the iconic Hidden Blade, and who created it?
The Hidden Blade was a modified version of a weapon designed by Darius, an Assassin from Persia who used it to assassinate Xerxes I. Aya brought the design back to Egypt, and Bayek modified it and further developed it. The first iteration forced Bayek to lose his ring finger to properly use it but was updated in later installments.
8. How does Bayek’s story connect to later Assassin’s Creed games?
Bayek’s story is a direct prequel to all subsequent Assassin’s Creed games. The Hidden Ones, which he co-founded, become the Assassin Brotherhood, and their principles and methods are carried forward by future generations of Assassins. His actions set the stage for the entire conflict between the Assassins and the Templars.
9. What is the Eagle Vision, and how did Bayek develop it?
The Eagle Vision is a heightened sense of perception that allows Assassins to identify targets, track enemies, and see hidden objects. In Bayek’s case, it’s linked to his strong connection to his eagle companion, Senu, and his natural abilities as a tracker and hunter.
10. Was Bayek’s story historically accurate?
While Assassin’s Creed Origins is a work of fiction, it is set in a historically accurate environment and incorporates many real historical figures and events. However, the Assassin Brotherhood and the Order of Ancients are fictional organizations. The game draws on historical research to create a believable and immersive world.
11. What are some of the key philosophical tenets that Bayek embodies?
Bayek embodies several key philosophical tenets that are central to the Assassin’s Creed, including freedom, justice, and the fight against oppression. He believes in protecting the innocent and standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
12. How does the game Assassin’s Creed Origins portray the transition from Medjay to Assassin?
The game effectively portrays the transition by showing Bayek’s gradual realization that his individual actions as a Medjay are not enough to combat the systemic corruption of the Order of Ancients. It shows how Bayek’s understanding of the world around him slowly evolves, requiring him to shift his strategy to something more organized.
13. What is the significance of the Creed’s motto, “Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted,” in relation to Bayek’s actions?
The Creed’s motto is not explicitly stated in Assassin’s Creed Origins, but its underlying principles are present in Bayek’s actions. He operates outside the bounds of traditional law and morality, making difficult choices and sacrificing personal gain for the greater good.
14. How does Assassin’s Creed Origins contribute to the overall Assassin’s Creed lore?
Assassin’s Creed Origins provides the origin story of the Assassin Brotherhood, shedding light on the motivations, principles, and methods of the first Assassins. It deepens our understanding of the conflict between the Assassins and the Templars and sets the stage for future games in the series.
15. What resources are available for learning more about the historical context of Assassin’s Creed Origins?
There are many resources available for learning more about ancient Egypt, including books, documentaries, and museum exhibits. Exploring these resources can enhance your understanding of the game’s setting and themes. To further explore the intersection of gaming and education, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research, articles, and community engagement.