Is Bayek Considered an Assassin? Unraveling the Origins of the Brotherhood
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Yes, Bayek of Siwa is unequivocally considered an Assassin in the Assassin’s Creed universe. While he might not fit the traditional mold of an Assassin from later games, Bayek is, in fact, the founding member of the Hidden Ones, the precursor organization that eventually evolved into the Assassin Brotherhood. His journey in Assassin’s Creed Origins lays the groundwork for everything that follows in the franchise, establishing the core tenets and ideologies that define the Assassins. Though his methods and the context in which he operates are distinct from later Assassins, his role as a progenitor is undeniable, making him a key figure in the lore.
Bayek: More Than Just a Medjay
Before delving deeper, it’s crucial to understand Bayek’s background. He is a Medjay, a protector of the people of Egypt, tasked with upholding law and order. This prior experience heavily influences his fighting style, his sense of justice, and his commitment to protecting the innocent. His dedication to the people of Siwa makes his transformation into a proto-assassin particularly compelling.
Bayek’s evolution into an Assassin is born out of tragedy and a thirst for justice. The loss of his son, Khemu, at the hands of the Order of the Ancients, sets him on a path of vengeance. It’s this path, interwoven with his innate sense of duty, that leads him and his wife, Aya of Alexandria, to form the Hidden Ones. While the organization is not yet the fully structured Assassin Brotherhood we see in subsequent titles, the principles and methods they develop within it directly influence the Assassins’ Creed. He uses the alias “Amun” when signing off on letters further solidifying his connection to the secretive movement.
The Hidden Ones: Foundation of the Assassin Brotherhood
The Hidden Ones are the initial major organization of assassins, and their creation is central to Bayek’s status as an Assassin. They work in secrecy, eliminating targets and opposing the power of those who seek to dominate and control. This is a key shift from Bayek’s previous role as a protector. They established a network of agents, crafted a code of conduct, and developed the hidden blade as a signature weapon.
Bayek’s motivations, actions, and the establishment of the Hidden Ones all contribute to his classification as an Assassin. He might not wear the iconic Assassin robes or have the established structure of later games, but he is, without a doubt, a foundational figure of the brotherhood. The themes of freedom, justice, and fighting against oppression – fundamental to the Assassin’s Creed – find their origins with Bayek and Aya in ancient Egypt.
Bayek’s Legacy and Influence
Bayek’s impact extends beyond the creation of the Hidden Ones. His leadership skills, combat expertise, and unwavering dedication to his principles set a precedent for later Assassins. His story, though rooted in tragedy, is one of resilience and the birth of an ideology. While later Assassins build upon this foundation, Bayek remains the originator of it all.
Even in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, a game set centuries after Origins, Bayek’s influence is felt. His name is briefly referenced when Eivor discovers a historical codex, cementing his status as a legend within the brotherhood’s timeline. This ensures that he remains an important figure in the Assassin’s Creed universe and a prime example of the core assassin values.
Bayek’s Relationship with Other Assassins
While Bayek isn’t directly related to many other Assassins, his actions indirectly impact their journeys. Through his and Aya’s descendants they establish a lineage of people who would later take up the mantle as Assassins. The ideological framework he develops forms the basis for how the Assassin Brotherhood operates in later historical settings. Moreover, he represents a different kind of protagonist compared to later Assassins. Bayek is motivated not only by ideology but also by personal grief and his loyalty to the people he protects.
Despite not directly interacting with other protagonists, Bayek’s actions, ideals, and methods are the foundation upon which the entire Assassin’s Creed saga is built.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions to further clarify Bayek’s role as an Assassin and his significance in the Assassin’s Creed universe:
1. Was Bayek the first assassin?
Yes, in the context of the Assassin’s Creed storyline, Bayek is considered one of the first assassins. Alongside his wife Aya, he is the co-founder of the Hidden Ones, which was the initial form of the Assassin Brotherhood.
2. Is Bayek the main character in Assassin’s Creed Origins?
Yes, Bayek is the primary protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Origins. The game follows his personal journey from a Medjay to a founding member of the Hidden Ones.
3. Who is the strongest assassin in the Assassin’s Creed franchise?
While Bayek is a strong and influential Assassin, characters like The Eagle Bearer (Kassandra or Alexios) and Eivor are often considered the strongest, due to their connection to Isu technology and superhuman abilities.
4. Who is the deadliest assassin?
In the context of the game’s lore, Ezio Auditore da Firenze is often cited as the deadliest. In real life, hitman Julio Santana is known to be the deadliest.
5. Is Bayek or Aya the first assassin?
Both Bayek and Aya are co-founders of the Hidden Ones, making them both first assassins in the Assassin’s Creed timeline.
6. How old is Bayek in Assassin’s Creed Origins?
Bayek is around 36 years old at the start of Assassin’s Creed Origins and approximately 47 by the end of the DLCs.
7. Why is Aya called Amunet?
Aya adopts the name Amunet to renounce her past and to signify her new identity and purpose in the Hidden Ones.
8. Did Bayek and Aya break up?
Yes, Bayek and Aya separated after the loss of their son and their diverging paths in the Hidden Ones.
9. Are Bayek and Aya buried together?
Yes, despite their separation, both Bayek and Aya are buried together in Egypt.
10. Is Bayek in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
Yes, Bayek has a voice-over cameo in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, during the “A Brief History of the Hidden Ones” side quest.
11. What is the Hidden Ones?
The Hidden Ones is the precursor organization to the Assassin Brotherhood, founded by Bayek and Aya.
12. Who killed Bayek’s son?
The Lion (Flavius) was the one who killed Bayek’s son, Khemu, though it was done indirectly by pushing Bayek’s hand.
13. What race is Bayek?
Bayek, like many other characters in the game, is of Egyptian descent.
14. Who is the weakest assassin in the Assassin’s Creed franchise?
Arno Dorian from Assassin’s Creed Unity is often cited as the weakest assassin in the series.
15. Is Assassin’s Creed Unity the hardest game?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Unity is widely considered the most difficult game in the franchise.
In conclusion, Bayek is not just considered an Assassin; he is THE foundational Assassin. His journey, the establishment of the Hidden Ones, and his unwavering commitment to justice make him a pivotal character in the Assassin’s Creed universe. While he may not fit the traditional mold, his influence on the entire franchise is undeniable, making him one of the most important figures in the history of the Assassin’s Creed lore.