Is Bayek the Founder of the Assassins? Unraveling the Brotherhood’s Origins
Yes, unequivocally, Bayek of Siwa is considered the founder of the Hidden Ones, the precursor organization to the Assassin Brotherhood featured prominently throughout the Assassin’s Creed franchise. While the historical reality of such an organization is, of course, fictional, within the established lore of the games, novels, and comics, Bayek’s experiences in Ptolemaic Egypt directly lead to the formation of this group dedicated to fighting for freedom and against oppressive forces. He, along with his wife Aya (Amunet), spearhead the movement following the tragic death of their son, Khemu, and their subsequent uncovering of a conspiracy involving the Order of the Ancients. This transformation from Medjay to assassin is a core narrative element of Assassin’s Creed Origins.
The Genesis of the Hidden Ones
The story of Bayek’s transformation is deeply intertwined with the political turmoil of Egypt under Ptolemy XIII and the machinations of the Order of the Ancients. This shadowy group, seeking to control Egypt for their own benefit, are responsible for Khemu’s death, setting Bayek on a path of vengeance. As he and Aya delve deeper into the conspiracy, they realize that the threat extends far beyond personal revenge and represents a fundamental assault on the free will of the Egyptian people.
The Order of the Ancients, driven by a desire for absolute control and the acquisition of powerful artifacts, present themselves as legitimate rulers, manipulating events from behind the scenes. Bayek and Aya, however, see through their facade, recognizing their methods of control and oppression. This realization fuels their commitment to forming a counter-force dedicated to protecting freedom and justice.
The formation of the Hidden Ones is not a spontaneous event but a gradual evolution. Bayek and Aya initially operate as separate agents of justice, but their shared experiences and ideology lead them to recognize the need for a formalized organization. Together, they gather allies, individuals who share their belief in freedom and their willingness to fight against the Order of the Ancients. This nascent group adopts a creed and a set of principles that will eventually become the foundation of the Assassin Brotherhood.
Bayek and Aya: A Partnership Forged in Tragedy
While Bayek is often considered the primary founder, Aya’s role in the creation of the Hidden Ones is equally significant. She is a brilliant strategist, a skilled warrior, and a passionate advocate for her beliefs. Her political acumen and network of contacts are instrumental in building the Hidden Ones’ influence and expanding their reach.
The initial partnership between Bayek and Aya stems from their shared grief and thirst for revenge. However, their alliance evolves into something far greater as they realize the systemic nature of the threat they face. Aya’s involvement in the political landscape of Rome, particularly her relationship with figures like Cleopatra and Julius Caesar, gives the Hidden Ones a crucial foothold in the wider world. While their personal relationship faces trials and eventual separation, their commitment to the Hidden Ones remains unwavering.
From Hidden Ones to Assassins: The Legacy of Bayek
The Hidden Ones, founded by Bayek and Aya, eventually evolve into the Assassin Brotherhood that players encounter in subsequent Assassin’s Creed games. The core principles of the Hidden Ones – freedom, justice, and the fight against tyranny – are passed down through generations of assassins. The methods and tactics employed by the Hidden Ones, such as stealth, assassination, and the use of the hidden blade, become hallmarks of the Assassin Brotherhood. Bayek’s legacy is not just in founding the organization, but also in establishing its moral compass and its dedication to protecting the oppressed.
The Games Learning Society, a group devoted to analyzing the educational potential of video games, might find the historical settings and philosophical questions raised by Assassin’s Creed Origins particularly interesting. This game, among others, could be included on the website of the Games Learning Society using the URL: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the significance of the name “Hidden Ones”?
The name “Hidden Ones” reflects their clandestine nature and their commitment to operating from the shadows to protect freedom. They are hidden from the view of the Order of the Ancients and the general public, allowing them to strike effectively against their enemies.
2. How does Bayek become a Medjay?
Bayek is a Medjay by profession and heritage. Medjays were essentially protectors of the people in ancient Egypt, acting as law enforcers, bodyguards, and problem-solvers. Bayek inherited this role from his father and dedicated his life to serving and protecting his community.
3. What role does Khemu’s death play in the formation of the Hidden Ones?
Khemu’s death is the catalyst for Bayek and Aya’s journey. It exposes them to the Order of the Ancients and their corrupting influence. It is the driving force behind their initial quest for revenge, which eventually transforms into a broader mission to fight for freedom and justice.
4. Who are the main enemies of the Hidden Ones?
The primary antagonists of the Hidden Ones are the members of the Order of the Ancients. This shadowy group seeks to control Egypt and manipulate events for their own gain. They are driven by a desire for power and a belief in their own superiority.
5. How does the Hidden Blade originate?
The Hidden Blade is crafted by Aya using a design she finds during their investigations. It becomes a symbol of the Hidden Ones and a deadly weapon in their fight against the Order of the Ancients. Bayek undergoes the painful amputation of his left ring finger to properly wield the Hidden Blade, but later iterations of the weapon eliminate this necessity.
6. What is the Creed of the Hidden Ones (and later the Assassins)?
While the Creed is not explicitly stated in Assassin’s Creed Origins, its core tenets are established through Bayek and Aya’s actions and beliefs. These principles include: freedom for all, justice for the oppressed, and a commitment to fighting against tyranny, even at great personal cost. The full creed of the assassins, “Nothing is true, everything is permitted,” isn’t fully developed until later iterations of the brotherhood.
7. What happens to Bayek and Aya’s relationship?
Bayek and Aya’s relationship is strained by their different approaches to fighting the Order of the Ancients and their diverging paths. While they initially work together, they eventually separate, with Aya focusing on her activities in Rome and Bayek remaining in Egypt to build the Hidden Ones’ presence there. Despite the distance, they remain committed to their shared mission.
8. How does Aya become Amunet?
Aya adopts the name Amunet as a symbolic gesture, representing her dedication to the Hidden Ones and her transformation into a force for justice. Amunet was an ancient Egyptian goddess representing hidden and unseen powers. This new name further emphasizes her commitment to the shadows.
9. What is the significance of Siwa in Bayek’s story?
Siwa is Bayek’s home and the center of his responsibilities as a Medjay. The events that unfold in Siwa, including Khemu’s death, set the stage for Bayek’s journey and the formation of the Hidden Ones. It is a place he deeply cares about and strives to protect.
10. How does the story of Assassin’s Creed Origins connect to other Assassin’s Creed games?
Assassin’s Creed Origins serves as a prequel, providing the origin story of the Assassin Brotherhood. It establishes the core principles, methods, and enemies that will be featured in subsequent games. The Hidden Blade, the Creed (although not yet fully articulated), and the ongoing conflict with the Templars (descendants of the Order of the Ancients) are all introduced in Origins.
11. Did Bayek and Aya really exist?
No, Bayek and Aya, along with the Order of the Ancients and the Hidden Ones, are fictional characters and organizations created for the Assassin’s Creed franchise. While the game is set in a historically accurate period of ancient Egypt, the storyline and characters are products of the game developers’ imaginations.
12. Are there any real-world historical figures depicted in Assassin’s Creed Origins?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Origins features several real-world historical figures, including Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Ptolemy XIII. These characters are depicted within the context of the game’s fictional storyline, but their presence adds a layer of historical authenticity to the narrative.
13. What is the “Eagle Vision” ability in the game?
Eagle Vision is a special ability that allows Bayek to perceive things that are hidden from ordinary sight. It allows him to identify enemies, track targets, and uncover clues. This ability is attributed to the Isu lineage, a precursor civilization that predates humanity in the Assassin’s Creed universe.
14. What are some of the key themes explored in Assassin’s Creed Origins?
Key themes explored in Assassin’s Creed Origins include: the struggle for freedom, the fight against oppression, the importance of justice, the cost of revenge, and the power of belief. The game also explores the themes of loss, grief, and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy.
15. How accurate is the portrayal of ancient Egypt in Assassin’s Creed Origins?
The developers of Assassin’s Creed Origins invested significant effort in researching and recreating ancient Egypt as accurately as possible. They consulted with historians and archaeologists to ensure that the game’s environment, architecture, and customs are authentic. While some historical liberties were taken for the sake of the narrative, the game provides a visually stunning and immersive depiction of ancient Egypt.