Edward Kenway: Pirate, Assassin, or Something In Between? Unraveling the Truth
Edward Kenway is definitively an Assassin, though his journey to that identity is far from straightforward. He begins as a privateer and pirate, stumbling into the Assassin-Templar conflict before ultimately embracing the Assassin cause. His story is one of growth, learning, and ultimately, dedication to the principles of the Assassin Brotherhood.
A Pirate’s Accidental Initiation
Edward Kenway’s entry into the world of Assassins and Templars is purely accidental. Driven by greed and a desire for wealth, he seeks to profit from the Spanish treasure fleet in the Caribbean. During a raid, he encounters a dying Assassin, Duncan Walpole, and steals his identity, hoping to claim a reward for delivering Walpole to the Templars.
This act sets in motion a series of events that plunges Edward into the heart of the ancient conflict. He soon realizes that the Templars are not the honorable group he initially believed, and that their pursuit of a powerful artifact, the Observatory, could have devastating consequences. This initial interaction and disillusionment form the bedrock of his eventual allegiance to the Assassins.
The Moral Compass Shifts: A Pirate Embraces the Creed
Initially, Edward is motivated solely by personal gain. He uses the information he gleans from both the Assassins and Templars to further his own ambitions. However, as he witnesses the Templars’ manipulative and oppressive tactics, and as he interacts with prominent Assassins like Adewale, his perspective begins to shift.
The turning point comes as Edward experiences significant loss and understands the true meaning of freedom and responsibility. He comes to recognize the importance of the Assassin’s Creed – the pursuit of peace through free will – and dedicates himself to fighting against the Templars’ desire for control. He actively seeks out and joins the Assassin Brotherhood, undergoing proper training and mentorship.
A Legacy Forged in Blood and Belief
Edward’s commitment to the Assassin cause is evident in his actions and ultimately his legacy. He trains his son, Haytham Kenway, in combat skills, unaware of Haytham’s later betrayal and embrace of the Templar ideology. His experiences shape his worldview, transforming him from a self-serving pirate into a dedicated and ultimately tragic figure within the Assassin-Templar conflict. While Haytham becomes a Templar Grand Master, Edward’s allegiance remains firmly with the Assassins until his death.
Even though Haytham becomes a Templar and Edward is an Assassin, both of their actions have a lasting impact on the narrative. Edward provides Haytham with combat skills that helps him to become a Grand Master of the Templar Order. While Edward’s journey is marked by initial selfishness, he ultimately chooses the Assassin path, influencing the future of the conflict and shaping the destiny of his descendants, for better or worse. Studying these complexities with games like Assassin’s Creed are perfect examples of the research undertaken at the Games Learning Society to understand the complexities of learning when using games.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Edward Kenway’s Allegiance
1. Is Kenway a Templar?
Haytham Kenway, Edward’s son, is a Templar. He is manipulated into joining the Templar Order after his father’s murder and eventually becomes the Grand Master of the North American colonial rite. Edward himself remains an Assassin.
2. Who are the good guys, Assassins or Templars?
The Assassin’s Creed franchise doesn’t depict either group as inherently “good” or “bad.” Both have their flaws and virtues. Generally, the Templars seek order through control, while the Assassins fight for freedom and free will. However, the games often portray the Assassins as the more morally aligned faction.
3. Is Edward Kenway mentioned in Rogue?
Yes, Edward Kenway is briefly mentioned in Assassin’s Creed Rogue. The context involves Haytham reflecting on his father’s past as an Assassin.
4. Is Edward Kenway an Assassin or a pirate?
Edward Kenway begins as a pirate and privateer, but he is ultimately trained by and joins the Assassins. He is both, but his story is one of transformation from a self-serving pirate to a dedicated Assassin.
5. Are Black Flag and Rogue connected?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Rogue is a prequel to Assassin’s Creed Unity and a sequel to Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. It bridges the narratives and provides context for the events that unfold in both games.
6. Who is the strongest Assassin?
The strength of an Assassin is subjective and depends on factors like combat skill, experience, and leadership. Characters like Ezio Auditore da Firenze, Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, and Connor Kenway are often considered among the most powerful.
7. Who is the deadliest Assassin in Assassin’s Creed?
Ezio Auditore da Firenze is often considered the deadliest, given his long and impactful life within the Assassin Brotherhood, spanning multiple games and conflicts.
8. Who is the strongest Templar?
Determining the strongest Templar is also subjective. Characters like Rodrigo Borgia, Haytham Kenway, and François-Thomas Germain held immense power and influence within the Templar Order.
9. Who murdered Edward Kenway?
Edward Kenway was murdered in 1735 by mercenaries sent by Reginald Birch, who was an undercover Templar. This act allowed Birch to take Haytham under his wing and indoctrinate him into the Templar Order.
10. Is Ezio related to Kenway?
In the context of the game’s narrative, Altaïr Ibn La-Ahad, Ezio Auditore, and the Kenways (Connor, Haytham, and Edward) are all connected through Desmond Miles’ genetic memory. They are all ancestors that Desmond Miles relived memories as.
11. Which Assassin turned into a Templar?
Haytham Kenway, Edward’s son, is the most prominent example of an Assassin (or at least someone trained in Assassin skills) who ultimately became a Templar.
12. Are Templars more powerful than Assassins?
Historically within the game’s lore, the Templars tend to have more power and influence due to their control over institutions and resources. However, the Assassins often possess greater agility and tactical skills.
13. How many kills does Edward Kenway have?
While the exact number is difficult to quantify, Edward Kenway is responsible for a significant number of kills throughout Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. By some estimates, it could be around 26 in the main story.
14. Who is the most loved Assassin?
Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad and Ezio Auditore da Firenze are generally the most beloved Assassins due to their compelling stories, character development, and impact on the franchise.
15. Why did Shay Cormac betray the Assassins?
Shay Cormac betrayed the Assassins after a mission gone wrong in Lisbon, Portugal, where he was tasked with retrieving an artifact that caused a devastating earthquake. Disturbed by the Assassins’ methods and the potential consequences of their actions, he defected to the Templar Order, believing they were the only ones who could prevent such disasters.
16. Who is the smartest assassin in Assassin’s Creed?
While many Assassins display intelligence and cunning, Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad is often regarded as one of the smartest. His work on the Codex and his understanding of the Pieces of Eden demonstrate a sharp intellect.
17. Why did Shay spare Achilles?
Shay Cormac spared Achilles Davenport because of his sense of honor. He did not want to kill helpless individuals. He tried to convince Haytham Kenway to spare the defenseless, beaten Achilles.
18. Why does Black Flag look better than Rogue?
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag has a much bigger, fully loaded open world, providing a more immersive experience. Assassin’s Creed Rogue‘s map is divided into sections, offering smoother gameplay but a less seamless environment. The larger scope and scale of Black Flag contribute to its visually richer presentation.
Edward Kenway’s journey exemplifies the moral complexities and rich narratives that make the Assassin’s Creed franchise so engaging. His progression from a profit-driven pirate to a committed Assassin highlights the themes of free will, responsibility, and the constant struggle between order and chaos. For more on the complexities of game design, learning, and narrative, check out GamesLearningSociety.org.