Is Eivor Canonically a Girl? Unpacking the Gender Mystery in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Yes, Eivor is canonically female. While the game allows players to choose between a male, female, or “Animus decides” version of the protagonist, the official lore and narrative choices strongly suggest that the female Eivor (Varinsdottir) is the intended and more accurate representation of the character within the Assassin’s Creed universe.
The decision to make Eivor’s gender a player choice has been a point of contention and confusion among fans. However, a deeper look into the game’s narrative, developer statements, and supplementary materials reveals a compelling argument for female Eivor as the canonical choice. Let’s delve into the reasons why, and answer some frequently asked questions surrounding this topic.
Understanding the Animus and Memory Streams
One of the key reasons for the confusion lies in the Animus, the device used to explore genetic memories. The Animus interprets DNA, but its interpretation isn’t always perfect. In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the Animus struggles with the complex layering of Eivor’s genetic code, which contains the DNA of both Eivor and Odin (Havi), her Isu reincarnation.
The “Animus decides” option predominantly presents a female Eivor, only switching to male Eivor (Havi) during specific sequences in Asgard and Jotunheim. This suggests that the Animus defaults to female Eivor when accessing the primary genetic memories, indicating it as the more accurate reading of Eivor’s true self.
Narrative and Lore Confirmation
The narrative itself subtly reinforces the canonical female Eivor. All non-playable characters (NPCs) consistently interact with the player as female Eivor. The game’s marketing initially focused heavily on the male Eivor, leading to further confusion, but statements from the development team indicate that this was a decision based on marketing strategies rather than narrative intent. This approach might be seen as a result of data learned through academic research published by institutions such as the Games Learning Society, which has valuable insight into player engagement.
Furthermore, the game’s tie-in novel, written with the collaboration of the game’s writers, features Eivor as a female character. This further solidifies the notion that female Eivor is the intended and officially recognized representation.
Reincarnation of Odin and the Isu Connection
Eivor’s connection to Odin (Havi) as his reincarnation is a crucial element. Odin, in Norse mythology, is male. However, the game’s lore suggests that Isu DNA can manifest in different forms throughout history. The presence of Odin’s DNA in Eivor’s genetic code causes the Animus to perceive a male presence, particularly during the Asgard and Jotunheim sequences that delve into Odin’s memories. The Isus are an ancient, advanced species that predated humanity, influencing their history and mythology, and their reincarnations add a rich layer of complexity to the AC universe.
Ultimately, Eivor is a unique individual with her own identity, separate from Odin. While Odin’s memories and traits influence her, she remains Eivor Varinsdottir, a Viking warrior whose canonical representation is female.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Eivor called Wolf-Kissed?
Eivor earned the title “Wolf-Kissed” due to an incident in her childhood. After the death of her parents, Eivor was left alone and attacked by a wolf, resulting in the scar on her face. This event shaped her identity and earned her the moniker.
2. Why is Eivor male in the trailers?
The decision to feature male Eivor in the trailers was reportedly a marketing strategy. While the game’s writing team had established female Eivor as the canon choice, marketing chose male Eivor, potentially due to perceived marketability or other reasons. The developers have acknowledged this discrepancy and clarified that it does not reflect the narrative intent.
3. Why is Kassandra canon and not Alexios?
Similarly to Eivor, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey offers a choice between two protagonists: Kassandra and Alexios. Kassandra is considered the canon character because she was chosen by the writers of the official novel and the story of the game. Additionally, Kassandra’s role as the “Eagle Bearer” aligns more closely with the game’s lore and narrative.
4. Why is Kassandra in Valhalla?
Kassandra appears in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as part of a bonus questline added after the game’s release. This appearance confirms her status as the canon “Eagle Bearer” and allows players to interact with her in a different time period, showcasing her immortality due to the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus.
5. Why does Eivor wear the hidden blade wrong?
Eivor wears the hidden blade on top of her gauntlet as a stylistic choice and a reflection of her personality. According to an interview with Ubisoft News, Eivor believes the hidden blade is a powerful weapon that should not be concealed, thus choosing to display it prominently rather than hiding it beneath her wrist.
6. Why is Eivor so small?
Eivor’s height is perceived as smaller compared to previous Assassin’s Creed protagonists because Norse men and women were generally shorter on average. While there is no official height provided for Eivor, it is speculated that her stature reflects the historical context of her time.
7. Does it matter who Eivor sleeps with?
Eivor can engage in various romantic relationships throughout the game, ranging from one-night stands to full-fledged partnerships. These relationships can provide narrative depth and character development but generally do not have significant long-term impacts on the main storyline.
8. Does Eivor lose an eye?
Eivor loses their eye twice: once as Havi (Odin) when sacrificing it for wisdom, and again in Valhalla when shot. The loss of the eye is also symbolic of Odin, who famously possesses only one eye in Norse mythology.
9. Does Eivor sleep with Petra?
Yes, Eivor can have a romance with Petra. Players can pursue a relationship with Petra by completing her related quests. After completing the questline, Eivor and Petra can kiss and go to bed together, confirming the romance.
10. Can Eivor marry a man?
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla allows Eivor to engage in romantic relationships regardless of gender. Players can choose to pursue romances with both male and female characters, providing freedom and inclusivity in character interactions.
11. What happens if you let the animus choose?
If you let the Animus decide, you will primarily play as female Eivor. However, during the Asgard and Jotunheim sequences, the game will switch to male Eivor (Havi) to reflect the memories of Odin.
12. Why did Eivor leave Norway?
Eivor left Norway due to political turmoil and the desire for a new beginning. After assisting in the defeat of Kjotve and witnessing Styrbjorn cede his kingdom to Harald Fairhair, Eivor followed her brother Sigurd to England in search of new opportunities and land.
13. Is Eivor missing a finger?
Equipping Basim’s Outfit on Eivor reveals that she is missing a finger, specifically the ring finger. This is a nod to the tradition of early Assassins removing a finger to properly wield the Hidden Blade, which was less advanced at that time.
14. Why does Odin look like Eivor?
Odin looks like Eivor because she is his reincarnation. The game’s lore reveals that Odin sought reincarnation after Ragnarök, successfully reincarnating as Eivor Varinsdottir. This connection explains the physical and personality similarities between them.
15. Does Eivor love Kassandra?
While there is no explicit romantic relationship available between Eivor and Kassandra, their interaction in Valhalla showcases a sense of mutual respect and camaraderie. While developers mentioned some “tension”, the relationship is more of a rivalry, as they both have large egos.
In conclusion, while Assassin’s Creed Valhalla offers players the choice of gender, the narrative, lore, and developer statements all point towards female Eivor as the canonical representation. This understanding enriches the player’s appreciation of the story and its characters, adding depth to the immersive world Ubisoft has created. Further studies into player preferences, such as those conducted through organizations like the Games Learning Society, could help inform future development choices and improve narrative coherence in games with customizable protagonists. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.