Is Eivor Older Than Altaïr? A Deep Dive into Assassin’s Creed Timelines
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Yes, Eivor is significantly older than Altaïr. Eivor Varinsdottir, the Viking protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, lived in the 9th century CE, specifically around the years 847-873 CE. Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, the Assassin from the original Assassin’s Creed, was born in 1165 CE. This places Eivor approximately 300 years before Altaïr in the Assassin’s Creed timeline. This difference is crucial for understanding the lore and historical context of each character and their respective games.
Understanding the Assassin’s Creed Timeline
To fully appreciate the age difference between Eivor and Altaïr, it’s essential to understand the chronology of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The series spans millennia, with different games exploring various historical periods and geographical locations. Valhalla takes place during the Viking Age, specifically the Viking invasion of England. The first Assassin’s Creed, on the other hand, is set during the Third Crusade in the late 12th century.
The Significance of Historical Context
The historical setting significantly influences the gameplay, narrative, and character development in each Assassin’s Creed title. Eivor’s Viking background shapes her motivations, fighting style, and worldview. She navigates a world of raiding, conquest, and Norse mythology. Altaïr, as a Syrian Assassin during the Crusades, is immersed in a world of political intrigue, religious conflict, and the burgeoning conflict between the Assassins and the Templars.
How the Animus Connects the Ages
The Animus, a device that allows users to relive the memories of their ancestors, is the narrative backbone of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. It’s through the Animus that players experience the lives of characters like Eivor and Altaïr, bridging the gap between different historical periods. The Animus allows the modern-day characters, and by extension the players, to learn from the past and uncover the secrets of the Isu, an ancient and powerful civilization that predates humanity.
Eivor’s Life and Times
Eivor’s story begins in Norway and culminates in England, where she leads her clan in establishing a new settlement. Her journey is marked by political alliances, territorial conflicts, and explorations of Norse mythology. The game offers a glimpse into Viking culture, including their beliefs, rituals, and societal structures.
Key Events in Eivor’s Life
- Born in 847 CE: Eivor’s birth year provides a definitive starting point for understanding her age relative to other characters in the franchise.
- Early Childhood in Norway: The game’s opening chapters depict Eivor’s early life and the events that shaped her into a fierce warrior.
- The Great Heathen Army’s Invasion of England: This historical event forms the backdrop for Eivor’s journey to England and her quest for a new home.
- Establishing Ravensthorpe: Eivor’s leadership in building and maintaining Ravensthorpe, the Viking settlement in England, is a central aspect of the game.
- Interactions with the Hidden Ones: Eivor’s encounters with the Hidden Ones, the precursors to the Assassin Brotherhood, establish early ties between the Viking protagonist and the Assassin lineage.
Altaïr’s Life and Legacy
Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad is one of the most iconic figures in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. His story explores the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood and his personal journey from a cocky novice to a wise and respected mentor.
Key Events in Altaïr’s Life
- Born in 1165 CE: Altaïr’s birth year clearly places him centuries after Eivor.
- Growing Up in Masyaf: Masyaf, the Assassin stronghold, is the central location of Altaïr’s early life and training.
- His Fall From Grace: Early in the first game, Altaïr fails in an assassination mission, leading to his demotion and a quest for redemption.
- Uncovering the Templar Conspiracy: Altaïr’s journey involves uncovering a Templar plot to control powerful artifacts and dominate the world.
- Becoming Mentor of the Assassins: Altaïr’s leadership and wisdom lead him to become the Mentor of the Assassin Brotherhood.
- His Death at 92: Altaïr’s death in 1257 solidifies his place in Assassin history.
The Connection Between Eivor and Altaïr
While separated by centuries, Eivor and Altaïr are connected through the overarching narrative of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. They both represent key figures in the fight against the Templars and share a connection to the Isu.
The Legacy of the Isu
The Isu, also known as the First Civilization, left behind artifacts and knowledge that have shaped human history. Both Eivor and Altaïr interact with these artifacts and uncover the secrets of the Isu. Eivor is a reincarnation of Odin, an Isu, while Altaïr utilizes the Apple of Eden, an Isu artifact, to advance the Assassin Brotherhood.
The Assassin Brotherhood
Eivor’s interactions with the Hidden Ones in Valhalla lay the groundwork for the Assassin Brotherhood that Altaïr inherits. The Hidden Ones’ principles and methods eventually evolve into the Assassin Creed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much older is Eivor than Altaïr?
Eivor is approximately 300 years older than Altaïr. She lived in the 9th century CE, while Altaïr was born in the 12th century CE.
2. In what year does Assassin’s Creed Valhalla begin?
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla begins in 872 CE, when Eivor is approximately 25 years old.
3. In what year does the first Assassin’s Creed game take place?
The first Assassin’s Creed game takes place in 1191 CE, during the Third Crusade.
4. Are Eivor and Altaïr related?
There is no confirmed direct familial relationship between Eivor and Altaïr within the Assassin’s Creed lore. While the games explore the concept of genetic memory and reincarnation, there’s no definitive evidence to suggest they are directly related by blood.
5. Is the female version of Eivor the canon version?
Yes, the female version of Eivor is considered the canon version of the character.
6. What is the significance of Eivor being called “Wolf-Kissed”?
Eivor’s title of “Wolf-Kissed” is derived from an incident in her childhood where she sustained a wolf bite, resulting in the scar on her face. This event symbolizes her resilience and connection to the wild.
7. Who is Basim in relation to Eivor?
Basim is a key character in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. He is later revealed to be the reincarnation of Loki, an Isu, and seeks revenge on Eivor (Odin) for past transgressions.
8. How old was Altaïr when he died?
Altaïr died at the age of 92 in the year 1257 CE.
9. What is the Apple of Eden?
The Apple of Eden is a powerful artifact created by the Isu. It grants the user the ability to control minds and project illusions. Altaïr uses the Apple to advance the Assassin Brotherhood and uncover hidden knowledge.
10. Who founded the Assassin Brotherhood?
While characters like Darius predate the formal organization, Bayek and Aya (Amunet) from Assassin’s Creed Origins are considered the founders of the Hidden Ones, which eventually evolves into the Assassin Brotherhood. Eivor interacts with the Hidden Ones in Valhalla, bridging the gap between Origins and the later games.
11. What is the Animus?
The Animus is a device that allows users to relive the memories of their ancestors. It’s a crucial narrative device in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, enabling players to experience historical events through the eyes of different characters.
12. What are the Isu?
The Isu, also known as the First Civilization, were an advanced race that predated humanity. They created powerful artifacts and influenced human history. The Isu’s legacy is a recurring theme in the Assassin’s Creed games.
13. Can Eivor have romantic relationships in Valhalla?
Yes, Eivor can engage in romantic relationships with various characters in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, regardless of gender.
14. What is the significance of Odin in relation to Eivor?
Eivor is revealed to be the reincarnation of Odin, an Isu. This connection explains her strength, leadership abilities, and her role in the larger Assassin’s Creed mythology.
15. Where can I learn more about the intersection of games and learning?
Explore the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to discover how games are being used for educational purposes and to foster deeper engagement with complex topics. It is a valuable resource for educators, game designers, and anyone interested in the power of games.
In conclusion, while both Eivor and Altaïr are pivotal figures in the Assassin’s Creed universe, their lives are separated by a considerable span of time. Eivor’s Viking saga unfolds centuries before Altaïr’s Crusades-era adventures, offering distinct perspectives on the ongoing conflict between Assassins and Templars.