Is Kassandra Not Canon? Debunking the Misconceptions in Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
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The short answer is a resounding no, Kassandra is considered the canon protagonist of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey. While players have the choice to play as either Kassandra or Alexios, official materials from Ubisoft solidify Kassandra’s position as the primary character within the Assassin’s Creed lore.
Understanding Canon in Assassin’s Creed
Canon, in any fictional universe, refers to the officially recognized and accepted storyline, events, and character portrayals. It’s what the creators designate as “real” within their world, serving as the foundation for future stories and developments. In Assassin’s Creed, while player choice is often a factor, Ubisoft has historically established a definitive canon for the overarching narrative. With Odyssey, this decision has been fairly consistently been Kassandra.
The Evidence for Kassandra’s Canon Status
Several factors contribute to the understanding that Kassandra is the canon choice:
- Official Novelization: The official novelization of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey features Kassandra as the protagonist. Novelizations are often considered part of the official canon, especially when sanctioned and published by the copyright holder.
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Appearance: Kassandra makes a guest appearance in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as part of a bonus questline. This cameo solidifies her presence within the larger Assassin’s Creed universe and reaffirms her as the “Eagle Bearer” from Odyssey. Alexios does not have any official appearances outside of Odyssey as a player character or otherwise.
- Ubisoft’s Stance: While Ubisoft initially marketed Odyssey with both characters prominently featured, subsequent statements and the aforementioned appearances lean heavily towards Kassandra being the intended protagonist.
Why the Confusion?
Despite the evidence, confusion persists for a couple of reasons:
- Player Choice: The game prominently features player choice, giving the impression that both characters are equally valid. This can lead some players to believe that whichever character they choose becomes their personal canon.
- Marketing Strategy: The initial marketing strategy for Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey emphasized choice, which was likely a marketing ploy. The player was led to believe that their choice matters, however, the reality is that the studio had one character in mind when building the game.
- Subjective Preference: Ultimately, individual players may prefer Alexios’ portrayal and choose to disregard the official canon. The strength of the role of Kassandra is hard to deny however, as some feel it is superior.
The Importance of Canon
Why does canon matter? For many fans, it provides a consistent narrative framework to understand the Assassin’s Creed universe. It helps establish the “true” events that occurred and the characters that shaped the storyline. This is particularly important as the series continues to evolve and connect across different games and media.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. If Kassandra is canon, what role does Alexios play in the story?
In the canon storyline, Alexios is Deimos, the brainwashed and manipulated antagonist. He serves as a primary obstacle for Kassandra to overcome in her journey. Even though Alexios’ acting role is solid, the female lead role that Kassandra had was superior.
2. Does choosing Alexios as the player character invalidate the story?
No, choosing Alexios doesn’t invalidate the story from a gameplay perspective. The game allows you to experience the narrative through his eyes, but it’s important to remember that this is a non-canonical experience.
3. Are Kassandra and Alexios’ abilities different?
No, regardless of which character you choose, their abilities and gameplay mechanics are identical. The only difference is their appearance and voice acting. The stats are essentially the same.
4. How old is Kassandra in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla?
Due to the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus granting her near-immortality, Kassandra is over 1300 years old in Valhalla.
5. Can Kassandra romance other characters in Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey?
Yes, both Kassandra and Alexios have several romance options throughout the game. These are generally considered side-activities and don’t significantly impact the main storyline.
6. Is Kassandra related to other Assassins in the franchise?
While not directly related by blood to later Assassins like Altair or Ezio, Kassandra’s actions and legacy contribute to the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars.
7. Why is Kassandra considered so powerful?
Kassandra’s power is attributed to her strong Isu lineage, making her a demigod in some circles.
8. Does the canon choice affect the ending of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey?
While some choices impact the specific ending you see, the overall narrative and the fate of key characters remain consistent with the canon storyline.
9. Will Kassandra appear in future Assassin’s Creed games?
Given her popularity and immortality, it’s certainly possible. However, Ubisoft has not made any official announcements regarding future appearances.
10. Does the community agree with Kassandra being canon?
While a significant portion of the community acknowledges and accepts Kassandra as the canon protagonist, some players still prefer Alexios or remain ambivalent. The statistics show that people are generally divided with their opinion.
11. How does the GamesLearningSociety.org view the character selection mechanics in Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey?
The Games Learning Society often examines how games like Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey handle player agency and narrative choices. While providing choices like character selection can enhance player engagement, it also raises questions about narrative coherence and canon, topics of interest for those studying game design and learning.
12. Is Eivor male or female canon in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla?
Female Eivor is considered the canon version in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla.
13. Why did Eivor lose their eye?
Eivor lost their eye during a fight within the game’s narrative, and it’s also an allusive reference to Odin, whom Eivor is a reincarnation of.
14. Is Alexios’ death canon?
Yes, the novelization confirms that Kassandra kills Alexios as Deimos.
15. Does it matter who Eivor romances in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla?
The romantic relationships Eivor has throughout the main plot don’t impact the overall game story.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while player choice is a significant aspect of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, the official canon designates Kassandra as the protagonist. This is supported by the official novelization, her appearance in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, and subtle cues within the game itself. Understanding this distinction helps players appreciate the larger narrative context of the Assassin’s Creed universe and the role Kassandra plays within it.