Is the Order of Ancients the Assassins? Unraveling the Truth Behind Assassin’s Creed’s Factions
The answer is a resounding no. The Order of the Ancients is not the same as the Assassin Brotherhood. In the Assassin’s Creed universe, they are distinct and opposing factions with fundamentally different ideologies and goals, originating from entirely separate sources. The Assassins, initially known as the Hidden Ones, fight for free will and oppose those who seek to control humanity. The Order of the Ancients, conversely, strives to impose order and control, often through manipulation, political power, and the utilization of Pieces of Eden. The ongoing conflict between these two groups forms the central narrative thread throughout the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
The Origins and Ideologies of the Factions
Understanding the difference requires diving into their respective histories.
The Order of the Ancients: A History of Control
The Order of the Ancients predates the Assassin Brotherhood by centuries. As the provided text highlights, they were founded in 1334 BCE by the Egyptian Pharaoh Smenkhkare. Their core belief centered around the Ancient Ones (the Isu), an advanced precursor race to humanity. The Order sought to recreate Isu societies on Earth, often through the use of Pieces of Eden – powerful artifacts left behind by the Isu. Their ideology emphasizes control, order, and the manipulation of society to achieve their aims. They infiltrated positions of power, influencing governments and religions to steer humanity towards their desired outcome. Think of them as puppeteers pulling strings from behind the scenes.
The Hidden Ones: Birth of the Brotherhood
The Hidden Ones, the precursors to the Assassin Brotherhood, emerged much later. While figures like Darius practiced Assassin-like methods centuries before, the formal organization came into being during the events of Assassin’s Creed Origins. Bayek of Siwa and his wife, Aya, were instrumental in establishing the Hidden Ones as a direct response to the corruption and manipulation of the Order of the Ancients in Ptolemaic Egypt. They founded the Hidden Ones with a commitment to free will and the defense of individuals against those who sought to control them. Their Creed, though initially less formalized, stressed the importance of operating in the shadows to protect freedom.
Contrasting Philosophies: Freedom vs. Control
The fundamental difference boils down to philosophical opposition. The Order of the Ancients craves control. They see humanity as needing guidance, even if that guidance is manipulative and coercive. They believe they know what’s best for humanity and are willing to use any means necessary to achieve their vision.
The Hidden Ones/Assassins, on the other hand, champion free will. They believe that individuals should be allowed to make their own choices, even if those choices lead to chaos or uncertainty. They fight against those who seek to impose their will on others.
Evolution and Transformation: From Ancients to Templars
The Order of the Ancients did not simply disappear. Over time, it evolved and reorganized. As the provided article suggests, the Order of the Ancients eventually transformed into the Order of the Knights Templar. This transition involved a shift in both ideology and organizational structure. The Templars, while still seeking order and control, often adopted more overt and aggressive methods than their predecessors. They became more centralized and hierarchical, actively seeking power and influence in the world.
The Hidden Ones, simultaneously, evolved into the Assassin Brotherhood. They refined their Creed, established formal training methods, and developed a network of operatives across the globe.
Key Figures and Their Allegiances
Understanding the allegiances of key characters helps solidify the distinction between the factions.
- Bayek and Aya: Founders of the Hidden Ones/Assassin Brotherhood.
- Darius: An early precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood, using the Hidden Blade against those in power.
- Smenkhkare: Founder of the Order of the Ancients.
- Haytham Kenway: A Templar, despite initially appearing to be an Assassin.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Assassin-Templar Conflict
1. What is the primary goal of the Order of the Ancients?
The primary goal is to recreate Isu societies on Earth and control humanity’s destiny, often through manipulation and the use of Pieces of Eden. They want to establish a world based on their interpretation of order and control, even if it comes at the cost of individual freedom.
2. How did the Hidden Ones originate?
The Hidden Ones originated as a resistance movement against the Order of the Ancients in Ptolemaic Egypt, led by Bayek and Aya. They sought to protect the innocent from the Order’s machinations and uphold the principles of free will.
3. What are Pieces of Eden, and why are they important?
Pieces of Eden are powerful artifacts created by the Isu. They possess incredible abilities, such as mind control, healing, and energy manipulation. Both the Order of the Ancients/Templars and the Assassins seek to acquire and control these artifacts, believing they hold the key to shaping the future of humanity.
4. Is it accurate to say the Templars are always the “bad guys”?
While the Templars are often portrayed as antagonists, their motivations are not always purely evil. They genuinely believe they are acting in humanity’s best interests, even if their methods are often ruthless and oppressive. The conflict is often portrayed as a clash between two opposing ideologies, rather than a simple good-versus-evil narrative.
5. Who was the first Assassin to use the Hidden Blade?
Darius was the first known Assassin to use a Hidden Blade, centuries before Bayek and Aya formed the Hidden Ones. His actions served as inspiration for those who would later join the Brotherhood.
6. Why did Bayek and Aya’s relationship end?
Their relationship ended due to the overwhelming grief of losing their son, Khemu, and their separate paths in establishing and fighting for the Hidden Ones. They realized they were more effective as leaders of the Hidden Ones than as a couple.
7. What is the Assassin’s Creed?
The Assassin’s Creed is a set of principles that guide the actions of the Assassin Brotherhood. It emphasizes the importance of protecting free will, operating in the shadows, and avoiding unnecessary harm. Over time, it has been expressed in various forms, but the core tenets remain consistent.
8. How did the Order of the Ancients become the Templar Order?
The Order of the Ancients gradually transformed into the Templar Order over centuries. This transition involved a shift in organizational structure, ideology, and tactics. The Templars became more centralized, hierarchical, and openly aggressive in their pursuit of power and control.
9. Are there any Assassins who became Templars?
Lucy Stillman is one significant example. While initially working with the Assassins, she was revealed to be a Templar double agent.
10. Who are some of the most powerful Assassins in history?
Ezio Auditore da Firenze is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and influential Assassins, followed by Bayek of Siwa and Edward Kenway. Their skills, leadership, and impact on the Assassin Brotherhood are legendary.
11. What is Desmond Miles’s role in the Assassin-Templar conflict?
Desmond Miles is a descendant of several key figures in both the Assassin and Templar lineages. He possesses the ability to access the genetic memories of his ancestors, making him a crucial asset in the modern-day conflict between the two factions.
12. Are Altair and Ezio related?
No, Altair and Ezio are not directly related despite being prominent figures in the Assassin Brotherhood. They lived in different time periods and regions, and their stories are separate.
13. How does the Games Learning Society relate to understanding Assassin’s Creed?
Studying the historical and cultural contexts presented in Assassin’s Creed, can be approached through educational frameworks. The Games Learning Society can help educators leverage the game’s rich historical setting for teaching history, culture, and social studies. Explore the Games Learning Society website for insights on integrating games into education: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
14. What makes Haytham Kenway a Templar instead of an Assassin?
Although Edward Kenway trained his son Haytham in Assassin skills, Edward never indoctrinated Haytham into the Brotherhood. Haytham’s independent thinking and pursuit of order led him to align with the Templar cause.
15. What happened to the last of the historical Assassins?
Historically, the Nizari Ismailis (upon whom the Assassin Brotherhood is loosely based) were largely wiped out by the Mongol conquests in the 13th century. The Assassin’s Creed lore continues beyond this, but is a fictionalized account.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Conflict
The conflict between the Order of the Ancients/Templars and the Hidden Ones/Assassins is the driving force behind the Assassin’s Creed franchise. These groups, with their diametrically opposed ideologies, have shaped the course of history for centuries. Understanding their origins, goals, and the key figures involved is essential for appreciating the depth and complexity of this enduring conflict. This rivalry is not just a historical backdrop; it’s a framework for exploring themes of freedom, control, and the human condition itself.