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Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad: A Chronological Journey Through the Assassin’s Creed Universe

Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, the legendary Syrian Assassin, is primarily featured as the protagonist of the original Assassin’s Creed. However, his presence extends beyond this initial title, impacting several other games within the franchise through memories, historical records, and direct appearances. He can be found in Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines (PSP), Assassin’s Creed II (flashbacks), Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (main character through memory seals), and as a playable character in multiplayer modes of Assassin’s Creed: Revelations and Assassin’s Creed: Renaissance (Facebook game).

Tracing Altaïr’s Legacy Across the Assassin’s Creed Universe

Altaïr, meaning “the flying one,” isn’t just a name; it’s a symbol of the early Assassin Brotherhood. While his story directly unfolds primarily in Assassin’s Creed and Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines, his influence echoes throughout the subsequent games. This is achieved through historical records, decoded messages, and gameplay segments where players relive his memories. Understanding Altaïr’s role is crucial to grasping the core tenets and long-lasting conflict within the Assassin’s Creed saga.

The Core Experience: Assassin’s Creed

The original Assassin’s Creed places players directly into the sandals of Altaïr. Set during the Third Crusade in 1191 AD, the game follows Altaïr’s journey from a disgraced Master Assassin back to redemption. He is tasked by Al Mualim, leader of the Levantine Brotherhood, with assassinating nine key Templars in order to bring peace to the Holy Land. The gameplay revolves around exploration of historical cities like Acre, Jerusalem, and Damascus, gathering intel, and executing carefully planned assassinations. This game solidifies Altaïr’s iconic status.

Expanding the Narrative: Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines

Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines, a PSP title, serves as a direct sequel to the original. It bridges the gap between Assassin’s Creed and Assassin’s Creed II, focusing on Altaïr’s pursuit of Templars who fled the Holy Land to Cyprus. This game sheds light on Altaïr’s early relationship with Maria Thorpe, who later becomes his wife and a pivotal figure in his life. It’s a critical piece of the Altaïr puzzle, even though it’s on a handheld platform.

Echoes of the Past: Assassin’s Creed II

While Ezio Auditore da Firenze is the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed II, Altaïr’s influence is subtly woven into the narrative. Ezio discovers Altaïr’s Codex pages, containing his writings and inventions, which serve as crucial blueprints and insights for Ezio’s own journey. These Codex pages act as a historical connection, showing that Altaïr’s work was crucial to the success of the Assassin Brotherhood centuries later.

Reliving History: Assassin’s Creed: Revelations

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations provides arguably the most substantial extension of Altaïr’s story beyond the original game. Ezio travels to Masyaf to uncover the secrets left behind by Altaïr. Through finding five Masyaf keys hidden in Constantinople, Ezio relives key moments from Altaïr’s life after the events of the first game, including his struggles with power, his love for Maria, and his efforts to reform the Assassin Brotherhood. This allows players to directly control Altaïr in these flashback sequences, providing a poignant look into his later years.

Multiplayer Appearances: Assassin’s Creed: Revelations & Renaissance (Facebook)

Beyond the core narrative experiences, Altaïr makes appearances as a playable character in the multiplayer modes of Assassin’s Creed: Revelations and the now-defunct Facebook game Assassin’s Creed: Renaissance. These appearances, while not strictly canon, allow players to embody the legendary Assassin in competitive gameplay scenarios. They contribute to the character’s enduring appeal and iconic status within the franchise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad

Here are 15 frequently asked questions designed to further explore the character of Altaïr and his appearances throughout the Assassin’s Creed series:

What is Altaïr’s full name and what does it mean? Altaïr’s full name is Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad. Altaïr means “the flying one” in Arabic.
In what year was Altaïr born and when did he die? Altaïr was born in 1165 and died in 1257.
Who were Altaïr’s parents? Altaïr’s father was a Muslim Assassin named Umar Ibn-La’Ahad, and his mother was a Christian woman.
What were the major events that shaped Altaïr’s early life? The death of his father at the hands of Templars and his subsequent indoctrination into the Assassin Brotherhood heavily shaped Altaïr’s early life.
Who was Al Mualim and what role did he play in Altaïr’s life? Al Mualim was the Mentor (leader) of the Assassin Brotherhood in Masyaf. He served as Altaïr’s mentor and guide, but ultimately betrayed him.
What were the nine assassinations Altaïr was tasked with in the first Assassin’s Creed game? Altaïr was tasked with assassinating: Tamir, Garnier de Naplouse, Talal, Abu’l Nuqoud, William of Montferrat, Majd Addin, Sibrand, Robert de Sablé, and Al Mualim himself.
How did Altaïr meet Maria Thorpe and what was their relationship like? Altaïr met Maria Thorpe when she was a double agent for Robert de Sablé. Initially adversarial, their relationship evolved into love, and they eventually married and had two sons.
What is the Apple of Eden and how did it impact Altaïr’s life? The Apple of Eden is a Piece of Eden, a powerful artifact with the ability to control minds. Altaïr studied the Apple extensively, which greatly influenced his understanding of the world and technology.
What were some of Altaïr’s major contributions to the Assassin Brotherhood? Altaïr rewrote the Assassin’s Creed, introduced the Hidden Blade, and developed new fighting techniques. He also archived his knowledge for future generations.
What is the significance of Altaïr’s Codex pages in Assassin’s Creed II? Altaïr’s Codex pages contain his observations, inventions, and strategic insights gained from studying the Apple of Eden. They guide Ezio in his own quest.
What happened to Altaïr after the events of the first Assassin’s Creed game? Following the events of the first game, Altaïr assumed leadership of the Assassin Brotherhood, reformed its structure, and led it through significant changes.
How does Assassin’s Creed: Revelations provide closure to Altaïr’s story? Assassin’s Creed: Revelations allows players to experience key moments in Altaïr’s later life, showing his struggles, his love for his family, and his dedication to the Assassin cause, bringing his story to a fulfilling conclusion.
What kind of legacy did Altaïr leave behind? Altaïr left behind a legacy of innovation, reform, and dedication to the Assassin Brotherhood. He is revered as one of the most important figures in Assassin history.
Are there any other games or media where Altaïr is mentioned or referenced? Altaïr is referenced in numerous Assassin’s Creed games and expanded universe materials, solidifying his status as a legendary figure. He is a cornerstone of the franchise’s lore.
Where can I learn more about the intersection of games and learning, potentially related to the historical context and strategic thinking involved in Assassin’s Creed? You can explore the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover more about how games can be used for educational purposes.

By understanding Altaïr’s appearances and contributions throughout the Assassin’s Creed franchise, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich lore and complex narrative that defines the series. He represents the genesis of the Assassin Brotherhood and embodies the core values of freedom, knowledge, and dedication. His journey from a brash young assassin to a wise and influential leader continues to resonate with players and inspire new generations of Assassins, both in-game and out.

What games is Altair in?