The Complete Saga of Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad: Life Beyond Assassin’s Creed 1

Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad’s story extends far beyond the events of the first Assassin’s Creed game. After being reinstated as an Assassin and reclaiming his rank, Altaïr embarked on a quest for knowledge and reform within the Assassin Brotherhood. He eventually rose to the position of Mentor, leading the Assassins into a new era of secrecy and intellectual pursuit. His later life involved crucial discoveries and advancements in Assassin techniques, technological innovations using the Apple of Eden, and the safeguarding of knowledge for future generations. He ultimately died of old age within his library in Masyaf, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the Assassin Order for centuries to come.

Altaïr’s Journey After the Third Crusade

Following the events of Assassin’s Creed, Altaïr’s immediate goal was to rebuild and reform the Assassin Brotherhood. He recognized the flaws in their dogmatic approach and sought to create a more adaptable and knowledgeable organization.

Reconstruction and Reform

• Challenging Dogma: Altaïr questioned the blind obedience and rigid rules that had plagued the Brotherhood. He encouraged critical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge.
• Codex Creation: He began documenting his experiences, learnings from the Apple of Eden, and new Assassin techniques in a Codex. This Codex would later serve as a vital source of knowledge for future Assassins.

Family Life

• Marriage to Maria Thorpe: After their complex introduction, Altaïr married Maria Thorpe, the former Templar who had served as a decoy for Robert de Sablé.
• Sons Darim and Sef: They had two sons, Darim and Sef, who would both play a role in the Brotherhood’s history.

Conflict and Exile

Altaïr’s reforms and his use of the Apple of Eden created friction within the Brotherhood, particularly with Abbas Sofian.

The Rise of Abbas

• Abbas’s Distrust: Abbas, a longtime member of the Brotherhood, grew increasingly suspicious of Altaïr and his methods. He viewed the Apple of Eden as a dangerous tool and saw Altaïr’s reforms as a threat to the Order’s traditions.

False Accusations and Tragedy

• Accusation of Treason: Abbas manipulated events, falsely accusing Altaïr of betraying the Brotherhood and murdering his own son, Sef.
• Maria’s Death: In a fit of rage, Abbas’s right hand man, Swami, stabbed and killed Maria, devastating Altaïr.
• Exile: Overwhelmed by grief and betrayal, Altaïr exiled himself from Masyaf for several years, taking Darim with him.

Return to Masyaf and Final Years

After years of self-imposed exile, Altaïr eventually returned to Masyaf to reclaim his rightful place as Mentor.

Reclaiming Leadership

• Confronting Abbas: With Darim’s help, Altaïr confronted Abbas and exposed his treachery. Abbas was ultimately killed, restoring Altaïr’s authority.
• Rebuilding the Brotherhood: Altaïr resumed his role as Mentor, guiding the Brotherhood through a period of growth and innovation.

Technological Advancements

• Hidden Gun: Using the knowledge gleaned from the Apple of Eden, Altaïr invented the Hidden Gun, a revolutionary weapon that would later be used by Assassins like Ezio Auditore.
• Improved Hidden Blade: He further refined the Hidden Blade design, making it even more versatile and deadly.

The Mongol Invasion

• Protecting Masyaf: As the Mongol Empire expanded westward, threatening Masyaf, Altaïr made the difficult decision to evacuate the city.

Sealing the Apple and Passing of Knowledge

• Entrusting the Codex: Before his final seclusion, Altaïr entrusted his Codex and several Memory Seals containing his memories to the Polo brothers, Niccolò and Maffeo, to ensure their safe passage to a future worthy recipient.
• Final Moments in the Library: Altaïr locked himself inside his library with the Apple of Eden and the final Memory Seal. He died of old age, having secured the Apple’s secrets and preserving his knowledge for future generations.

Altaïr’s life, therefore, represents a crucial bridge between the old and the new, a testament to the power of knowledge, and a reminder that even the most skilled warrior must adapt to survive. His contributions continue to be felt throughout the Assassin Brotherhood’s history, as highlighted at the Games Learning Society conference. ( https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ )

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

1. How old is Altaïr at the end of Assassin’s Creed 1?

At the end of the first game, Altaïr is around 26 years old. He was born in 1165 and the game takes place in 1191 during the Third Crusade.

2. How old was Altaïr when he died?

Altaïr died at the age of 92.

3. What happened to the Apple of Eden after Altaïr’s death?

The Apple of Eden remained sealed within Altaïr’s library in Masyaf until it was rediscovered centuries later. The circumstances of its rediscovery and subsequent use are explored in later Assassin’s Creed games.

4. What are the Memory Seals that Altaïr entrusted to the Polo brothers?

The Memory Seals were artifacts containing encoded memories of Altaïr’s life and discoveries, particularly those related to the Apple of Eden. These seals were designed to be accessed through the Animus technology, allowing future generations to learn from Altaïr’s experiences.

5. Is Altaïr related to Ezio Auditore?

While not directly related by blood, Altaïr is an ancestor of Desmond Miles, who is also an ancestor of Ezio Auditore. Therefore, they share a distant familial connection through Desmond.

6. Was Altaïr a real person?

Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad is a fictional character within the Assassin’s Creed universe, although inspired by the historical context of the Third Crusade and the real-world Order of Assassins.

7. How did Altaïr learn to speak Italian?

It is suggested that Altaïr learned Italian during his travels and time spent outside of the Levant. The details of his language acquisition are not explicitly shown but can be inferred.

8. Did Altaïr have any other significant inventions besides the Hidden Gun?

Besides the Hidden Gun, Altaïr significantly improved upon the design and functionality of the Hidden Blade, made advancements in Assassin tactics and strategies, and documented a wealth of knowledge in his Codex – influencing the Assassin Order for centuries.

9. Why is Altaïr considered one of the strongest Assassins?

Altaïr is considered one of the strongest due to his unparalleled skill in combat, his strategic mind, his groundbreaking discoveries, and his leadership in reforming the Assassin Brotherhood. His adaptability, his unwavering commitment to the Creed, and his willingness to question dogma solidified his place as a legendary figure.

10. What role did Altaïr play in Desmond Miles’ story?

Desmond Miles, through the Animus, relived Altaïr’s memories to learn from his experiences and discover clues left behind by the First Civilization. These memories provided critical information for Desmond’s mission to prevent the end of the world in 2012.

11. What is the significance of Altaïr’s library?

Altaïr’s library served as a repository of knowledge, a sanctuary for his research, and the final resting place for both him and the Apple of Eden. It symbolized his commitment to preserving and protecting knowledge for future generations.

12. What are the games in which Altaïr appears?

Altaïr appears in Assassin’s Creed, Assassin’s Creed: Altaïr’s Chronicles, Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines, Assassin’s Creed II, and Assassin’s Creed: Revelations.

13. Who trained Altaïr?

Altaïr was trained by Al Mualim, the Mentor of the Levantine Assassins during the Third Crusade.

14. Was Altaïr ever Templar?

No, Altaïr was never a Templar. He was a dedicated member of the Assassin Brotherhood throughout his life, although he did briefly lose faith due to the machinations of Al Mualim.

15. What is the significance of Altaïr’s Codex?

Altaïr’s Codex contains his observations, inventions, and philosophical reflections. Deciphering it, Ezio Auditore was able to utilize the information in the Codex, giving him an edge against the Templars.