Decoding Alexios’s Lineage: Unraveling the Mystery of His True Father
Alexios, the formidable warrior from Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, finds himself entangled in a web of familial intrigue and hidden truths. Officially, Alexios’s father is Nikolaos, a Spartan general who raised him. However, the game’s narrative throws this seemingly simple truth into disarray, forcing us to question the nature of family, legacy, and destiny in the ancient world.
The Officially Recognized Father: Nikolaos
Nikolaos is presented as Alexios’s father for a significant portion of the game. He’s the stoic Spartan warrior who instills discipline and a sense of duty in Alexios. Nikolaos makes the painful decision to throw Alexios off Mount Taygetos, believing it was necessary for the good of Sparta after the prophecy stating that the child would bring ruin to the city. This act, though brutal, shapes Alexios’s early life and contributes to the resentment he harbors. While raised by Nikolaos, the truth of his parentage is far more complex.
The Biological Father: The Revelation of Pythagoras
As the story unfolds, the truth of Alexios’s heritage emerges. It is revealed that Alexios’s biological father is actually Pythagoras, the renowned Greek philosopher and mathematician previously mentioned in Assassin’s Creed 2. This revelation is a pivotal moment in the game, dramatically reshaping Alexios’s understanding of his own identity.
The Implications of Isu Blood
Pythagoras’s connection to the Isu, the precursor race worshipped as gods, is vital in understanding Alexios’s heritage. As a descendant of the Isu, Alexios possesses unique abilities and is considered a bloodline descendant, much like the Sages from previous Assassin’s Creed titles. This ancestry explains Alexios’s inherent strength, resilience, and potential connection to powerful Isu artifacts.
Alexios as Deimos: A Twisting of Fate
The Cult of Kosmos manipulates Alexios, turning him into their weapon, Deimos. As Deimos, Alexios embraces a messianic complex, believing in his inherent superiority due to his Isu blood. The game’s narrative explores how this manipulation, combined with his traumatic childhood, twists Alexios’s perception of himself and the world around him. Even as Deimos, the question of his paternal lineage haunts him, adding another layer of complexity to his struggle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Alexios and His Family
1. Who is Kassandra in relation to Alexios?
Kassandra is Alexios’s half-sibling. Alexios is the son of Myrrine and Nikolaos, while Kassandra is the daughter of Myrrine and Pythagoras.
2. Is Alexios a demigod?
No, Alexios is not a demigod in the traditional sense. The game establishes that there are no actual gods, only the Isu, a precursor race worshipped as gods by humans. Alexios’s Isu ancestry grants him enhanced abilities, leading some, including himself, to perceive him as something more than human.
3. Is Alexios’s death canon in Assassin’s Creed?
The novelization of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey confirms that Kassandra kills Alexios. Thus, the death of Alexios is, in fact, canon within the Assassin’s Creed universe.
4. Is Alexios a Templar?
While Alexios is not a Templar in the traditional sense, he becomes a key member and antagonist within the Cult of Kosmos, a proto-Templar organization that existed in ancient Greece.
5. Does Alexios have any children?
Yes, regardless of the player’s choices, Alexios has a child. The game’s narrative ensures that he has a son, even if the relationship with the mother is based on necessity rather than love.
6. Is Alexios stronger than Kassandra?
From a gameplay perspective, Alexios and Kassandra are equally strong. They possess identical skillsets and DPS levels. However, in the canonical storyline, Kassandra is the protagonist.
7. What is the significance of Alexios’s Isu bloodline?
Alexios’s Isu bloodline grants him enhanced strength, resilience, and a connection to powerful Isu artifacts. This lineage is central to his role in the game’s narrative and explains his unique abilities.
8. How old is Alexios when he dies (according to the canon storyline)?
Since Alexios dies in the game, the exact age at death depends on when the encounter takes place during the story, so he would probably be in his 30s. The canon story follows Kassandra who is over 2000 years old.
9. Why is Kassandra considered the canonical protagonist instead of Alexios?
The novelization of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey follows Kassandra’s story, and she appears in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, cementing her status as the canonical protagonist.
10. What role does Nikolaos play in Alexios’s life?
Nikolaos serves as Alexios’s adoptive father and a significant influence in his early life. He instills a sense of duty and discipline in Alexios, shaping his character and worldview.
11. How does Alexios react to learning Pythagoras is his biological father?
Alexios’s reaction to learning Pythagoras is his father is complex, evolving as the story unfolds and dependent on the player’s decisions. He could feel betrayed and lost, or even excited to understand the greater lineage.
12. What are the origins of the Cult of Kosmos?
The Cult of Kosmos is a proto-Templar organization that emerged in ancient Greece. They seek to control the world through chaos and manipulation, opposing the Hidden Ones/Assassins.
13. What kind of relationship did Alexios have with Myrrine, his mother?
The relationship between Alexios and Myrrine is strained due to the choices made by Alexios as Deimos. Myrrine tries to reconnect with him, but Alexios is controlled by the Cult of Kosmos.
14. Where can I learn more about game narratives and storytelling?
You can explore resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society, which focuses on the educational and social impact of games. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. What is Alexios’s legacy in the Assassin’s Creed universe?
Despite his tragic turn as Deimos, Alexios’s legacy stems from his powerful Isu bloodline and connection to crucial artifacts. His story highlights the dangers of manipulation and the importance of free will.
Conclusion
The question of Alexios’s real father isn’t simply a matter of biology. It’s a complex exploration of identity, manipulation, and destiny within the rich world of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. While Nikolaos raised him, Pythagoras’s blood flows through his veins, shaping his abilities and connecting him to the ancient Isu. Understanding this dual parentage is crucial to grasping the intricacies of Alexios’s character and his place in the grand tapestry of the Assassin’s Creed universe.