Unraveling the Mystery: Who Is Basim’s Son in Assassin’s Creed?
The Assassin’s Creed universe is steeped in intrigue, historical fiction, and complex character relationships. One character that has recently taken center stage is Basim Ibn Ishaq, a prominent figure in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Mirage. A central element of Basim’s character is the deep-seated trauma surrounding his son, but the truth about who this child actually is gets complicated very quickly.
Basim’s son is Fenrir, the monstrous wolf of Norse mythology. However, this is revealed through the lens of Isu reincarnation and genetic memory. Basim is the reincarnation of Loki, and Fenrir is the Isu reincarnation of one of Loki’s children. The loss of his son, and the actions of the other Isu (particularly Odin/Eivor) in dealing with Fenrir, drives much of Basim’s actions and motivations throughout Valhalla and likely into the future of the franchise. This isn’t a traditional father-son relationship in the conventional sense, but rather a manifestation of ancient Isu conflict playing out across millennia through their reincarnated forms.
The Complexities of Basim’s Lineage and Motivations
Basim’s story is a tapestry woven from historical fact, Norse myth, and the overarching narrative of the Isu. Understanding his connection to Fenrir requires delving into these layers. His past trauma fuels his desire for revenge against those he perceives wronged him and his son. This perceived betrayal is the driving force behind much of his conflict with Eivor in Valhalla. The concept of reincarnation and genetic memory is crucial here. Basim doesn’t simply remember being Loki, he is Loki, reliving the grief and anger associated with the fate of his children from a previous life.
This desire for revenge makes him a compelling and nuanced antagonist, blurring the lines between good and evil. The Games Learning Society often explores how these complex narratives and character motivations can impact player engagement and understanding of historical themes. Find more on that at GamesLearningSociety.org. The Assassin’s Creed series, and Basim’s story in particular, showcases the power of video games to explore deep and emotionally resonant themes.
FAQs: Decoding Basim’s Past and Future
To further clarify the intricacies of Basim’s story and his relationship with Fenrir, here are some frequently asked questions:
1. Is Basim Altaïr’s Father?
No, Basim is not Altaïr’s father. Altaïr’s father is Umar Ibn-La’Ahad. While there’s a physical resemblance, and the possibility of Basim being a distant ancestor remains open, they are not directly related as father and son.
2. Is Loki Related to Basim?
Yes, Basim Ibn Ishaq is the reincarnation of Loki. He inherited the memories and essence of the Norse god of mischief, who was an Isu.
3. Who Were Loki’s Other Children Besides Fenrir?
According to Norse mythology, and as alluded to in the Assassin’s Creed lore, Loki’s other children are the World Serpent Jörmungandr and Hel, the goddess of the underworld. These characters, like Fenrir, likely have corresponding Isu reincarnations or manifestations within the Assassin’s Creed universe, although their identities and roles may not be fully revealed.
4. What Did Basim Do to Layla?
Basim, after being released from the Grey, took the Staff of Eden that was protecting Layla’s body. He left her trapped within the Isu machine, effectively sacrificing her.
5. How Old Is Basim During the Events of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
Basim was born in 844 AD. Therefore, during the main events of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (around 872-878 AD), he would have been in his late 20s to early 30s.
6. Why Does Basim Hate Eivor?
Basim’s hatred for Eivor stems from his past life as Loki. Eivor is the reincarnation of Odin, who, in the Isu narrative, played a role in the imprisonment and perceived destruction of Loki’s son, Fenrir. Basim/Loki seeks revenge for this perceived injustice.
7. Was Basim Always “Evil”?
Basim’s motivations are complex. He isn’t inherently evil. His actions are driven by a desire for vengeance and a deep-seated grief over the loss of his son. The memories and influence of Loki amplify these emotions, leading him down a path that often puts him at odds with the Assassin’s Creed protagonists.
8. Is Basim the Protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Mirage?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Mirage stars Basim Ibn Ishaq as the main protagonist, exploring his journey from a street thief to a master assassin in 9th-century Baghdad.
9. Is Eivor a Descendant of an Isu?
Eivor is not simply a descendant but the reincarnation of the Isu Odin. This close connection to her Isu past influences her experiences and understanding of the world around her.
10. How Does Basim Know He’s Loki?
Basim was born with the memories of Loki’s entire life within him, although these memories were initially dormant. As he grew older and experienced certain events, these memories began to surface, eventually leading him to understand his true identity as the reincarnation of Loki.
11. Why Does Basim Want Sigurd and Eivor Dead?
Basim wants Sigurd and Eivor dead because they are the reincarnations of Isu figures who, as Odin and Tyr, were involved in the events that led to the imprisonment and perceived destruction of his “son” Fenrir. His desire for revenge extends to anyone involved in the perceived betrayal.
12. What Happens to Basim After Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
After the events of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Basim is freed from the Grey and enters the modern era. He seeks to understand the new world while also pursuing his own agenda, which is likely tied to finding and potentially freeing the reincarnations of his other children.
13. Is There Evidence of Jörmungandr and Hel’s Reincarnations in the Assassin’s Creed Universe?
While not explicitly confirmed, it’s highly probable that Jörmungandr and Hel have reincarnated forms within the Assassin’s Creed universe. The series frequently introduces characters and plotlines that echo Norse mythology, suggesting that these figures could appear in future installments.
14. How Does the Staff of Eden Affect Basim?
The Staff of Eden likely plays a role in amplifying Basim’s Isu memories and abilities. It could also be a key to understanding and potentially reuniting with his reincarnated children.
15. What Are Basim’s Goals in the Modern Era?
Basim’s goals in the modern era are still largely unknown. However, it’s likely that he’s seeking to understand the world and potentially locate or influence the reincarnations of his children, particularly Fenrir. This will probably bring him into conflict with both the Assassins and the Templars.
In conclusion, Basim’s son is Fenrir, the monstrous wolf from Norse mythology, but more specifically, the Isu reincarnation of Fenrir. This unique relationship is built upon the foundation of Isu reincarnation and the enduring cycle of revenge and retribution that defines much of the Assassin’s Creed narrative. His deep seated desire to correct the perceived wrongs done against his son makes him a compelling and tragic figure in the larger Assassin’s Creed narrative.