Unraveling the Viking Saga: The Canon Eivor in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
The answer is clear, though the road to that conclusion has been winding: Female Eivor, also known as Eivor Varinsdottir, is the canon character in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. While the game offers players the choice to play as either a male or female version of Eivor, and even a “Let the Animus Decide” option, all signs point toward the female Eivor being the narrative intended and officially recognized protagonist. This decision has significant implications for understanding the story’s themes, character development, and connection to the wider Assassin’s Creed lore.
Diving Deeper into the Canon Choice
The assertion of female Eivor’s canonical status is supported by several factors:
- Marketing Materials: Ubisoft consistently featured the female Eivor in promotional materials, trailers, and box art. This visual representation served as a subtle but powerful indication of their preferred protagonist.
- Official Novelization: Just as with Kassandra in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the existence of an official novel featuring Eivor Varinsdottir further solidifies her position.
- Animus Choice: Though the ‘Let the Animus Decide’ option initially suggested ambiguity, closer inspection reveals that the Animus consistently defaults to the female Eivor in key historical moments. This strongly implies that the female Eivor’s genetic memory is more accurate or complete.
- Narrative Significance: While both versions of Eivor experience the same overarching plot, some argue that the female Eivor’s story resonates more deeply with themes of leadership, societal roles within the Viking Age, and the connection to Odin.
- Developer Statements: While not explicitly stated as canon initially, statements from developers after the game’s launch have alluded to the female Eivor being the intended protagonist.
The male Eivor, while a perfectly viable and enjoyable character to play, can be seen as an Animus anomaly or a reflection of Odin’s influence occasionally surfacing. In the Assassin’s Creed universe, such anomalies are possible, but the “true” history lies with the female Eivor.
Exploring Eivor’s Background
Eivor Varinsdottir was born to Rosta and Varin, a noble family within Styrbjorn Sigvaldisson’s Raven Clan, based in Norway. A childhood trauma involving the death of her parents and a near-fatal encounter with a wolf shaped her into the resilient and skilled warrior we see in the game. This past fuels her desire for vengeance and her ambition to secure a better future for her clan in England.
The Impact of the Canon Choice
Understanding Eivor’s canon gender affects how we interpret the character’s relationships, motivations, and overall arc. While the fundamental story remains the same regardless of the chosen gender, the nuances shift. For example, the female Eivor’s leadership role within a patriarchal Viking society takes on a different dimension, challenging conventional expectations. Additionally, the romantic relationships Eivor forms might carry different weight depending on whether she is perceived as male or female.
While both versions of Eivor are valid experiences, acknowledging the female Eivor as the canon protagonist provides a deeper understanding of the story’s intended themes and narrative choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Eivor and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
1. What is the “Let the Animus Decide” option?
The “Let the Animus Decide” option in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla allows the Animus to switch between the male and female Eivor based on which gender more closely aligns with the genetic memory being accessed at a given time. However, this mechanic leans towards the female Eivor more often than the male, reinforcing the idea that the female version is closer to the true historical record.
2. Is male Eivor just a visual choice, or is he a different character entirely?
The male Eivor shares the same core story, abilities, and relationships as the female Eivor. The difference is primarily visual, but the male Eivor serves to represent the occasional surfacing of Odin’s influence.
3. Why did Ubisoft offer a gender choice if one Eivor is canon?
Ubisoft offered a gender choice to allow players to personalize their experience and connect with the character in a way that resonates with them personally. This provides an element of player agency and increases the game’s accessibility to a broader audience. The Games Learning Society explores many aspects of how gamers experience a narrative, as this choice can impact a player’s sense of immersion and engagement. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
4. Does the choice of Eivor’s gender affect the story’s ending?
No, the core story and its ending remain the same regardless of whether you play as male or female Eivor. The major plot points, alliances, and betrayals will unfold similarly.
5. Who is Odin in relation to Eivor?
Within the Assassin’s Creed lore, Odin is not a literal Norse god, but an Isu (a precursor race) whose genetic memory influences Eivor. Eivor is a reincarnation or the bearer of Odin’s Isu DNA, explaining her visions and connection to Norse mythology.
6. How does Kassandra from Assassin’s Creed Odyssey connect to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
Kassandra, the canon protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, is immortal and continues to hunt down Isu artifacts long after the events of her own game. She appears in Valhalla as part of a crossover event on the Isle of Skye. This appearance offers a glimpse into her continued journey and her enduring role in the Assassin’s Creed universe.
7. Why is Kassandra immortal?
Kassandra’s immortality is a result of her possession of the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus, an Isu artifact that grants her extended life.
8. Is Alexios canon in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
No. While Assassin’s Creed Odyssey allows players to choose between Alexios and Kassandra as their protagonist, Kassandra is considered the canon character. Alexios is canonically Deimos, the antagonist.
9. Why is Kassandra considered the canon protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Kassandra is considered canon because she was chosen as the protagonist in the official novelization of the game and by the developers in numerous promotional materials.
10. Does Eivor have any romantic relationships?
Yes, Eivor can engage in several romantic relationships throughout the game, regardless of gender. These relationships are optional and depend on player choices. A notable relationship is with Petra.
11. Why does Eivor lose an eye?
Eivor loses an eye during the main story due to being shot by an arrow, echoing the sacrifice Odin makes in Norse mythology. This is an example of the narrative tying Eivor to Odin’s story.
12. Is Eivor related to any other Assassin’s Creed characters?
While not directly related by blood to other protagonists, Eivor’s story and genetic lineage connect her to the Isu and the overarching themes of the Assassin’s Creed universe.
13. Is Eivor’s height historically accurate?
While there’s no confirmed height for Eivor, some speculate that her stature is representative of the average height of Norse people during the Viking Age, which was shorter than modern averages.
14. Is Assassin’s Creed Valhalla historically accurate?
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla blends historical events and figures with fictional elements and the established Assassin’s Creed lore. While the game depicts aspects of Viking culture and the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, it also takes liberties with historical accuracy to serve the narrative.
15. Are the Assassin’s Creed games good learning tools?
The Assassin’s Creed franchise can be considered a valuable tool to teach history. Assassin’s Creed can be effective in helping students learn about historical periods, cultures, and events through interactive and engaging gameplay.