The Murky Pantheon: Who is the God of Assassin’s Creed?

The Assassin’s Creed universe, a sprawling tapestry woven from historical events, intricate conspiracies, and cutting-edge technology, doesn’t offer a single, universally acknowledged “god of assassins.” Instead, the concept of divinity is multifaceted and often tied to the Isu, a precursor race to humanity. While not gods in the traditional sense, the Isu possessed advanced technology and abilities that led early humans to perceive them as such. Understanding who influences the Assassins and Templars, and how they interpret the idea of a “god,” requires a deeper dive.

The Isu: Precursors, Not Gods

The most accurate answer to who the “god of Assassin’s Creed” is, points not to a singular deity, but to the Isu civilization. These beings, vastly more technologically advanced than humans, existed long before us. Their manipulation of the Pieces of Eden – powerful artifacts capable of controlling minds, creating illusions, and harnessing immense energy – contributed to their deification in the eyes of early humans. Figures like Minerva, Juno, and Jupiter weren’t gods in the omnipotent, all-knowing sense, but rather scientists, leaders, and engineers who wielded extraordinary power.

Their influence on humanity is profound. The Isu created humans as a workforce, and their DNA is intertwined with ours. This genetic link allows some individuals, known as Sages, to possess memories and personalities of deceased Isu. This connection fuels the conflict between the Assassins and Templars, as both factions seek to understand and control the Isu technology and their legacy. Thus, instead of worship, the Isu are pursued, studied, and, in some cases, feared, as the source of ultimate power.

Deities and Belief Systems Within the Lore

While the Isu are the closest thing to a factual “god” within the Assassin’s Creed narrative, various cultures and time periods depicted in the games introduce different belief systems and deities. The characters and the environments are often rooted in polytheistic or monotheistic religions, but the franchise uses them more to create the atmosphere and story telling instead of claiming or representing their actual religion.

• Ancient Egypt (Assassin’s Creed Origins): Bayek and Aya, the founders of the Hidden Ones (precursors to the Assassins), operate within a world steeped in Egyptian mythology. Gods like Ra, Osiris, and Isis are prominent in the culture, but the game highlights the Isu’s influence on these beliefs, suggesting that the “gods” the Egyptians worshiped were misinterpretations of the Isu.

• Ancient Greece (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey): Similarly, in ancient Greece, deities like Zeus, Poseidon, and Athena are central to the society. Kassandra and Alexios encounter mythical creatures and Isu artifacts, blurring the line between divine intervention and advanced technology. Again, the Isu’s presence subtly undermines the traditional religious interpretations.

• Norse Mythology (Assassin’s Creed Valhalla): Eivor’s story in Valhalla explores Norse mythology. Odin and the other Norse gods are presented as powerful beings, but the game leans heavily into the Isu’s role in shaping these myths. Eivor experiences visions and interacts with individuals who embody aspects of the Norse gods, ultimately revealing a deeper connection between Isu technology and the Vikings’ beliefs.

The Assassin Perspective

Assassins typically reject the notion of divine authority or predestination. Their creed, “Nothing is true, everything is permitted,” emphasizes free will and independent thought. They seek to liberate humanity from control, whether it comes from tyrannical rulers or the manipulation of Isu technology. Assassins view the Isu and their artifacts as tools to be understood and used responsibly, not as objects of worship.

The Templar Perspective

The Templars, in contrast, often believe in order and control. Some factions see the Pieces of Eden as instruments to guide humanity towards a predetermined path, believing that the Isu held the key to a perfect society. They desire to harness the Isu technology to create a world governed by stability and obedience, even if it means sacrificing individual freedom. They are much more likely to hold religious beliefs, but often co-opt the Isu into those beliefs.

FAQs: Diving Deeper into Assassin’s Creed Divinity

1. Are the Isu truly immortal?

While the Isu possessed incredibly long lifespans and advanced medical technology, they were not truly immortal. They could be killed, as demonstrated by the Great Catastrophe and the subsequent wars between Isu factions. Their genetic legacies, however, live on through humans with Isu DNA.

2. What is the significance of the Pieces of Eden?

The Pieces of Eden are powerful artifacts created by the Isu. They can manipulate minds, create illusions, generate energy, and possess other extraordinary capabilities. They are central to the conflict between the Assassins and Templars, as both sides seek to control them for their own purposes.

3. What is the Animus?

The Animus is a device that allows individuals to relive the memories of their ancestors. It is used by both Assassins and Templars to uncover information about the Isu and their artifacts.

4. What is the significance of the “Sage” in Assassin’s Creed?

A Sage is an individual who possesses the genetic memory and personality of a deceased Isu. They can be identified by specific genetic markers.

5. Are there any “good” Isu?

The Isu, like humans, had diverse personalities and motivations. Some, like Minerva, sought to protect humanity from future catastrophes. Others, like Juno, harbored more sinister intentions.

6. How does free will play a role in the Assassin’s Creed universe?

Free will is a core tenet of the Assassin’s Creed philosophy. The Assassins believe that individuals should be free to make their own choices, without being controlled by external forces or predetermined fates.

7. What is the “Eye of Horus” artifact?

The Eye of Horus is a Piece of Eden featured in Assassin’s Creed Origins. It possesses healing and protective properties.

8. Did the Isu create religion?

The Isu did not directly create religion. However, their advanced technology and abilities led early humans to perceive them as gods, contributing to the development of various religious beliefs.

9. What is the “Apple of Eden”?

The Apple of Eden is perhaps the most recognizable Piece of Eden. It can control minds and create illusions.

10. How does the Assassin’s Creed universe reconcile science and mythology?

The Assassin’s Creed universe blends science and mythology by presenting mythological figures and events as distorted interpretations of Isu technology and actions. This approach allows the games to explore historical and cultural beliefs while grounding them in a fictional scientific explanation.

11. What is the “Shroud of Eden”?

The Shroud of Eden is a Piece of Eden that can heal and even resurrect individuals.

12. What role does the Games Learning Society play in understanding the lore of Assassin’s Creed?

The Games Learning Society provides resources and research on the educational potential of video games. Understanding the complex narratives and historical contexts presented in Assassin’s Creed can be enhanced by exploring the scholarship available on GamesLearningSociety.org.

13. What is the significance of the “Staff of Hermes Trismegistus”?

The Staff of Hermes Trismegistus is a Piece of Eden featured in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. It grants the wielder immortality.

14. Are there any historical figures who were secretly Isu?

No historical figures are explicitly identified as being Isu themselves. However, the games suggest that certain historical events and figures were influenced by the Isu and their artifacts.

15. Will the Assassin’s Creed series ever reveal the ultimate purpose of the Isu?

The Assassin’s Creed series continues to expand the lore surrounding the Isu. While the games have revealed significant details about their technology, history, and motivations, the ultimate purpose of the Isu remains a subject of ongoing exploration and speculation. The mystery surrounding their true intentions adds to the intrigue and depth of the franchise.

Ultimately, the “god” of Assassin’s Creed is not a single entity to be worshiped, but a complex and multifaceted concept tied to the Isu and their advanced technology. Understanding their role in shaping human history and the conflict between the Assassins and Templars is key to grasping the intricate narrative of the Assassin’s Creed universe.