Who Truly Carries the Hero’s Mantle in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood?
The answer to who the hero is in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood seems simple at first glance. It’s Ezio Auditore da Firenze, right? After all, he’s the protagonist, the character we control, and the one driving the story forward. However, delving deeper into the narrative and the themes explored in the game reveals a more nuanced understanding of heroism. While Ezio is undeniably the central figure, the true hero embodies more than just individual prowess; it encompasses leadership, sacrifice, and the ability to inspire others to rise against tyranny. Ezio exemplifies the very definition of heroism. He embodies the very principles of leadership, sacrifice, and the ability to ignite the flames of defiance against oppression.
Ezio Auditore: The Obvious Choice and His Evolution
Ezio’s journey in Brotherhood is one of transformation. He begins as a skilled, vengeance-driven assassin, haunted by the loss of his family. However, the events of the game force him to evolve into a leader. He’s no longer just fighting for personal retribution; he’s fighting for the freedom of Rome and the preservation of the Assassin Brotherhood. This shift is crucial in defining his heroic arc. He must take on the Borgia family.
Ezio’s growth is evident in his actions:
- Rebuilding the Assassin Order: After the devastating attack on Monteriggioni, Ezio doesn’t succumb to despair. He takes it upon himself to rebuild the shattered Assassin Order in Rome, recruiting and training new members. This act of leadership is a cornerstone of his heroism.
- Liberating Rome: Ezio’s ultimate goal is to free Rome from the grip of the Borgia family. He systematically dismantles their power structure, liberating districts and inspiring the Roman citizens to resist their oppressors.
- Confronting Cesare Borgia: The final confrontation with Cesare Borgia is the culmination of Ezio’s journey. He faces a ruthless and formidable opponent, driven by insatiable ambition. Ezio’s victory is a triumph of good over evil.
The Brotherhood Itself: Collective Heroism
While Ezio is the central figure, the title “Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood” isn’t merely a catchy name. It represents the collective heroism of the assassins working together to achieve a common goal. Each member of the Brotherhood contributes to the fight against the Borgia, and their individual acts of courage and sacrifice are essential to Ezio’s success.
- Recruits as Key Players: The recruited assassins are more than just tools for Ezio to command. They are individuals with their own stories and motivations, united by their belief in the Assassin cause. They carry out missions, defend districts, and provide crucial support to Ezio, making them integral to the liberation of Rome.
- Supporting Characters and Their Roles: Characters like Machiavelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caterina Sforza provide invaluable assistance to Ezio, offering their skills and knowledge to aid the Assassin cause. Their contributions highlight the importance of collaboration and the strength of a united front.
Is Cesare Borgia a Good Villain?
Cesare Borgia is arguably one of the most compelling villains in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and he serves as a critical element in highlighting Ezio’s heroism. His ruthlessness, ambition, and complete disregard for human life stand in stark contrast to Ezio’s growing sense of responsibility and his commitment to protecting the innocent. Cesare’s tyrannical rule over Rome is what fuels the Assassin’s rebellion and provides the context for Ezio’s heroic actions. Cesare’s cruelty ignites the flame of rebellion.
Beyond Individual Glory: A Heroic Ideal
Ultimately, the hero of Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood isn’t just Ezio Auditore as an individual, but rather the embodiment of the ideals he represents: justice, freedom, and the willingness to fight for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds. It’s about the power of unity and the ability of ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things when they work together. The brotherhood stands up to the Borgia family to deliver Rome from tyranny.
Ezio’s journey is one of personal growth and transformation, but it is also a story about the power of community and the importance of standing up against oppression. In that sense, the true hero of Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood is not just one man, but the entire movement he inspires. The Games Learning Society explores the fascinating world of video game narratives and their impact on society. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood
1. What makes Ezio a better leader in Brotherhood compared to Assassin’s Creed II?
Ezio transitions from seeking vengeance to building and leading a brotherhood of assassins, taking responsibility for their well-being and the liberation of Rome. In Assassin’s Creed II, Ezio was more concerned with taking down those who murdered his family.
2. How important is the Animus to the storyline in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood?
While the main gameplay focuses on Ezio’s memories, the Animus, wielded by Desmond Miles, provides context and connects Ezio’s story to the modern-day struggle against the Templars, adding a layer of urgency to Ezio’s mission. Desmond is trying to prevent the 2012 apocalypse by understanding Ezio’s story and using the knowledge.
3. Did Leonardo da Vinci contribute to the Brotherhood?
Yes, Leonardo da Vinci provides Ezio with crucial gadgets and weapons, using his inventions to aid the Assassin’s cause against the Borgia. He also helps Ezio understand the Pieces of Eden.
4. How did Ezio recruit Assassins?
Ezio liberates citizens from Borgia oppression, and those grateful individuals are offered the chance to join the Assassin Brotherhood, undergoing training to become skilled assassins under Ezio’s guidance.
5. What role did Caterina Sforza play in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood?
Caterina Sforza, a powerful noblewoman, allies with Ezio and the Assassins against the Borgia, providing resources and support in their fight to liberate Rome.
6. Was the ending of Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood necessary?
The ending sets the stage for the next chapter in Ezio’s journey, Assassin’s Creed Revelations, by revealing the location of Altaïr’s library and further developing the overarching narrative of the Assassin-Templar conflict.
7. What made Cesare Borgia such a formidable villain?
Cesare Borgia possessed ruthless ambition, military prowess, and a complete lack of moral restraint, making him a dangerous and unpredictable adversary for Ezio and the Assassins.
8. How does the city of Rome contribute to the overall narrative?
Rome serves as both a battleground and a symbol of oppression, with its iconic landmarks and historical significance adding depth and context to the Assassin-Templar conflict. Rome is a very important area in the series.
9. Did the Brotherhood help liberate Rome?
Yes, the Assassin Brotherhood’s efforts to liberate Rome from Borgia control inspire the citizens to resist oppression, ultimately leading to the downfall of Cesare Borgia’s reign.
10. What are the main differences between the Borgias and the Assassins?
The Borgias represent corruption, tyranny, and the abuse of power, while the Assassins stand for freedom, justice, and the protection of the innocent.
11. How does the game portray the concept of free will?
The game explores the tension between free will and destiny, as Ezio and the Assassins struggle to shape their own fate while grappling with the knowledge of the Pieces of Eden and the prophecies surrounding them.
12. What is the significance of the Apple of Eden in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood?
The Apple of Eden is a powerful artifact that grants its wielder the ability to control minds and manipulate reality, making it a highly sought-after object by both the Assassins and the Templars.
13. How did Machiavelli assist Ezio in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood?
Machiavelli uses his political acumen and strategic planning skills to support Ezio and the Assassins in their fight against the Borgia, providing valuable intelligence and resources.
14. Are there any historical inaccuracies in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood?
Like all historical fiction, Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood takes liberties with certain events and characters for narrative purposes, but it remains largely faithful to the historical context of Renaissance Italy.
15. What lessons can be learned from the heroic actions in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood?
The game teaches us about the importance of leadership, sacrifice, and unity in the face of oppression, as well as the power of individuals to make a difference in the world.