The Enigmatic End: Unraveling the Mystery of Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad’s Death
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad was not killed. He died of old age in his library beneath the fortress of Masyaf in 1257, at the ripe old age of 92. Having secured the Apple of Eden and hidden it within, along with his final memory seal, Altaïr essentially locked himself away to protect the powerful artifact from falling into the wrong hands.
The Legacy of a Legend: Altaïr’s Life and Impact
Altaïr, a Syrian assassin of the Levantine Brotherhood, lived a long and eventful life, marked by both triumphs and tribulations. He revolutionized the Assassin Order through his studies with the Apple of Eden, leaving behind invaluable knowledge documented in his Codex. His innovative approach to assassination, combat, and ideology shaped the future of the Brotherhood for centuries to come, influencing figures like Ezio Auditore da Firenze and beyond. Although his end was peaceful and natural, his life was a constant battle against the Templar Order, a struggle for peace through control versus peace through free will.
Altaïr’s Final Act: Sealing the Apple and His Memories
Knowing his time was near and with the Mongol threat looming, Altaïr took drastic measures to safeguard the Apple of Eden, a powerful Piece of Eden capable of controlling minds and creating illusions. He encoded his life’s findings in six memory seals, entrusting five of them to the Polo brothers, Niccolò and Maffeo, to be hidden across the world. The sixth seal, containing his final memories, he kept with him within his library, locking the door and effectively sealing his own fate. Years later, Ezio Auditore would discover this library, unlocking the seals and witnessing Altaïr’s final moments, a crucial step in understanding the Isu and the ongoing conflict between Assassins and Templars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad
1. How old was Altaïr when he died?
Altaïr was 92 years old when he passed away in 1257. He was born on January 11, 1165.
2. What was Altaïr holding when Ezio found him in the library?
Ezio found Altaïr’s skeleton holding the sixth Memory Seal. This seal contained a recording of Altaïr’s final moments, revealing his dedication to protecting the Apple of Eden.
3. What was the Apple of Eden that Altaïr protected?
The Apple of Eden is a powerful artifact created by the Isu, a precursor race to humanity. It possesses the ability to control minds, project illusions, and manipulate technology. It is a key element in the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and Templars.
4. Why did Altaïr lose his finger in Assassin’s Creed?
In the original Assassin’s Creed design, the Hidden Blade required the removal of the ring finger to function properly. This was a tradition within the Assassin Order. However, Altaïr, through his research with the Apple, redesigned the Hidden Blade to eliminate this requirement.
5. Who is considered the strongest Assassin in the Assassin’s Creed universe?
The “strongest” Assassin is subjective and depends on various factors such as combat skills, leadership abilities, and influence on the Order. However, Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, and Aya of Siwa are frequently mentioned in discussions about the most powerful Assassins.
6. What caused Altaïr to be afraid of water?
The game never explicitly states why Altaïr is afraid of water. Some theorize it’s due to his desert upbringing, where water was scarce and not something he would have been familiar with for recreation or survival.
7. Who did Altaïr assassinate that made a significant impact?
Altaïr assassinated numerous Templars, including Majd Addin, a corrupt ruler. His assassinations were crucial in disrupting Templar plans and restoring peace to the region, at least temporarily.
8. How many people has Altaïr killed throughout his life?
While a precise number isn’t available, it’s estimated that Altaïr killed over thirty people during his missions and conflicts with the Templars. This number is based on his appearances in games and comics.
9. What were the Polo brothers’ role in Altaïr’s story?
The Polo brothers, Niccolò and Maffeo, were entrusted with five of Altaïr’s memory seals. They were tasked with hiding them across the world, ensuring that Altaïr’s knowledge would be preserved and potentially discovered by future generations of Assassins.
10. Is Altaïr a descendant of Desmond Miles?
Yes, Desmond Miles is a descendant of Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, among other prominent Assassins like Ezio Auditore and Connor Kenway. This lineage allows Desmond to access their memories through the Animus.
11. What is Altaïr’s Codex?
The Codex is a collection of Altaïr’s research and discoveries, primarily based on his studies of the Apple of Eden. It contains vital information about Assassin techniques, weaponry, and philosophy, and becomes a crucial resource for Ezio Auditore.
12. Why is Altaïr considered one of the greatest Assassins?
Altaïr is considered one of the greatest due to his exceptional skills, his innovative approach to assassination, his leadership within the Order, and his profound understanding of the Pieces of Eden. His contributions significantly shaped the Assassin Brotherhood for centuries.
13. Was Altaïr ever captured or severely injured during his life?
While gameplay mechanics involve taking damage, the narrative suggests Altaïr was a highly skilled assassin, minimizing his exposure to significant injury or capture. The sync bar in the first game emphasizes avoiding detection and harm.
14. How did Ezio Auditore find Altaïr’s library?
Ezio found Altaïr’s library by following clues and deciphering maps left behind by Niccolò Polo. This quest led him to Masyaf, where he eventually located the entrance to the hidden library.
15. What is the significance of Altaïr’s story in the Assassin’s Creed franchise?
Altaïr’s story establishes the foundation for the entire Assassin’s Creed franchise. It introduces the conflict between Assassins and Templars, the importance of Pieces of Eden, and the concept of accessing ancestral memories through the Animus. His character and legacy continue to influence the series’ overarching narrative.
Learning about the impact of storytelling in games, and how narratives like Altaïr’s drive engagement and learning, is an exciting area. You can explore related research and discussions at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
In conclusion, Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad met a peaceful, albeit solitary, end, securing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of the Assassin Brotherhood. His death was not at the hand of an enemy, but a testament to his dedication to protecting the world from the dangers of unchecked power.