The Tragic End: Who Killed Haytham Kenway?
Haytham Kenway, a central and compelling figure in Assassin’s Creed III, meets his end at the hands of none other than his son, Ratonhnhaké꞉ton, better known as Connor Kenway. This pivotal moment marks the culmination of a complex and deeply personal conflict between father and son, representing the irreconcilable differences between the Assassin and Templar ideologies. Their final confrontation in 1781 is one of the most memorable and emotionally charged scenes in the entire Assassin’s Creed franchise.
The Complex Relationship Between Connor and Haytham
The dynamic between Connor and Haytham Kenway is far from a simple hero-villain narrative. It’s a deeply layered relationship marked by conflicting loyalties, shared history, and ultimately, irreconcilable ideological differences. Haytham, the Grand Master of the Templar Colonial Rite, and Connor, a staunch Assassin fighting for his people and freedom, find themselves on opposing sides of the American Revolution.
While they occasionally find themselves working together, their underlying allegiances always pull them apart. Their shared blood means little in the face of their opposing goals: Haytham seeks to establish Templar control, while Connor fights to protect his people and the ideals of liberty. This constant tension builds to their tragic final encounter.
The Climax: Father vs. Son
The final confrontation between Connor and Haytham is charged with emotion. Both understand the gravity of the situation and the finality of their actions. Haytham, knowing his son’s resolve, likely anticipates his own demise, as hinted at by the recovery of his journal by Connor after the fact. The journal reveals Haytham’s desire for Connor to understand his point of view and perhaps even forgive him.
Connor, despite his conflicted feelings, is unwavering in his commitment to the Assassin cause. He believes that Haytham’s Templar ideals pose a threat to freedom and must be stopped. The fight is brutal and emotional, ending with Connor delivering the killing blow, a decision he immediately regrets, as evidenced by his writing “sakataterihwáhten,” meaning “I made a mistake,” next to Haytham’s portrait in the homestead basement. This act underscores the tragic nature of their conflict and the deep personal cost of their ideological war. Exploring such complex narratives is where games can contribute to the humanities, as discussed by researchers at the Games Learning Society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Haytham Kenway and His Death
1. Did Connor Kenway Regret Killing Haytham?
Yes, Connor demonstrably regretted killing Haytham. The inscription he left by Haytham’s portrait, “sakataterihwáhten” (I made a mistake), is a clear indication of his remorse and the heavy emotional toll the act took on him.
2. Why Did Haytham Kenway Become a Templar?
Haytham’s journey into the Templar Order began with his upbringing and training under Birch. He was raised to believe in the Templar ideals of order and control, and his experiences, particularly the betrayal by Birch, solidified his commitment to their cause, seeing it as a means to bring stability to a chaotic world.
3. What Were Haytham Kenway’s Last Words?
Haytham’s last words are not explicitly stated. However, the recovered journal suggests a sense of resignation and a hope that Connor would understand his perspective, implying a desire for reconciliation, even in death.
4. Was Haytham Kenway a Good Person?
Haytham Kenway is a morally ambiguous character. He possesses charm, intelligence, and a strong sense of conviction, but his unwavering commitment to the Templar cause leads him to make morally questionable decisions. He believes he is acting for the greater good, even if it means sacrificing individual freedoms.
5. Did Haytham Kenway Love Connor?
Yes, despite their conflicting allegiances, there is evidence that Haytham cared for Connor. His attempts to sway Connor to the Templar side, and the contents of his journal, suggest a desire to connect with his son and share his worldview, indicating a degree of paternal affection.
6. Why Didn’t Haytham Tell Connor He Was His Father?
Haytham’s reasons for concealing his paternity from Connor are complex. He likely feared that revealing the truth would complicate Connor’s loyalties and make him more difficult to control. He may have also believed that Connor would be less receptive to the Templar cause if he knew his father was a high-ranking member.
7. How Many Assassin’s Creed Games is Haytham Kenway In?
Haytham Kenway is a significant character in Assassin’s Creed III. While he isn’t a playable character, his presence is felt through mentions and flashbacks in Assassin’s Creed Rogue.
8. What Was Haytham Kenway’s Goal?
Haytham’s primary goal was to secure Templar control in the American colonies and establish a new world order based on Templar principles. He believed that order and control were necessary to prevent chaos and ensure the progress of humanity.
9. How Old Was Haytham Kenway When He Died?
Haytham Kenway died in 1781. While his exact birthdate isn’t explicitly stated, estimates place him around 56 years old at the time of his death.
10. Who Trained Haytham Kenway?
Haytham Kenway was trained by Birch, a high-ranking Templar, who instilled in him the Templar ideals and shaped his worldview. This training was crucial in shaping Haytham into the influential Templar leader he became.
11. Could Connor Have Saved Haytham?
While Connor could have chosen not to kill Haytham, their fundamental ideological differences made a peaceful resolution unlikely. Haytham’s commitment to the Templar cause was unwavering, and Connor believed that Haytham’s actions threatened the freedom he was fighting for.
12. Was Haytham a Better Fighter Than Connor?
Haytham was a skilled and experienced fighter, but Connor’s youth, agility, and connection to his Native American heritage gave him an edge. Their fighting styles differed, with Haytham relying on calculated precision and Connor employing a more raw and aggressive approach. It’s debatable who would win in other circumstances, but on that fateful day, Connor prevailed.
13. What Did Connor Learn From Haytham’s Journal?
Haytham’s journal provided Connor with valuable insights into his father’s motivations, beliefs, and strategic thinking. It helped Connor understand the Templar perspective and potentially make more informed decisions in his own fight against them. It gave a richer understanding of his father’s intentions.
14. Is Haytham Kenway Considered a Villain?
Whether Haytham is considered a villain is subjective. From Connor’s perspective and the Assassin’s point of view, he is an antagonist. However, Haytham’s motivations are not purely malicious; he believes he is acting in the best interests of humanity, making him a complex and morally grey character rather than a straightforward villain.
15. What Happened to Connor Kenway After Killing Haytham?
After killing Haytham, Connor continued his fight for freedom and justice. He remained at the head of the North American Assassin Brotherhood, training his daughter to be an Assassin, until his death some years later from as-yet unknown causes. He had a long life, and was dedicated to what he believed in until the very end.
The tragic clash between Connor and Haytham Kenway serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of ideological conflict. While their relationship ended in tragedy, it remains one of the most compelling and memorable aspects of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, highlighting the complexity of morality and the enduring power of family ties.