Why Did Basim Hate Odin? Unraveling the Assassin’s Creed Enigma
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Basim’s animosity towards Odin, as experienced through Eivor in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, stems from a complex web of Isu memories, betrayal, and the desire for revenge. Basim is the reincarnation of Loki, and his hatred is rooted in Odin’s (Havi’s) actions during the Isu era, specifically the mistreatment and binding of Fenrir, Loki’s son. This event, coupled with other perceived betrayals by the Aesir gods, fueled Loki’s (and consequently, Basim’s) burning desire for retribution. He saw Odin’s reincarnation in Eivor, triggering a cascade of ingrained resentment and a thirst to settle old scores.
The Seeds of Hatred: Loki’s Perspective
To truly understand Basim’s hatred, we must delve into the lore surrounding the Isu. The Isu were a highly advanced civilization that predated humanity, and whose memories and genetic material were passed down through certain bloodlines. Loki, as an Isu, harbored deep-seated anger towards Odin for several reasons:
- The Binding of Fenrir: This is the primary catalyst for Loki’s rage. Fenrir, one of Loki’s offspring, was deemed a threat by the Aesir. Fearing his immense power, they tricked him into being bound with a magical chain. Loki viewed this as a monstrous betrayal, as it involved deceiving and imprisoning his son.
- Perceived Betrayals by the Aesir: Beyond Fenrir, Loki felt consistently marginalized and manipulated by the Aesir, led by Odin. He saw their actions as self-serving and oppressive, further solidifying his resentment. The Isu era was rife with power struggles and complex relationships, leaving Loki feeling victimized by Odin and his allies.
- Reincarnation and the Resurfacing of Memories: The process of reincarnation, intended to preserve Isu consciousness after the Great Catastrophe, wasn’t perfect. While Basim initially lived a normal life, the suppressed memories of Loki gradually surfaced, influencing his actions and eventually taking over his personality. The resurfacing of these memories brought with it the full weight of Loki’s past grievances and desire for revenge.
Basim’s Actions: A Manifestation of Loki’s Wrath
Basim’s actions in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla are a direct result of Loki’s influence and desire for vengeance. He sees Eivor as Odin, the figure who wronged him and his son in the Isu era. This distorted perception drives him to attack and manipulate Eivor and Sigurd, all in the name of settling old scores.
- The Attack on Eivor: This is a direct manifestation of Loki’s hatred for Odin. Basim sees Eivor as a representation of Odin and a target for his revenge. The conflict isn’t personal between Basim and Eivor; it’s a continuation of the ancient Isu conflict.
- Manipulation of Sigurd: Basim’s influence over Sigurd, encouraging him to believe he is Tyr, serves a dual purpose. First, it destabilizes the group, creating chaos and mistrust. Second, it positions Sigurd as a pawn in Loki’s larger game, furthering his agenda against the Aesir.
- Seeking Reunion with His Children: A key motivation for Basim/Loki is to reunite with his children: Fenrir, Jörmungandr (the World Serpent), and Hel. He views the modern world as an opportunity to restore his family and reclaim what he lost in the Isu era.
More Than Just Revenge: A Quest for Justice?
While revenge is a primary motivator, it’s possible to interpret Basim’s actions as a misguided quest for justice. From Loki’s perspective, he and his family were wronged by the Aesir, and he is simply seeking to rectify those injustices. However, the methods he employs are often ruthless and manipulative, blurring the lines between justice and vengeance.
The story of Basim and his hatred for Odin delves into complex themes of memory, identity, and the consequences of past actions. It explores the long-lasting impact of betrayal and the lengths to which individuals will go to seek retribution, even across millennia and through reincarnation. It also underscores the moral ambiguities inherent in conflicts, questioning whether revenge can ever truly bring closure or justice. For more information on game based learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Did Basim become fully Loki?
Yes, over time, Loki’s personality began to dominate Basim’s, ultimately leading to him acting primarily on Loki’s desires and memories. While Basim’s original personality was present, it was increasingly subsumed by the powerful Isu consciousness.
2. Why did Basim say, “You widowed my destiny, Wolf-Kissed?”
This refers to Odin’s (Eivor’s) actions in the Isu era that Loki perceived as altering his fate and depriving him of what he believed was rightfully his. This encapsulates the betrayal and resentment Loki held towards Odin.
3. Was Basim truly evil?
That’s a matter of perspective. From Loki’s point of view, he was wronged and seeking justice for the treatment of his son and himself. However, his methods were often cruel and manipulative. The story presents a morally grey character driven by a desire to settle old scores.
4. Did Basim only see Odin when he looked at Eivor?
While Eivor was a distinct individual, Basim/Loki’s perception was heavily influenced by the surfacing Isu memories. He saw Eivor as a representation of Odin, triggering his ingrained hatred and desire for revenge.
5. Did Basim think Sigurd was Odin?
No, Basim manipulated Sigurd into believing he was Tyr, another Isu figure. This was a strategic move to destabilize the group and further his own agenda.
6. Is Basim Altair’s father?
No, Basim is not Altaïr’s father. Umar Ibn-La’Ahad is confirmed as Altaïr’s father. However, they might be distantly related through bloodlines, given their similar appearances.
7. What did Basim do to Layla?
Basim used the Staff of Eden to enter the Grey, a digital representation of Valhalla, leaving Layla behind. This act served his own goals related to the Isu and his desire for revenge.
8. Did Basim really have a son in his past life?
Yes, Basim, or rather Loki, had children in the Isu era, most notably Fenrir. The binding of Fenrir is a key motivator for Loki’s hatred of Odin.
9. Did Basim know he was Loki from the start?
No, the memories of Loki were initially dormant within Basim. They gradually surfaced over time, influencing his actions and eventually taking over his personality.
10. Did Basim betray Layla?
Yes, Basim’s actions in leaving Layla behind in the Grey constituted a betrayal. He prioritized his own goals over her well-being.
11. What did William Miles want from Basim?
William Miles sought to understand Basim’s nature as an Isu reincarnation and how he survived for so long. He also wanted to access Basim’s genetic memories.
12. Does it matter who Eivor sleeps with?
Romances in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla are mostly passing diversions and do not significantly impact the main storyline or Eivor’s core relationships.
13. Why do they call Eivor Havi?
Havi is one of Odin’s many names. Eivor is revealed to be a reincarnation of Odin (Havi), explaining why she is sometimes referred to by that name.
14. What is Eivor’s canon gender in Valhalla?
Female Eivor is considered the canonical gender. The game explains that the Animus sometimes interprets Eivor as male due to the presence of Odin’s DNA.
15. What is the significance of Eivor losing an eye?
Eivor’s loss of an eye is a symbolic parallel to Odin, who sacrificed an eye for wisdom. This reinforces the connection between Eivor and Odin. This connection is further explored by the Games Learning Society through their exploration of narrative themes in video games.