The Shadow of A Father: Why Haytham Kenway Embraced the Templar Order
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Haytham Kenway’s path to becoming a formidable Templar Grand Master is a complex tapestry woven from grief, manipulation, and a fundamental difference in philosophical outlook. He didn’t simply “turn bad;” rather, his experiences and worldview led him down a different, arguably darker, path than his Assassin forebears. Haytham’s turn to the Templar Order stemmed from the murder of his father, Edward Kenway, followed by his subsequent manipulation by Templars. This trauma, coupled with a belief in order and control, and a rejection of the Assassin’s methods, solidified his commitment to the Templar cause, even to the point of sacrificing personal relationships, including that with his son, Connor.
The Seeds of Discontent: A Templar’s Genesis
Haytham’s early life, though marked by privilege and training under his Assassin father, Edward, was devoid of the ideological indoctrination that usually shapes an Assassin. Edward deliberately avoided exposing Haytham to the Assassin Brotherhood’s philosophies, instead instilling in him a sense of independent thought and critical questioning. This fostered a skeptical mind, receptive to alternative perspectives.
The pivotal moment arrived with Edward’s murder. This traumatic event left young Haytham vulnerable and seeking answers. Templars, capitalizing on his grief and thirst for vengeance, presented themselves as allies, offering him a path to justice and a sense of belonging. They subtly manipulated him, framing their ideology as a force for good, one that sought to bring order to a chaotic world, an order seemingly absent after his father’s assassination.
Haytham’s pragmatic nature further cemented his allegiance to the Templars. He witnessed firsthand the effectiveness of their methods, the tangible results they achieved through strategic planning and decisive action. The Assassins, in his eyes, were too often bound by idealism and a rigid code, hindering their ability to truly effect change.
Furthermore, Haytham’s personality played a crucial role. He possessed a natural inclination towards leadership, a desire to exert control and influence. The Templar Order, with its hierarchical structure and defined objectives, offered him the perfect platform to exercise these traits. He saw in the Templar vision a chance to build a better world, albeit one built on control rather than freedom.
The Price of Order: The Corruption of Ideals
However, the path Haytham chose was not without its sacrifices. As he ascended within the Templar ranks, he became increasingly ruthless and pragmatic. The “peace part” of the Templar ideal was overshadowed by the pursuit of power and the elimination of opposition. His willingness to sacrifice innocent lives for the greater good showcased a growing detachment from morality, fueled by his belief in the necessity of control.
Ultimately, Haytham’s dedication to the Templar cause led to the tragic confrontation with his son, Connor. His attempts to sway Connor to the Templar side failed, resulting in a final, fatal battle. Even in his final moments, Haytham remained steadfast in his beliefs, unwilling to compromise his vision for the world.
A Complex Legacy: Not Simply “Bad”
It is important to note that labeling Haytham as simply “bad” is a gross oversimplification. He was a complex character driven by his experiences and beliefs. He genuinely believed that the Templar Order offered the best path towards a stable and prosperous world. His methods were often brutal, but he justified them as necessary evils in the pursuit of a greater good, as he defined it. Haytham’s story underscores the dangers of unchecked power, the seductive allure of control, and the devastating consequences of sacrificing personal morality for the sake of ideology. You can learn more about the impact of gaming on culture and society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Haytham turn into a Templar after his father’s death?
Following his father’s murder in 1735, Haytham was manipulated into joining the Templar Order. They exploited his grief and desire for revenge, presenting themselves as allies who could offer him a path to justice and a sense of belonging. The Templars offered an explanation for the chaos, the perceived enemy, and a clear mission.
Did Haytham know Shay Cormac?
While the article mentions Haytham hearing the name Cormac O’Brien, it is erroneous to claim that Haytham believed Shay Cormac to be his father. In Assassin’s Creed: Rogue, Haytham is a young officer. Shay is a Templar who knew Haytham’s father, Edward. They were colleagues, not father and son.
Was Haytham a good person deep down?
This is subjective. Haytham’s actions were often morally questionable, but he genuinely believed he was working towards a better world. He showed moments of compassion, particularly towards his son, Connor, but his commitment to the Templar ideology ultimately overshadowed these qualities.
Did Haytham love Connor?
Yes, there’s evidence suggesting Haytham had affection for Connor. Despite their opposing allegiances, Haytham saved Connor from execution and expressed pride in him during his final moments. This highlights the internal conflict he faced, torn between his duty and his paternal feelings.
Why did Haytham not become an Assassin?
Haytham was never truly indoctrinated into the Assassin Brotherhood. His father, Edward, prioritized independent thought over strict adherence to their creed. This allowed Haytham to consider alternative ideologies, making him susceptible to the Templar’s influence.
Did Haytham betray Connor?
Yes. Haytham attempted to recruit Connor to the Templar cause. When that failed, and knowing Connor would continue to oppose the Templars, Haytham saw Connor as a threat that had to be eliminated.
What were Haytham’s goals as a Templar?
Haytham aimed to establish a stable and ordered society under Templar influence. He believed in controlling the masses for their own good, ensuring peace and prosperity through strategic manipulation and the elimination of dissent.
Is Connor Kenway an Assassin or Templar?
Connor is definitively an Assassin. He dedicated his life to fighting against the Templars and upholding the principles of freedom and free will.
Why did Achilles name Connor “Connor”?
Achilles, Ratonhnhaké:ton’s mentor, gave him the name “Connor” to help him integrate into colonial society and make it easier for him to interact with the colonists. He named him after his late son to pay respect.
Why did Ziio tell Haytham to leave?
Ziio, Connor’s mother, asked Haytham to leave after discovering his allegiance to the Templar Order. She felt betrayed and used, realizing that his presence in her village was part of a Templar scheme.
Did Haytham really love Ziio?
While the nature of their relationship is open to interpretation, there are indications that Haytham cared for Ziio. The fact that he respected her wishes and left the village suggests a level of genuine affection.
What happened to Connor after Assassin’s Creed 3?
After the events of Assassin’s Creed 3, Connor continued to lead the North American Assassin Brotherhood. He eventually trained his daughter to become an Assassin, ensuring the continuation of the fight against the Templars.
Why did Haytham have a hidden blade?
Haytham acquired a hidden blade early in his life, before becoming a Templar. It was “donated” from the Brotherhood, likely acquired after witnessing a Templar killing an Assassin. He kept it as a symbol of his past and a tool for his own purposes.
Did Haytham let Connor win their final fight?
Some believe that Haytham allowed Connor to kill him, as he knew what it would mean for him and the Templar Order if he killed his own son. However, the evidence suggests he fought to the end because he remained committed to his Templar ideals and was unwilling to abandon the cause.
Who is the most evil Templar?
The title of “most evil” is subjective, but Rodrigo Borgia is often considered one of the most ruthless and power-hungry Templars in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. His actions caused immense suffering and threatened to plunge the world into chaos. This also depends on the perspective of the player.