The Missing Ring Finger: Unveiling the History and Symbolism in Assassin’s Creed
The act of assassins cutting off their ring fingers, depicted throughout the Assassin’s Creed franchise, serves a dual purpose: practical functionality for the original Hidden Blade design and profound symbolic meaning within the Brotherhood. Initially, the removal of the ring finger was a necessity to allow the Hidden Blade to extend smoothly from the wrist, creating a concealed and deadly weapon. Over time, as technology evolved and the design of the blade improved, the amputation became a symbolic act, representing sacrifice, commitment, and loyalty to the Assassin Order.
The Practical Origins: Function Over Form
The original design of the Hidden Blade, as conceived in the early days of the Assassin Brotherhood, required a direct path for the blade to deploy. The ring finger, naturally positioned where the blade would extend, presented an obstacle. Removing the finger allowed for a clean, unobstructed path for the blade. This ensured a swift and silent strike, vital for an assassin’s success. This initial necessity ingrained itself within the Assassin Order’s traditions and beliefs.
The Symbolic Significance: Brotherhood and Sacrifice
Beyond its initial practical application, the amputation of the ring finger took on a deeper meaning. It became a rite of passage, a tangible demonstration of an assassin’s dedication to the Creed and the Brotherhood. The sacrifice of a body part, albeit a small one, symbolized the willingness to give up personal comfort and even physical integrity for the greater good. It represented a severing of ties with the outside world and a complete immersion into the Assassin’s path.
The missing finger became a visible badge of honor, a mark that identified an individual as a member of the Assassin Order. It served as a constant reminder of their commitment and the sacrifices they had made. This visual symbol also fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie within the Brotherhood, as each member shared a common experience and understood the weight of the decision. You can learn more about the impact of games and learning through the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Evolution of the Blade, Evolution of the Practice
As highlighted throughout the Assassin’s Creed games, technological advancements and the brilliance of characters like Leonardo da Vinci led to redesigns of the Hidden Blade. These improvements ultimately eliminated the need for amputation. New mechanisms and ergonomic designs allowed the blade to function effectively without requiring the physical alteration of the assassin’s hand.
Despite these innovations, the symbolic weight of the missing finger persisted for a time. Even after amputation was no longer a practical necessity, some Assassin Orders continued the tradition as a way to honor their history and maintain the symbolic representation of sacrifice and dedication.
A Legacy of Commitment
Ultimately, the practice of cutting off the ring finger faded as the Assassin Order evolved. While some groups clung to the tradition longer than others, it was eventually phased out in favor of other methods of demonstrating commitment and loyalty. The legacy of the missing finger remains as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before and the unwavering dedication required to uphold the principles of the Assassin Creed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was cutting off the ring finger a universal practice in all Assassin Orders?
No, while the practice was prevalent in many Assassin Orders, it wasn’t universally adopted. Some groups found alternative methods to demonstrate commitment, while others may have continued the tradition out of respect for their history.
2. Did all Hidden Blades require the user to cut off their finger?
No, only the early designs of the Hidden Blade necessitated the removal of the ring finger. Later designs, incorporating advancements in engineering, eliminated this requirement.
3. Did the Templars ever cut off their ring fingers?
Generally no, the Templars didn’t cut off their ring fingers. The practice was primarily associated with the Assassin Brotherhood. There are some examples like Rodrigo Borgia, Shay Cormac, and François-Thomas Germain, who also donned hoods to hide their identities.
4. How did Altaïr improve the Hidden Blade?
Altaïr, through his research and utilization of the Apple of Eden, made significant modifications to the Hidden Blade design, rendering the amputation of the ring finger unnecessary. Instead of cutting, they branded the fingers.
5. Why did Bayek lose his ring finger in Assassin’s Creed Origins?
In Assassin’s Creed Origins, Bayek accidentally amputated his finger during an assassination. This accidental loss then became a symbol of commitment for the Hidden Ones, the precursors to the Assassin Brotherhood.
6. How did Ezio’s Hidden Blade differ from Altaïr’s?
Ezio’s Hidden Blade, thanks to Leonardo da Vinci’s modifications, didn’t require the amputation of a finger. Da Vinci improved the mechanism, allowing for smoother deployment and functionality.
7. Was Lucy Stillman missing a finger?
No, Lucy Stillman was not missing a finger. In Assassin’s Creed she just folded it down as a symbol to show that she was an assassin like Desmond.
8. Why do Assassins wear beaked hoods?
The beaked hood design is an homage to the eagle, which represents the Assassin’s keen observation skills and swift, precise strikes.
9. Did the amputation of the ring finger have any long-term health consequences?
Yes, amputation of the ring finger would have had long-term health consequences, including pain, cold sensitivity, and potential limitations in hand dexterity. A severed finger injury may take several months to heal, after which point a person may still experience mild-to-severe pain and cold sensitivity for up to a year (or sometimes permanently). The person may require pain medications as well as physical therapy.
10. When did the Assassins stop cutting off their fingers?
It appears that after Altair’s changes in the twelfth century, Assassins no longer felt the need to cut their finger off due to safety. Indeed, modern day Assassin protagonist Desmond Miles has all of his fingers, indicating that the Assassins no longer amputate their fingers as part of initiation.
11. Why is Basim missing a finger?
When Eivor first meets the Assassins Hytham and Basim, the Viking scoffs at the supposed accidents they had with the blade that caused their missing fingers. Hytham retorts “This is no mistake. This is a voluntary sacrifice to prove our devotion.”
12. Who was the first Assassin to use a Hidden Blade?
In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the first known use of a Hidden Blade is attributed to Darius, who used it to assassinate King Xerxes around 500 BCE.
13. What happens if your ring finger gets cut off?
A severed finger injury may take several months to heal, after which point a person may still experience mild-to-severe pain and cold sensitivity for up to a year (or sometimes permanently). The person may require pain medications as well as physical therapy.
14. What is the significance of the Creed in the Assassin Order?
The Creed is a set of principles and guidelines that govern the actions of the Assassins, emphasizing freedom, knowledge, and vigilance. It provides a moral framework for their fight against oppression and injustice.
15. Why did the Assassins choose birds, specifically eagles, as a symbol?
The eagle symbolizes the Assassin’s predatory nature, their ability to observe from a high vantage point, and their swift and precise strikes. The GamesLearningSociety.org is a great place to learn more about the educational impact of gaming.