Why Did Altaïr Lose His Ring Finger? The Truth Behind the Hidden Blade
Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, the iconic protagonist of the first Assassin’s Creed game, is known for his exceptional skills and unwavering dedication to the Assassin Brotherhood. A defining physical characteristic of many early assassins, including Altaïr, was the missing ring finger on their left hand. This was a necessary sacrifice due to the original design of the Hidden Blade, which, without modification, would have severed the finger upon deployment. The removal of the ring finger wasn’t just a design necessity; it was also a symbol of commitment and loyalty to the Creed.
The Hidden Blade’s Early Design Flaw
The early Hidden Blade was a revolutionary piece of technology for its time, allowing assassins to strike swiftly and silently. However, its initial design was far from perfect. When deployed, the blade extended directly in line with the hand, requiring the user to arch their fingers back to avoid injury. The ring finger was directly in the path of the blade, making its removal a prerequisite for safe and effective use.
This design flaw highlights the primitive nature of the technology in Altaïr’s era. The Assassins were willing to endure the physical cost of a missing finger to gain the advantage provided by the Hidden Blade. This act also served as a rite of passage, signifying their complete dedication to the Brotherhood and its principles. It was a visible and permanent reminder of their oath.
Altaïr’s Innovation: Modifying the Blade and the Ritual
Over time, Altaïr, with the help of the Apple of Eden, made significant advancements to the Hidden Blade’s design. He realized that the sacrifice of a finger was unnecessary and that the blade could be modified to be more user-friendly. This is where his genius came into play.
Instead of requiring the removal of the ring finger, Altaïr implemented a new system. While the Hidden Blade now could be wielded without the removal of the finger, he still had the assassins brand their ring fingers as a mark. He changed the ritualistic symbolism of the Brotherhood. This made wielding the Hidden Blade more accessible and reduced the physical toll on new recruits.
The Legacy of the Hidden Blade and Its Impact on Later Assassins
Altaïr’s modifications had a profound impact on future generations of Assassins. His redesigned Hidden Blade paved the way for further improvements, ultimately leading to the more sophisticated versions used by characters like Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Ezio, for example, did not need to remove his finger, thanks to the designs and inventions of Leonardo Da Vinci.
This evolution of the Hidden Blade reflects the ongoing struggle between technology and tradition within the Assassin Brotherhood. While the sacrifice of the ring finger was initially a core part of their identity, the pursuit of efficiency and progress led to its eventual abandonment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Altaïr’s missing ring finger, the Hidden Blade, and its impact on other assassins:
Question 1: Was Giovanni Auditore missing a finger?
No, Giovanni Auditore, Ezio’s father, was not missing a finger. By his time, the Hidden Blade had been modified, thanks to Altaïr’s research and later refinements.
Question 2: Why Altaïr was never hit in Assassin’s Creed 1?
This is a gameplay abstraction rather than a narrative fact. The synchronization bar represents how closely the player is adhering to Altaïr’s historical memories. Being hit diminishes synchronization, but it doesn’t mean Altaïr was literally never struck.
Question 3: Is Lucy Stillman missing a finger?
This is a common misunderstanding. Lucy is not missing a finger. She folds it over to indicate to Desmond that she’s affiliated with the Assassins, a subtle way of communicating her allegiance within Abstergo.
Question 4: How did Eivor lose their finger?
Eivor did not canonically lose a finger in the main story of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Equipping Basim’s Outfit visually removes her ring finger as a reference to the Hidden Blade’s older design.
Question 5: Did Ezio cut off his finger?
No, Ezio did not cut off his finger. Leonardo Da Vinci redesigned the Hidden Blade, making the removal of the ring finger unnecessary. This is explicitly shown in Assassin’s Creed II.
Question 6: Who is more skilled, Ezio or Altaïr?
Lore-wise, Altaïr is considered the most skilled assassin. While gameplay mechanics can be misleading, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations hints at Altaïr’s legendary status and skill.
Question 7: What was Altaïr holding when he died?
Altaïr was holding a sixth seal when he died in his library. These seals contained memories and data related to the Apple of Eden.
Question 8: Why did Malik hate Altaïr?
Malik harbored resentment towards Altaïr because Altaïr’s arrogance led to the death of Malik’s brother and the loss of Malik’s arm during a mission.
Question 9: Who did Ezio see before he died?
Ezio saw a young man who reminded him of his younger self before he passed away from a heart attack.
Question 10: Why didn’t Ezio lose a finger?
As stated before, Da Vinci’s improvements to the Hidden Blade made it so he no longer had to cut off a finger.
Question 11: Is Desmond Miles an Auditore?
Desmond Miles is a descendant of both Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad and Ezio Auditore da Firenze, among other notable figures in the Assassin’s Creed universe.
Question 12: What was the significance of cutting off the ring finger?
The cutting of the ring finger held a deep symbolic meaning for the Brotherhood. It represented a sacrifice and total commitment to the Creed.
Question 13: Who killed Altaïr’s wife, Maria?
Maria was tragically killed by Swami, Abbas’s right-hand man, in a fit of uncontrolled rage after Swami was attacked by Altaïr using the Apple of Eden.
Question 14: How old was Ezio when he died?
Ezio died at the age of 65 in Florence, Italy.
Question 15: Where can I learn more about the connection between games and education?
For more information on the educational aspects of gaming, explore resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization studies the many ways that games can promote learning.