The Evolution of Assassin's Creed Lore: Preparing for Assassin's Creed Shadows

The Assassin's Creed franchise has captivated gamers worldwide since its debut in 2007. With each installment, the series has expanded its rich lore, blending historical events with a fictional narrative that explores the eternal struggle between the Assassins and the Templars. As we eagerly anticipate the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, let's take an in-depth look at the lore that has shaped this iconic series.

The Foundations of Assassin's Creed Lore

The Original Assassin: Altair Ibn-La'Ahad

The journey began with Altair Ibn-La'Ahad in the first Assassin's Creed game. Set during the Third Crusade, Altair's story introduced players to the Assassins, a secretive order dedicated to preserving free will by eliminating key figures who sought to control humanity. Altair's quest to regain his honor after a failed mission served as the foundation for the series' core themes: freedom, power, and redemption.

The Apple of Eden and the Pieces of Eden

Central to the lore is the concept of the Pieces of Eden, powerful artifacts created by the mysterious First Civilization. The Apple of Eden, one of these artifacts, can control human minds and alter reality. Throughout the series, various Pieces of Eden play pivotal roles, driving the conflict between the Assassins and the Templars, who seek these artifacts to impose their order on the world.

The Renaissance Era: Ezio Auditore da Firenze

A New Hero Emerges

Assassin's Creed II introduced Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a charismatic and relatable protagonist whose journey spanned three games. Set during the Italian Renaissance, Ezio's story was rich with historical figures and events, from Leonardo da Vinci to the Borgias. His transformation from a carefree young nobleman to a master Assassin resonated with players and solidified the franchise's reputation for blending historical accuracy with engaging storytelling.

The Codex and the Brotherhood

Ezio's quest to uncover the secrets of the Assassins and the Templars led him to the Codex, a collection of writings by Altair that detailed the order's history and techniques. This narrative device not only connected Ezio's story to the original game but also expanded the lore by introducing the concept of the Brotherhood—a global network of Assassins working together to thwart the Templars' plans.

The American Revolution: Connor Kenway

A New Setting and a New Assassin

Assassin's Creed III shifted the action to the American Revolution, introducing players to Connor Kenway (Ratonhnhaké

), a half-Mohawk, half-English Assassin. Connor's story explored the complexities of colonial America and the diverse motivations of those involved in the revolution. His struggle to protect his people while adhering to the Assassin's creed added depth to the franchise's exploration of freedom and justice.

The Homestead and Naval Combat

The introduction of the Homestead, a customizable base of operations, and naval combat mechanics were significant gameplay innovations. These elements enriched the lore by showing how the Assassins adapted to different environments and time periods, leveraging new technologies and tactics to further their cause.

The Golden Age of Piracy: Edward Kenway

Pirates and Assassins

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag took the series to the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy. Players took on the role of Edward Kenway, a pirate who becomes an Assassin. This installment blended the thrill of pirate adventures with the ongoing conflict between Assassins and Templars, highlighting the chaotic and lawless nature of the era.

The Observatory and Sage

The lore expanded with the introduction of the Observatory, a First Civilization site capable of tracking any person through their blood. The concept of the Sage, a reincarnated individual with the memories of a First Civilization member, added another layer to the series' mythology, linking the past and present in intriguing ways.

The French Revolution and Industrial Era

Unity and Syndicate

Assassin's Creed Unity and Assassin's Creed Syndicate brought the series to the French Revolution and Industrial Revolution, respectively. Unity's Arno Dorian navigated the tumultuous streets of Paris, while Syndicate's twin protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, fought for justice in Victorian London. These games continued to explore themes of social upheaval and the impact of technological advancement on society.

Helix and Modern-Day Storylines

These entries also introduced the concept of Helix, a commercialized version of the Animus technology that allowed users to experience historical memories. The modern-day storylines evolved, with players taking on the role of various Abstergo employees and Assassins, deepening the connection between the past and present.

Ancient Civilizations and Mythology

Origins and Odyssey

Assassin's Creed Origins and Assassin's Creed Odyssey delved into the ancient worlds of Egypt and Greece, respectively. Origins told the story of Bayek of Siwa, the founder of the Assassin Brotherhood, while Odyssey followed the journey of Kassandra (or Alexios), a Spartan mercenary with ties to the First Civilization. These games incorporated elements of mythology and expanded the lore to include the origins of the Assassins and their eternal conflict with the Templars.

The Isu and Atlantis

The Isu, the First Civilization, took center stage in these entries. Players uncovered the secrets of Atlantis and learned about the Isu's downfall, their manipulation of humanity, and the creation of the Pieces of Eden. These revelations added significant depth to the lore, establishing a cosmic scale to the Assassins' struggle.

The Viking Age: Eivor Varinsdottir

A New Dawn

Assassin's Creed Valhalla transported players to the Viking Age, where they assumed the role of Eivor Varinsdottir, a Norse warrior who becomes embroiled in the conflict between the Assassins and the Templars. Valhalla's narrative explored themes of conquest, settlement, and the blending of cultures, highlighting the Assassins' influence on historical events.

The Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients

Valhalla reintroduced the Hidden Ones (proto-Assassins) and the Order of the Ancients (proto-Templars), exploring their activities in early medieval Europe. This connection to the series' roots provided a sense of continuity while expanding the lore to encompass new geographical and cultural contexts.

The Modern-Day Conflict

Layla Hassan and the Present-Day Story

Throughout these historical adventures, the modern-day storyline continued to evolve. Layla Hassan, introduced in Origins, became a central character, uncovering ancient secrets and battling the modern-day Templars (Abstergo Industries). Her journey intertwined with the historical narratives, providing a contemporary perspective on the ongoing struggle between the Assassins and the Templars.

The Fate of the World

The modern-day storyline reached a climax in Valhalla, where Layla's actions had profound implications for the future of humanity. The introduction of the Reader, a mysterious figure guiding Layla, hinted at even deeper layers of the lore yet to be explored.

The Isu: The First Civilization

Origins and Influence

The Isu, often referred to as the First Civilization, are an advanced and ancient species that predate humanity. The Isu were responsible for creating the Pieces of Eden, powerful artifacts that play a central role in the Assassin's Creed series. These artifacts, including the Apple of Eden, were used by the Isu to control and manipulate early humans, who they created as a slave race.

The War with Humanity

The relationship between the Isu and humans eventually led to a catastrophic war. Humans, led by figures such as Adam and Eve (the first recorded human rebels), fought against their Isu overlords. This rebellion, coupled with a natural disaster known as the Toba Catastrophe, led to the downfall of the Isu civilization. Only a few Isu survived, and their legacy continued through the Pieces of Eden and their influence on human history.

Legacy and Modern Impact

The Isu's legacy is deeply embedded in the Assassin's Creed lore. Characters such as Minerva, Juno, and Aita play crucial roles in the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars. Their advanced technology and foresight have shaped the course of human events, and their influence is a recurring theme throughout the series. The modern-day storyline often revolves around uncovering Isu secrets and preventing their technology from falling into the wrong hands.

Anticipating Assassin's Creed Shadows

What We Know So Far

As we look forward to Assassin's Creed Shadows, speculation abounds regarding its setting, characters, and plot. While Ubisoft has kept details under wraps, hints and leaks suggest a possible focus on feudal Japan or the samurai era, a long-requested setting by fans. This new installment promises to build on the rich lore of the series, introducing new historical figures, artifacts, and conflicts.

The Evolution of Gameplay and Storytelling

Assassin's Creed Shadows is expected to continue the franchise's evolution in gameplay and storytelling. Innovations in combat, stealth mechanics, and exploration are anticipated, along with a deeper integration of mythology and historical events. The modern-day storyline is likely to advance, with new revelations about the Assassins, Templars, and the First Civilization.

The Legacy of Assassin's Creed

As the series approaches its latest installment, it's worth reflecting on its legacy. Assassin's Creed has not only provided countless hours of entertainment but has also educated players about historical events and cultures. Its unique blend of history and fiction has made it a beloved franchise, with a dedicated fanbase eager to uncover every secret and detail.

Conclusion: The Future of Assassin's Creed

The lore of Assassin's Creed is a tapestry of historical events, mythical elements, and enduring themes of freedom and power. With each new game, the series expands this tapestry, weaving in new stories and characters that enrich the overall narrative. As we prepare for Assassin's Creed Shadows, the anticipation is palpable. What new adventures await? What secrets will be unveiled? One thing is certain: the legacy of Assassin's Creed will continue to captivate and inspire gamers for years to come.

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