The Genesis of the Creed: Unmasking the First Assassin
For fans of the hugely popular Assassin's Creed video game series, the question of who the very first assassin in the franchise truly is often sparks lively debate. While the games introduce us to a multitude of skilled individuals fighting for freedom, the answer isn't as straightforward as pointing to a single character with a dagger and a hidden blade from the dawn of time. Instead, it delves into the foundational lore of the Assassin Brotherhood itself.
The Dawn of the Brotherhood: A Mythical Figure
When we talk about the "very first assassin" in the context of the Assassin's Creed universe, we're often referring to a mythical, almost legendary figure known as The First Assassin. This individual is credited with establishing the core principles and the very organization that would become the Assassin Brotherhood, a secret society dedicated to safeguarding free will from those who seek to control humanity.
While specific details about The First Assassin's identity are shrouded in mystery, the lore suggests this figure emerged during an era of great conflict and oppression. They recognized the need for a force that would stand against tyranny and uphold the right of individuals to make their own choices, free from the subjugation of powerful entities, often referred to as Templars.
Key Principles Established by the First Assassin
- The Creed: The foundational tenets of the Brotherhood, emphasizing freedom, justice, and the fight against oppression.
- The Hidden Blade: The iconic weapon of the assassins, a symbol of stealth, precision, and the willingness to strike from the shadows.
- The Brotherhood: The organization itself, a network of individuals trained in combat, stealth, and infiltration, united by a common cause.
Bayek of Siwa: The "Father" of the Brotherhood in the Games
However, for players who have experienced the games chronologically through their release, the character often recognized as the "founder" of the Brotherhood as we know it is Bayek of Siwa, the protagonist of Assassin's Creed Origins. Set in ancient Egypt around 49 BCE, Origins meticulously details Bayek's journey from a protective father seeking vengeance to the first Medjay who actively forms the organization that will evolve into the Assassin Brotherhood.
Bayek's personal tragedy fuels his desire to eliminate those who wronged him and their shadowy organization, the Order of the Ancients (the precursor to the Templars). In his quest for justice, he gathers like-minded individuals and together they forge the tools, tactics, and the very spirit that defines the assassins. He is the one who truly begins to formalize the "Creed" in a tangible way, laying the groundwork for future generations.
"We work in the dark to serve the light. We are assassins." - Bayek of Siwa
While the mythical First Assassin represents the theoretical genesis, Bayek is the character who, within the narrative of the games, actively and deliberately creates the *organization* and instills the *philosophy* that defines the Assassins. He is the first to unite individuals under the banner of the Creed and to systematically dismantle the forces that seek to control society.
The Distinction Between Myth and Game Narrative
It's important to distinguish between the lore of the "First Assassin" as a foundational myth and Bayek as the in-game protagonist who builds the Brotherhood. The myth provides the spiritual origin, while Bayek provides the practical, narrative origin that players experience firsthand.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
How did the First Assassin establish the Creed?
The exact methods of the mythical First Assassin are not fully detailed. However, the lore suggests they rallied individuals disillusioned with oppression and taught them the importance of free will and the necessity of opposing tyrannical forces. This formed the bedrock of the Assassin's philosophy and operational code.
Why is Bayek of Siwa considered the founder of the Brotherhood?
Bayek is considered the founder in the game's narrative because he actively organized a group of individuals, trained them, and gave them a unified purpose: to fight for freedom. He developed the early structures, traditions, and the nascent form of the Creed that would be passed down through centuries.
Is the First Assassin a real historical figure?
The "First Assassin" is a mythical figure within the Assassin's Creed universe, not a figure from real-world history. They represent the ideological beginning of the Assassin Brotherhood.
Why are there different "firsts" in Assassin's Creed lore?
The distinction arises from the difference between the overarching, ancient mythology of the Brotherhood and the specific narrative creation of the organization within the games. Bayek is the first protagonist to *formally* establish the Brotherhood as seen in the games, while the mythical First Assassin represents a much older, foundational origin of the concept.
