Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad
General Info
| Gender | Male |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Master Assassin, Mentor |
| Birth Date | 1165-01-01 |
| Birth Place | Masyaf, Assasins' fortress, Syria |
| Knows about | The Apple of Eden, The Assassins' Creed, The Templar Order |
| Nationality | Syrian |
| Alternate Name | The Eagle of Masyaf |
| Character Name | Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad |
| Member of Organization | The Assassin Order |
Introduction
Altaïr was known for his unparalleled skills in parkour, stealth, and combat. It was he who implemented newer and more effective strategies and tactics in killing methodologies. In his quest for redemption, Altaïr not only mastered the art of assassination, but also relentlessly pursued knowledge and understood the true essence of Assassin's Creed: "Nothing is true, everything is permitted."
Altaïr's journey touches on moral complexities, highlighting the gray areas between good and evil, thus shaping the faith of the future generation of assassins. His life story is an odyssey of revelation, discipline and sacrifice, making Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad an indelible figure in the Assassin's Creed pantheon. His timeless story continues to inspire and guide his successors, creating a legacy that is reflected in the annals of the Assassin Brotherhood.
Biography
Altaïr went through trials that shaped his life from an early age. When she was only 11 years old, her parents were killed by the Templars, carving a burning desire for revenge in her young heart. However, this tragic event did not stop him from becoming a disciplined Assassin under Al Mualim. Reckless and brash, Altaïr did not initially have the ideal qualities of an assassin. It was his reckless behavior that led to the death of another Assassin on a mission, which led to his death. Altaïr was stripped of his rank and status and given the opportunity to redeem himself by retrieving the Apple of Eden.
Altair's quest for salvation was a personal catalyst that initiated significant change. Created by the wisdom of a mysterious artifact, he renewed the fabric of the faith for more enlightened teachings and equality where gender was no barrier in the Assassin Brotherhood. Altaïr eventually became a mentor to the Assassin Brotherhood and led the organization into a new era. His philosophy and teachings were immortalized in the Codex, a comprehensive manual for would-be assassins that influenced the faith for centuries.
Altaïr married Maria Thorpe, a former Templar, and had two children. His family also played a major role in reshaping the main events of the Assassin's Creed universe, further underscoring his importance.
After death, Altaïr's contribution lives on, his legacy sealed between the pages of the Codex and the walls of Masyaf. His indomitable spirit resonates with the Assassin Brotherhood, and his insights and ideologies continue to inspire countless lives from generation to generation. Warrior, mentor, and visionary, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad truly embodies the essence of an assassin.
Creation and Development
Given the historically charged era, it was imperative to create a character that reflected the complexity of the period and still resonated with modern players. Born to a Christian mother and a Muslim father, Altaïr embodies the conflicts of the era through his heritage and membership in the Order of Assassins.
The character takes his name and inspiration from two sources. Altaïr is an Arabic term for "Flying" or "Bird of Prey", reflecting the character's fast, directional movements and ability to run freely at high altitudes. Furthermore, Ibn-La'Ahad, which means "son of nobody" in Arabic, emphasizes his identity as a loner away from normal society due to his secret profession.
In terms of physical design, Altaïr's clothing is a stylized video game adaptation of the traditional clothing worn during the Third Crusade era. The hooded white robe has become a trademark of the characters in the series, reflecting Altaïr's path as an assassin, often symbolizing purity and death.
The character of Altaïr was well received and became an iconic figure in the gaming world due to his multi-layered personality and the immersive backdrop of the world of Assassin's Creed. It shows the artistry and extensive research that Ubisoft invested in bringing such a complex character to life, and is a solid foundation for one of the most successful franchises in video game history.
Character Profile
Unlike most, Altaïr's commitment to faith went beyond mere duty. He embodied the principles of free will and truth because he believed it was essential to liberate both minds and territories. As a result, he often clashed with his handlers, culminating in a confrontation with his mentor, Al Mualim. After this rebellion, Altaïr embarked on a mission of reform. He revolutionized the Assassin Order with advanced technology and equipment, including a double hidden blade and a poison blade. His discipline, courage and vision inspired a string of famous assassins, ensuring his influence would last for centuries.
But despite his legendary appearance, Altaïr was human. His journey was marked by great personal losses and difficult moral dilemmas. His relationship with his family, especially his wife Maria, added more layers to his character.
Ultimately, Altaïr's story is a story of redemption. Despite his initial arrogance and rebellion, his indomitable spirit made him a beacon of hope and change. His legacy lives on, remembered in the epic storytelling and daring deeds that defined the Assassin's Creed universe.
Story Arc
A breakthrough occurs when he violates the teachings of the faith out of arrogance, which leads to degradation. In an attempt to redeem himself, he embarks on assassination missions against nine members of the Templar Order. Along this dangerous path, Altaïr uncovers a plan to rewrite humanity's free will while exposing the corrupt intentions of his mentor, Al Mualim. The decisive moment in Altaïr's plot is the confrontation with Al Mualim. The battle shows Altaïr's confirmation that he is a true assassin who fully understands and adheres to the tenets of the faith. His defeat of Al Mualim represents a rejection of manipulative tyranny in defense of the assassins' struggle for free will. As a result, he becomes a mentor and reformer to the Assassin Brotherhood, focusing on imparting wisdom and ethical standards to fellow assassins.
Throughout his life, Altaïr's dedication to personal growth, understanding, and enlightenment, along with the technological advances achieved under his mentorship, greatly influenced the Brotherhood over the centuries. This monumental legacy, confirmed by his ideologies and the creation of the Codex, is the foundation of Altaïr's phenomenal character development and an example of compelling storytelling.
Cultural Impact
A beloved player character, Altaïr brought an understanding and interest to a historical period that hadn't been explored in mainstream games before. His character, heavily influenced by the philosophical and moral dilemmas of the time, invites the player to think beyond the usual notions of right and wrong. It opened up an engaging and introspective dialogue among fans about the morality and cultural complexities of the crusading era. Furthermore, the portrayal of Altaïr as a disciplined, determined and caring character contrasts with the stereotypical portrayal of Middle Eastern characters, encouraging player understanding and empathy. Its influence extends beyond the game and affects how storytellers consider diversity and cultural representation in their stories.