Ubisoft has once again activated the Animus, this time transporting us to Japan's Sengoku Period with Assassin's Creed Shadows. The game introduces us to historical figures from 1579, including Fujibayashi Nagato, Akechi Mitsuhide, and Yasuke, the African samurai who served Oda Nobunaga. As with previous entries in the series, these characters are intricately woven into a narrative that blends fact with fiction, exploring themes of revenge, betrayal, and murder. While the game humorously suggests that Yasuke had to kill everyone to gather enough XP for a gold-tier weapon, it's a playful nod to the series' blend of history and gaming mechanics.
Assassin's Creed is renowned for its historical fiction, crafting stories that fill historical gaps with tales of science fiction and conspiracy. The series delves into the lore of a secret society aiming to control the world using the mystical powers of a pre-human civilization. Ubisoft's open-world environments are meticulously researched and rooted in history, yet it's crucial to recognize that these games are not history lessons. The developers often alter historical facts to enhance the storytelling, creating a rich tapestry of alternate history.
Here are ten notable instances where Assassin's Creed has creatively rewritten history:
The Assassins vs Templars War
The central conflict between the Assassins and Templars is entirely fictional. Historically, there is no evidence that the Order of Assassins, founded in 1090 AD, and the Knights Templar, established in 1118, were ever at war. Both groups were disbanded by 1312, and their only shared involvement was in the Crusades. Assassin's Creed's narrative of a centuries-long ideological battle is a creative liberty taken to enrich the game's storyline.
The Borgias and their Superpowered Pope
In Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood, the Borgia family, particularly Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, who becomes Pope Alexander VI, is portrayed as the Templar Grand Master. This narrative, including the quest for the magical Apple of Eden and a pope with god-like powers, is entirely fictional. While the Borgias were historically controversial, the game's depiction of them as Renaissance-era villains, with Cesare Borgia as an incestuous psychopath, is a significant deviation from historical accounts.
Machiavelli, Enemy of the Borgias
Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood portray Niccolò Machiavelli as Ezio's ally and leader of the Italian Assassin's Bureau. However, Machiavelli's real-life philosophies and actions suggest he would not have aligned with the Assassins. He viewed Rodrigo Borgia as a successful con man and served as a diplomat under Cesare Borgia, whom he considered a model ruler. The game's depiction of Machiavelli's relationship with the Borgias is a creative reinterpretation.
The Incredible Leonardo da Vinci and his Flying Machine
Assassin's Creed 2 showcases a strong portrayal of Leonardo da Vinci's charisma and wit. However, the game alters his timeline, moving him from Florence to Venice in 1481, contrary to his actual move to Milan in 1482. While da Vinci's designs for a machine gun, tank, and flying machine are brought to life in the game, there is no historical evidence that these were ever built or flown. The flying machine, in particular, is a creative leap from da Vinci's theoretical designs.
The Bloody Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party, a pivotal event in the American Revolution, was historically a non-violent protest. In Assassin's Creed 3, however, protagonist Connor turns it into a violent confrontation, killing British guards while others dump tea. The game also suggests Samuel Adams masterminded the event, a claim historians debate. This portrayal significantly alters the peaceful nature of the original protest.
The Lone Mohawk
Assassin's Creed 3's protagonist, Connor, a Mohawk, fights alongside the Patriots against the British, despite the Mohawk's historical alliance with the British. This scenario was debated by historians as unlikely, though inspired by figures like Louis Cook, a Mohawk who fought with the Continental Army. Connor's story explores the "what if" scenario of a Mohawk siding with the Patriots, adding depth to the narrative.
The Templar Revolution
Assassin's Creed Unity's depiction of the French Revolution suggests a Templar conspiracy behind the food crisis and Reign of Terror, simplifying the complex causes of the revolution. Historically, the famine was due to natural disasters, and the revolution unfolded over years due to multiple issues. The game's portrayal leans towards a counter-revolutionary narrative, which is a significant departure from historical reality.
The Controversial Killing of King Louis 16
In Assassin's Creed Unity, the execution of King Louis 16 is depicted as a close vote swayed by a Templar, suggesting controversy over his death. In reality, the vote was a clear majority in favor of execution. The game also downplays the widespread anger against the French aristocracy and barely addresses the King's attempt to flee France, which contributed to his treason charges.
Jack the Assassin
Assassin's Creed Syndicate reimagines Jack the Ripper as a rogue Assassin who takes over the London Brotherhood. Historically, Jack the Ripper was a serial killer whose identity remains unknown. The game's narrative of Jack being trained by Jacob Frye and turning the Brotherhood into a criminal gang is a creative twist on the historical mystery.
The Assassination of the Tyrant Julius Caesar
Assassin's Creed Origins reinterprets Julius Caesar's assassination, portraying him as a proto-Templar whose death prevents global terror. Historically, Caesar was a popular leader who advocated for land redistribution. The game's depiction of his assassination as a victory against tyranny is a significant deviation, as it actually led to the collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Empire.
The Assassin's Creed series meticulously crafts its worlds with authentic historical elements, yet these are often creatively altered for storytelling. This is the essence of historical fiction, and it's what makes the series engaging. What are your favorite examples of Assassin's Creed bending the truth? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
