Assassins Creed: Syndicate Updates: The Assassin tradition of cutting off the ring finger is as old as it gets, but do current Assassins still do it?
From their white robes to their concealed favorite weapon, the hidden blade, the Assassins of Assassins Creed have a number of distinguishing qualities. But, as in the first Assassins Creed game, do the Assassins still chop off their left ring finger?
In Assassins Creed, the loss of an Assassin’s left finger is also linked to the usage of the concealed blade. The concealed blade, designed as a stealth weapon, is strapped under the Assassin’s arm and extends and retracts as the Assassin flexes his muscles.
The hidden blade keeps the Assassin’s hand empty, giving them the appearance of a typical civilian or bystander, allowing them to approach their target and silently assassinate them. To ensure that the blade’s effectiveness is not hampered, the Assassin removes their finger to clear a route for the blade.
The amputation of a finger had certain practical reasons, but it was also a significant symbolic gesture for the Assassins.
Assassins Creed: Tradition
Bayek, the first Assassin, utilized his hidden blade with both hands until he was forced to use his fist to activate the blade during the combat.
Bayek was successful in killing his target, but he lost his ring finger in the process. When Bayek and his wife Aya founded the Hidden Ones (Assassins), new members willingly chopped their ring fingers as a show of devotion and loyalty to the cause of fighting corruption.
As seen by the current Assassins Creed Valhalla, which takes set in the 800s, this ritual has persisted for decades. When Eivor meets the assassins Hytham and Basim for the first time, the Vikings recount the occurrences with the sword that resulted in their lost fingers. “This is not a mistake,” Hytham retorts. This is self-sacrifice to demonstrate our dedication.”
Despite the fact that Assassin’s Creed II makes a reference to Altair, the game’s original protagonist, to recreate the concealed blade. “Though the sword formerly required a sacrifice, it has been updated,” Leonardo Da Vinci adds, joking that he has to hack off a finger. You are free to retain your finger.”
This shows that the Assassins no longer felt the need to chop off their finger after Altair’s modifications. Desmond Miles, the modern-day protagonist of the Assassin franchise, has all of his fingers, implying that Assassins no longer amputate their fingers as part of the old ritual.
Though historical Assassins strictly followed the rites and customs, modern-day Assassins in Assassin’s Creed don’t feel the need to chop off their finger, which is probably for the best.
Check Now: Goblin Slayer Season 2 – The first poster has been released, along with the Release Dte!