Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad

Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad is a male video game character who features in Assassin's Creed.

Biography

Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad (Arabic: الطائر ابن لا أحد‎, meaning "The Bird, Son of None") was a male human born in 1165 where he was the son of an Arab-Muslim father named Umar Ibn-La'Ahad and his wife Maud. His mother was noted to had died due to complications in the childbirth and his father was later executed by forces of Saladin after it was revealed that he participated in a disastrous mission to assassinate the ruler. This saw Umar killing a nobleman who had caught him and he allowed himself to be executed where he came to hear the voice of his son crying for him. However, he was prevented from seeing his father's death by Ahmad Sofian, the Assassin who had revealed Umar's name to the Saracens under torture. Crushed by guilt over Umar's death, he infiltrated Altaïr's quarters some time later, apologized to Altaïr for his weakness, and committed suicide with a dagger. Altaïr ran to Al Mualim's quarters with haste, informing him of what had occurred. Al Mualim told Altaïr not to disclose anything about the incident to anyone, not even to Ahmad's son Abbas, who would be shamed by the truth of his father's death. Altaïr considered Al Mualim as more of a father figure than his own biological father, though he was aware that Al Mualim's love was 'weak and dishonest'. It was then that he agreed to do as the Mentor had commanded. Altaïr and Abbas joined the Order as novices soon after, grew up together and became good friends, always at each other's side. One day, after noticing Abbas' continued grief over his father's death, Altaïr told him the truth in an effort to console him. Upon hearing it, Abbas turned over in his bed, not saying a word. The following day, the two didn't speak to each other until Abbas asked their combat instructor Labib if they could fight with real swords, instead of the wooden practice ones. It was then that Abbas revealed his hatred of Altaïr, believing he lied about Ahmad, before attacking him in a rage. As the two grappled, Abbas held his knife to Altaïr's throat and yelled that Altaïr had lied about Abbas' father to shame him. The commotion caught the attention of the other Assassins, the villagers and Al Mualim himself. Trying to quell Abbas' anger, Altaïr falsely admitted that he had lied, and the two were taken to Masyaf's dungeon. There they spent a month in confinement before resuming their training. With his crimes deemed more severe, Abbas was forced by Al Mualim to spend an extra year in training, whilst Altaïr graduated to the rank of Assassin.

Overview

Personality and traits

Altaïr was raised at the Assassin fortress at Masyaf and quickly rose through the ranks of the Order to become one of the most respected and feared Assassins in the Brotherhood, second only to its leader, Al Mualim. A cold and objective man, Altaïr fully devoted himself to whatever course he chose to pursue. He had a proud nature, and was often impetuous, demanding, arrogant, and impatient. However, after his failure at Solomon's Temple and commencing on a mission to redeem himself, Altaïr began pondering the motivations of his targets after listening to their final words.

Powers and abilities

Altaïr was a Master Assassin, capable of extraordinary acrobatic feats and versed in the application of deadly arts. Trained extensively, he was able to overcome any obstacle, human or terrain, climb the tallest towers and leap from the highest ledges without a hint of fear. Like other Assassins, he was also trained in stealth assassination techniques, hand-to-hand and weapons combat, and blade throwing. His noncombat skills included climbing, urban acrobatics, eavesdropping, interrogation, and pickpocketing. He also had extensive knowledge of Holy Land politics and religion, which helped him better understand his opponents. According to Niccolò Polo, at the age of 92 Altaïr retained the same strength, stamina, and skill he had in his youth, possibly due to renewed training when he reclaimed the title of Mentor.

Notes

• Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad was created by Ubisoft where he made his first appearance in Assassin's Creed (2007)

In other media

Video games

• In Prince of Persia, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad appeared as an unlockable outfit for the Prince in the settting of the 2008 video game.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: (2007)

External Link

• Assassin's Creed Wiki Entry
• Comicvine Entry
• Wikipedia Entry

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