Origin of The Hidden Blade: Its Connection to Assassin’s Creed Origins

Complexity is a common term when it comes to the history surrounding the Assassin’s Creed franchise, from the actual founders of the Creed to how the hidden Blade came into existence. For this article, we would be exploring the myth behind the Assassins’ hidden blades in the Assassin’s Creed franchise.

In the Assassin’s Creed games, the hidden blades are the Assassins’ unique weapon. It is a retractable blade worn on the wrist and is employed for assassinations and silent killings. While the hidden blade origins are not made clear in the games, it is implied that they were created by the Isu, an advanced society that existed before humans and was responsible for many of the series’ complex technology, including the Pieces of Eden.

Given that it is a relatively sophisticated piece of engineering, it is suggested that the Isu built the hidden blade as a weapon for their own use and that the Assassins eventually adopted the hidden blade as their weapon after learning of its existence – and that’s one narrative.

The First Assassin to Wore the Hidden Blade

While it is not explicitly stated in the Assassin’s Creed game series who first wore the hidden blade, Artabanus (Darius) was the first to be recorded using the hidden blade. In fact, it was reported to be a weapon of his creation which later became the iconic weapon of the Assassins Brotherhood – now this narrative seems to be more accurate and traceable. Darius was the grandfather of Natakas and Kassandra’s son, Elpidios (in AC Odyssey), and the ancestor of one of the Hidden Ones’ founders, Aya (Amunet).

In Assassin’s Creed Origins, it is revealed that Cleopatra, the Egyptian Pharaoh who ruled Egypt, gave the hidden blade to Aya (Amunet). Cleopatra is shown working with Aya (Amunet), who is also an assassin, and it is made clear that the two of them have a history. Cleopatra presents Aya (Amunet) with the hidden blade as a gift, and she uses it in her work as an assassin.

It’s an ancient blade that killed the tyrant Xerxes. A weapon of justice.

Aya passing down Darius’ Hidden Blade to Bayek, 48 BCE

Through Elpidios, Darius’ teachings would be passed down from one generation to the next until his distant descendant Aya (Amunet). Aya (Amunet) eventually crafted her own, handing Darius’ blade to her spouse, Bayek of Siwa, who then used it to slay Order member Eudoros. It became their organization’s signature weapon after the two created the Hidden Ones, and it is still in use today, centuries after their Brotherhood was reorganised as the Assassins.

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