The upcoming Assassin’s Creed Mirage has sent ripples of excitement through the fanbase. Set in the vibrant cityscape of 9th century Baghdad, the game promises a return to the series’ roots, focusing on a young Basim Ibn Ishaq – a character familiar to those who played Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. 

 However, a surprising cameo in the game’s trailers has sparked curiosity: the appearance of a young Hytham.

Who is Hytham?

For those unfamiliar, Hytham served as the leader of the Hidden Ones (the forerunners of the Assassin Brotherhood) in Valhalla.  He initially presented himself as an ally to Eivor Varinsdottir, the Viking protagonist.  However, a shocking twist revealed Hytham’s true identity: a reincarnation of Loki, the Norse trickster god.  This revelation left players with a complex view of Hytham, a character shrouded in mystery and conflicting loyalties.

Hytham’s Unexpected Arrival in Mirage

Considering the historical gap between Valhalla (set in 9th-11th century Norway and England) and Mirage (8th-9th century Baghdad), Hytham’s presence in Mirage seems chronologically impossible.  This has led to a flurry of speculation and theories amongst fans:

A Glitch in the Animus? Perhaps Hytham’s appearance is a technical error within the Animus, the machine used by series protagonist Layla Hassan to relive genetic memories.

A Bloodline Connection? Could Hytham be a descendant of a character encountered in Mirage, creating a bloodline connection that echoes through the ages?

A Mentor Figure? Despite the age difference, might Hytham play a role as a mentor or guide to the young Basim, setting him on the path he’ll eventually walk in Valhalla?

A Hidden Truth? The developers at Ubisoft might be hinting at a deeper lore twist, suggesting a more complex connection between Hytham and the Assassin lineage that’s yet to be revealed.

Theories and Speculation Fueled by Trailers

Eagle-eyed viewers of the Mirage trailers have spotted specific moments that fuel the Hytham mystery:

A Glimpse of a Familiar Face: A fleeting scene showcases a young boy with a mischievous glint in his eyes, strikingly similar to how Hytham appeared in Valhalla. This has led many to believe it’s a younger Hytham, defying the established timeline.

The Intriguing Leap of Faith: Another scene depicts Basim performing a daring leap of faith, a signature move of the Assassins. Interestingly, a figure eerily similar to Hytham can be seen observing Basim from a distance. Is this a mere coincidence, or is there a deeper connection at play?

What Does Hytham’s Presence Mean for Mirage?

The true significance of Hytham’s inclusion in Mirage remains shrouded in secrecy. Here are some potential implications:

Expanding the Assassin’s Creed Lore: Hytham’s presence could hint at a more interconnected narrative across different Assassin’s Creed titles, suggesting a grander story spanning centuries.

Exploring the Origins of the Hidden Ones: Mirage’s focus on the early days of the Hidden Ones might tie into Hytham’s own origins, revealing how the organization evolved and the figures who shaped its foundation.

A Narrative Twist: Hytham’s appearance might be a narrative device that sets the stage for a future story revelation, leaving players to ponder the nature of time, lineage, and the cyclical nature of conflict within the Assassin-Templar struggle.

A Wait-and-See Approach

Ubisoft has remained tight-lipped about Hytham’s role in Mirage, leaving players to their theories and speculation.  Whether Hytham is a genuine younger version of the character, a descendant, or a symbolic presence, his inclusion undoubtedly adds another layer of intrigue to the highly anticipated title.

Beyond Hytham: Exploring Other Aspects of Mirage

While Hytham’s cameo has captured much attention, Mirage offers a wealth of exciting elements to explore:

A Return to Form: Mirage promises a return to the series’ core gameplay mechanics, emphasizing parkour, social stealth, and hidden blade assassinations.

A Vibrant Setting: The bustling metropolis of 9th century Baghdad serves as a fresh and immersive backdrop, offering a unique historical context for the Assassin-Templar conflict.

A New Protagonist: Players take on the role of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a young and inexperienced recruit destined to become a pivotal figure in the Assassin Brotherhood.

A Thrilling New Chapter Awaits

The arrival of Assassin’s Creed Mirage promises a captivating journey through the vibrant streets of Baghdad.

FAQs

Q: Who is Hytham?

For those new to the series, Hytham served as the leader of the Hidden Ones (precursors to the Assassin Brotherhood) in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. He initially appeared as an ally to Eivor, but a shocking twist revealed him to be a reincarnation of Loki, the Norse trickster god.

Q: But Hytham shouldn’t be in Mirage, right?

Exactly!  Mirage takes place centuries before Valhalla, so Hytham’s presence seems impossible based on the established timeline. This has sparked several theories:

Animus Glitch: Maybe Hytham’s appearance is a technical error within the Animus, the machine used to access genetic memories.

Bloodline Connection: Could Hytham be a descendant of someone in Mirage, creating a surprising family link across the ages?

Mentor Figure: Despite the age difference, might Hytham play a role as a mentor or guide to the young Basim, setting him on the path we see in Valhalla?

Hidden Lore Twist: The developers might be hinting at a deeper connection between Hytham and the Assassin lineage that’s yet to be revealed.

Q: What about the trailers?

Sharp viewers have spotted clues in the Mirage trailers:

A Familiar Face: A fleeting scene shows a young boy with a mischievous look, resembling Hytham from Valhalla. Could it be a younger Hytham defying the timeline?

The Leap of Faith: Another scene depicts Basim performing a signature Assassin move – 

the Leap of Faith. A figure eerily similar to Hytham observes him. Coincidence, or something more?

Q: So, what does Hytham’s presence mean?

The true purpose of Hytham’s cameo remains a mystery. Here are some possibilities:

Expanded Lore: Hytham’s inclusion might hint at a more interconnected narrative across Assassin’s Creed titles, suggesting a grander story spanning centuries.

Origins of the Hidden Ones: Since Mirage focuses on the early days of the Hidden Ones, Hytham’s presence could tie into their origins, revealing how the organization formed and who shaped it.

Narrative Twist: Hytham’s appearance might be a narrative device for a future story revelation, making players ponder time, lineage, and the cyclical nature of the Assassin-Templar conflict.

Q: When will we know for sure?

Ubisoft is keeping Hytham’s role under wraps, leaving room for speculation. Only time will tell how he truly fits into the story of Mirage.

Q: Is there anything else to look forward to in Mirage?

Absolutely!  Here are some exciting aspects of the game:

A Return to Form: Mirage promises a return to the series’ core gameplay, emphasizing parkour, social stealth, and hidden blade assassinations.

A Vibrant Setting: The bustling city of 9th century Baghdad offers a unique historical backdrop for the Assassin-Templar conflict.

A New Protagonist: Players take on the role of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a young recruit destined to become a pivotal figure in the Assassin Brotherhood.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is shaping up to be a thrilling adventure.  Whether Hytham is a historical anomaly, a bloodline connection, or a narrative twist, his presence adds another layer of intrigue to the highly anticipated title.

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