Ezio Auditore da Firenze. The name resonates with fans of the Assassin’s Creed franchise as a symbol of charm, skill, and unwavering dedication to the creed. He is, arguably, the most beloved character in the series, and his journey across Renaissance Italy and beyond captivated players for years. Among the questions fans frequently ask is: How old is Ezio in Assassin’s Creed Revelations? Let’s dive into the details of his age and explore how it impacts his role in this pivotal chapter of his life.
The Passage of Time: Understanding Ezio’s Lifespan
To understand Ezio’s age in Revelations, we need to establish a timeline of his life across the games. Assassin’s Creed II introduces us to a young, brash Ezio in 1476, at the age of 17. Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood picks up shortly after, spanning roughly from 1499 to 1507.
The years between Brotherhood and Revelations are crucial. The canonical timeline shows Ezio venturing east in search of the secrets of Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad. This journey sets the stage for the events of Assassin’s Creed Revelations.
Ezio in Constantinople: Determining His Age in Revelations
Assassin’s Creed Revelations begins in 1511 when Ezio arrives in Constantinople. Considering his birth year (1459), we can determine that Ezio Auditore da Firenze is 52 years old at the beginning of Assassin’s Creed Revelations. This is a significant detail, as it portrays Ezio as a seasoned master assassin, far removed from the impetuous youth of Assassin’s Creed II.
The Weight of Experience: How Age Affects Ezio’s Character
At 52, Ezio is no longer the nimble young man who scaled the rooftops of Florence. While he retains his exceptional skills, age has undeniably brought changes.
- Physicality: He’s not quite as quick or agile as he used to be, showing signs of wear and tear accumulated from years of combat and parkour.
- Wisdom: Years of experience have turned Ezio into a wise and thoughtful leader. He imparts his knowledge to younger assassins and reflects on the meaning of his life and the creed.
- Emotional Depth: He is also more reflective and contemplative. The losses he has endured and the responsibilities he has carried weigh heavily on him, adding depth and nuance to his character.
Gameplay Mechanics: Reflecting Ezio’s Age
The gameplay mechanics in Revelations subtly reflect Ezio’s age. While he still possesses remarkable abilities, his movements are somewhat more deliberate, and his recovery time might be slightly longer. These small changes contribute to the overall sense that you are playing as an older, more experienced assassin. The game mechanics are designed to make him feel less like the agile assassin of his youth and more like the experienced mentor that he has become.
The Significance of Ezio’s Age in the Narrative
Ezio’s age in Revelations isn’t just a number; it’s integral to the narrative. The game explores themes of legacy, mentorship, and the search for meaning in the twilight years of one’s life.
A Quest for Understanding: Linking the Past to the Future
Ezio’s journey to Constantinople is driven by a desire to understand the past and connect with the legacy of Altaïr. He seeks to uncover the secrets hidden within Altaïr’s library, hoping to find answers to the questions that have plagued him throughout his life. This quest is particularly significant for an aging assassin looking back on his own life and contemplating his place in the grand scheme of things.
Mentorship and Legacy: Passing on the Torch
In Revelations, Ezio takes on the role of a mentor to younger assassins, most notably Yusuf Tazim. He shares his wisdom and experience, guiding them in the ways of the creed. This mentorship role highlights Ezio’s growth as a character and his desire to leave a lasting legacy. He understands that the future of the Assassin Brotherhood rests on the shoulders of the next generation.
Facing Mortality: Contemplating the End of the Road
Ezio’s age also forces him to confront his own mortality. He reflects on the lives lost, the battles fought, and the choices made throughout his life. This introspection adds a layer of vulnerability to his character, making him even more relatable and human. He knows his time is limited, and he is determined to make the most of it.
Beyond Revelations: Ezio’s Final Years
While Assassin’s Creed Revelations provides a significant chapter in Ezio’s life, it is not his final appearance. Assassin’s Creed Embers, a short animated film, shows Ezio in his later years, living a peaceful life with his wife, Sofia Sartor. The movie gives closure to his character arc, showing him embracing a quiet existence after years of conflict.
Ezio’s Death: The Final Chapter
Assassin’s Creed Embers depicts Ezio’s death at the age of 65. He dies peacefully in the marketplace of Florence, surrounded by his family. His death is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life, even for a legendary assassin.
Ezio’s Enduring Legacy: A Character for the Ages
Despite his death, Ezio Auditore da Firenze remains one of the most beloved characters in video game history. His charm, charisma, and unwavering dedication to the Assassin Brotherhood have captivated players for over a decade. His story continues to inspire and resonate with fans around the world.
In Conclusion: Ezio at 52 – A Master Assassin in His Prime
So, to reiterate, Ezio Auditore is 52 years old in Assassin’s Creed Revelations. This age is not just a statistic; it’s a critical aspect of his character and the narrative of the game. It shapes his actions, his motivations, and his relationships with those around him. Revelations showcases Ezio as a seasoned master assassin, grappling with his past, mentoring the next generation, and contemplating his own mortality. His journey in Constantinople is a testament to his enduring spirit and his unwavering commitment to the Assassin Creed.
How old is Ezio Auditore at the start of Assassin’s Creed Revelations?
Ezio Auditore da Firenze begins his journey in Assassin’s Creed Revelations at the age of 52. Born in 1459, the game’s opening scenes are set in 1511. Having already lived a life filled with adventure, love, and loss, Ezio is no longer the young, brash assassin players controlled in Assassin’s Creed II.
This older Ezio is visibly more mature, bearing the marks of time and experience on his face. His motivations have also evolved, moving from seeking vengeance for his family to a more philosophical quest for knowledge and understanding of the Assassin Order’s origins and purpose. He is a seasoned master assassin, ready to impart his wisdom and skills to others.
How old is Ezio Auditore when he leaves Italy to travel to Masyaf?
Ezio is still 52 years old when he embarks on his voyage from Italy to Masyaf, the ancestral home of the Assassins. The events at the beginning of Revelations unfold relatively quickly, so there isn’t a significant passage of time between the game’s opening and his departure. He remains in his early fifties, carrying the burdens and lessons of his past.
His journey is driven by a desire to discover the secrets hidden within the library of Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, one of his predecessors. This quest takes him across the Mediterranean, eventually leading him to Constantinople, where he encounters new allies and enemies, all while grappling with his advancing age and the changing world around him.
How old is Ezio Auditore at the end of Assassin’s Creed Revelations?
By the conclusion of Assassin’s Creed Revelations, Ezio Auditore is 53 years old. Considering the game’s timeline spans roughly a year, he ages accordingly. He spends a significant amount of time in Constantinople, navigating political intrigue and uncovering hidden conspiracies, while also confronting his own mortality.
The end of Revelations sees Ezio finally uncovering the secrets within Altaïr’s library, where he communicates with Desmond Miles, his descendant in the modern day. He ultimately decides to relinquish his role as an assassin, realizing he has learned all he can and is ready to live out his remaining years in peace. This marks a significant turning point in his life, signaling a transition into retirement.
How does Ezio’s age affect his gameplay in Assassin’s Creed Revelations?
Ezio’s age is subtly reflected in his gameplay mechanics in Assassin’s Creed Revelations. While he retains his combat prowess and agility, there’s a sense that he’s not quite as nimble as he was in his youth. His movements are slightly more deliberate, and he exhibits a weariness that wasn’t present in earlier installments.
However, this is counterbalanced by his increased wisdom and experience. Players can utilize new tools and tactics, such as the hookblade and bomb crafting, reflecting Ezio’s adaptability and resourcefulness. His age also adds depth to his character, influencing his interactions and dialogue, showcasing a more mature and reflective protagonist.
Why was Ezio portrayed as an older man in Assassin’s Creed Revelations?
The decision to portray Ezio as an older man in Assassin’s Creed Revelations was a deliberate choice by the developers to show the passage of time and explore the theme of legacy. After spending decades fighting the Templars and protecting his loved ones, Ezio’s life had taken its toll, making him wiser and more experienced.
This allowed the game to delve deeper into Ezio’s character, exploring his reflections on his past, his understanding of the Assassin Order, and his eventual acceptance of mortality. It also provided a natural narrative arc, leading to his eventual retirement and paving the way for a new protagonist in subsequent games.
Is Assassin’s Creed Revelations the last time Ezio Auditore appears as a playable character?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Revelations marks the final time Ezio Auditore appears as a fully playable character in the main Assassin’s Creed series. While he is a central figure in the game’s narrative, Revelations serves as his concluding chapter, bringing his story to a poignant and definitive close.
However, Ezio’s story doesn’t completely end with Revelations. He makes a brief appearance in the animated short film Assassin’s Creed: Embers, which showcases the final years of his life and his eventual death from natural causes. This short film provides closure to his character arc, allowing fans to say goodbye to one of the series’ most beloved protagonists.
How old is Ezio Auditore when he dies in Assassin’s Creed: Embers?
Ezio Auditore da Firenze dies at the age of 65 in the animated short film Assassin’s Creed: Embers. Set several years after the events of Revelations, the short film depicts Ezio living a peaceful life in Tuscany with his wife, Sofia Sartor, and their children. He has long since retired from the Assassin Order, enjoying a well-deserved respite.
His death is not a result of violence or assassination, but rather from a heart attack while sitting on a bench in Florence, observing a young man who reminds him of his younger self. This peaceful demise allows Ezio to pass away on his own terms, surrounded by the beauty of his homeland, bringing his legendary life to a natural and dignified conclusion.