The term “Assassin” evokes a variety of associations, ranging from historical religious orders to modern video game protagonists. The provided documentation details the historical origins of the group, particularly the Nizari Ismaili state, alongside its portrayal in popular culture, specifically the Assassin’s Creed video game series. This article will explore the historical context of the group, its military strategies, and its depiction in fiction, drawing solely from the provided source materials.
Historical Origins and Fortresses
The historical basis for the modern understanding of “Assassins” lies with the Nizari Ismaili state, a Shia Muslim religious group that flourished in Persia and Syria. The group’s military approach was primarily defensive, focusing on strategically chosen fortresses that offered refuge and avoided large-scale confrontations. Alamut Castle served as the central headquarters, but it was part of a network of strongholds throughout the region, designated as dar al-hijra – “land of migration” or “place of refuge.” This concept originated with the Prophet Muhammad’s migration to Medina and was later adopted by the Fatimids in North Africa.
Between 1101 and 1118, Alamut and other fortresses faced attacks and sieges from Seljuk forces, but the Assassins successfully defended their positions. Lambsar Castle, captured around 1096-1102, became the largest of the Ismaili fortresses, demonstrating their growing power in northern Persia. Kiya Buzurg Ummid, a key figure, commanded the capture of Lambsar and served as its commandant for twenty years. During this period, the Assassins largely avoided direct conflict with the Christian forces of the First Crusade, focusing instead on opposing their Muslim enemies. A notable instance involved Tancred’s capture of Apamea in 1106.
Political Uprisings and Targeted Killings
The Assassins engaged in political uprisings against the Seljuk dynasty. One of Sabbah’s disciples, Dihdar Bu-Ali, rallied local support to defend against Seljuk attacks on Alamut. Sabbah himself is credited with ordering approximately 50 assassinations during his reign, with over half of those targets being Seljuk officials who supported Muhammad I Tapar. Sabbah reportedly remarked, “the killing of this devil is the beginning of bliss” following one such assassination.
The Assassins also navigated complex political alliances. Sinan, who succeeded Sabbah, attempted to forge an alliance with Amalric of Jerusalem against Nur ad-Din in 1173, offering to cease tribute payments in exchange for support. However, Assassin envoys were ambushed and killed by a Knights Templar knight, Walter du Mesnil, an act seemingly sanctioned by the Templar Grand Master. This incident led to a temporary breakdown in relations, but was ultimately resolved when Amalric imprisoned du Mesnil and assured Sinan that justice had been served. Both Nur ad-Din and Amalric died shortly thereafter, rendering the alliance moot. Sinan subsequently dispatched forces to support Saladin in later battles, demonstrating a shift in allegiance based on shared strategic interests – namely, the expulsion of the Crusaders.
The Siege of Masyaf and Saladin
A particularly notable episode involves the siege of Masyaf Castle by Saladin. Saladin employed tactics to detect potential Assassin incursions, including link lights and chalk to reveal footprints. According to one account, an Assassin infiltrated Saladin’s tent, leaving behind poisoned scones and a note threatening his life if the siege continued. Saladin, believing Sinan himself was responsible, withdrew his forces. Another version suggests Saladin’s withdrawal was prompted by the urgent need to defend against a Crusader force near Mount Lebanon. Regardless, Saladin ultimately sought an alliance with Sinan, recognizing the Assassins as a valuable ally against the Crusaders.
Challenging Historical Narratives and Symbolic Interpretations
Recent scholarship, as highlighted by Peter Willey, challenges earlier folklore surrounding the Assassins. Willey argues against the notion that Assassins were motivated by visions of paradise, asserting that the Ismaili understanding of Paradise was deeply symbolic. He points to the lack of mention of elaborate gardens at Alamut Castle in the reports of Juvayni, a historian hostile to the Ismaili sect, as evidence against the legends of drug-induced paradisiacal experiences. Juvayni’s detailed descriptions of storage facilities and the Alamut library, but absence of any mention of gardens, supports this argument.
Depiction in Popular Culture: Assassin’s Creed
The Assassin’s Creed video game series presents a heavily fictionalized portrayal of the Ḥashshāshīn order. The series expands the order’s history beyond its Levantine origins, depicting it as existing throughout recorded history alongside its adversaries, the Knights Templar. Both orders are presented as philosophical rather than strictly religious, and their origins are deliberately placed before the emergence of the faiths associated with their historical counterparts, allowing for an expanded narrative timeline. The series incorporates the purported last words of Hassan i Sabbah – “Nothing is true; everything is permitted” – as the creed of the Assassins, although the authenticity of this quote is questioned. The Assassin’s Creed franchise has expanded into novels, comic books, manga, board games, short films, and a theatrical movie.
Other References and Uses of the Term "Assassin"
The term “Assassin” appears in various other contexts. It is used as a stage name by Jamaican dancehall deejay Assassin (born 1982), and as the name of a French hardcore rap group. Several albums and songs also bear the title “Assassin,” including works by artists such as The Orb, John Mayer, Morbid Saint, Motörhead, Muse, and Iron Maiden. In sports, “The Assassin” has been used as a nickname for American football defensive back Jack Tatum and streetball player Brandon Durham. It also serves as a ring name for professional wrestler Jody Hamilton and as a designation for a professional wrestling tag team. Furthermore, “Assassins” is the title of a musical by Stephen Sondheim and a play by Irwin Shaw.
Conclusion
The historical Assassins were a complex group with a primarily defensive military strategy, rooted in a specific religious and political context. Their actions, including targeted killings and strategic alliances, were driven by a desire for self-preservation and the pursuit of their political goals. The modern perception of the “Assassin” is heavily influenced by fictional portrayals, such as the Assassin’s Creed series, which have expanded upon the historical basis to create a compelling narrative. The term itself has also permeated popular culture, appearing in music, sports, and theater, demonstrating the enduring legacy of this historical group and its subsequent fictional interpretations.