Unveiling the Intriguing Connection: Decoding Basim's Name and its Hidden Stories in Assassin's Creed Mirage

Highlights

Assassin's Creed Mirage introduces Basim Ibn-Ishaq as its protagonist, offering fans an intimate look into his life and character.

Basim's name, derived from Arabic and translating to "one who smiles," perfectly captures his joyful and hopeful nature, which starkly contrasts with his true intentions as the Norse Isu God, Loki. Unlike other renowned Assassin's Creed protagonists, such as Ezio Auditore and Bayek, whose names symbolize their purpose within the Brotherhood, Basim's name discreetly alludes to his inner conflict.

The setting and gameplay of Assassin's Creed Mirage have already generated excitement among fans. However, one of the key factors that make the game appealing is its choice of protagonist. Basim Ibn-Ishaq, who was introduced in the narrative of Assassin's Creed Valhalla, will take on the leading role in this installment. The game will delve deeper into Basim's life and character, providing fans with a more intimate understanding of his complex decisions. Even the significance of Basim's name adds to the depth of his character, comparable to other iconic assassins in the franchise whose names carry symbolic meaning.

Assassin's Creed Mirage: The Meaning Behind Basim's Name

Despite being a complex character in the Assassin's Creed franchise, Basim's name holds a simple meaning. Originally from Samarra in modern-day Iraq, Basim is a common Arabic name.

In Arabic, Basim means "one who smiles," suggesting a cheerful and hopeful personality. In Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Basim initially embodies these traits, appearing calm and reassuring even during difficult times. However, this contrasts with the eventual revelation that Basim is actually a sage for the Norse Isu God, Loki.

How Basim's Meaning Ranks Against Other Assassins

Revealingly, Basim's name aptly reflects the dichotomy within his own character, as his cheerful and optimistic human nature contradicts the haunting memories of Loki's vengeful deeds in his past life. On a peculiar note, the phrase "one who smiles" intriguingly connects to Loki's persona, as the mischievous deity frequently conceals his sinister intentions behind a gleaming smile. It is worth noting that the name Ibn-Ishaq, meaning "son of Isaac," merely signifies the significant influence of religion in Basim's homeland.

The names of the most renowned assassins in the AC franchise hold profound symbolism. Take, for instance, Ezio Auditore, a character known for his intricate portrayal. His first name translates to "eagle," a significant creature within the Brotherhood, recognized as the faction's official emblem by devoted fans of Assassin's Creed.

The Assassin Brotherhood logo in Assassin's Creed Origins is revealed to be derived from an eagle skull, highlighting the significance of the bird. The franchise's iconic Eagle Vision further emphasizes this importance. Within the organization, Ezio plays a vital role, as indicated by his name.

A similar significance can be found in the meaning behind Bayek, the protagonist of Origins. As the founder of the Hidden Ones, Bayek's name translates to falcon or vulture in Egyptian, signifying his importance to the faction, much like Ezio. Even Altair, the original protagonist of Assassin's Creed, has a name that translates to "flying eagle" in Arabic. These characters all embody the qualities of freedom and lethality associated with their winged namesakes.

Basim's name holds a deeper and more abstract significance compared to the literal translations of the names given to other main characters. Unlike these characters who are solely committed to their cause, Basim grapples with an internal conflict that is subtly reflected in his name. Beneath his seemingly pleasant demeanor lies a darker motivation.

The highly anticipated game, Assassin's Creed Mirage, is scheduled for release on October 12th, available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.