The world ofAssassin’s Creedis peppered with ancient, powerful Pieces of Eden. These relics of the alien-like Isu civilization have often been at the center of Assassin and Templar conflicts, with Templars often vying to use Pieces of Eden to influence local communities. Assassins, meanwhile, either strive to protect the Pieces from Templar control or use them to improve their own combat capability. Oftentimes, Pieces of Eden turn out to be mythical objects such as Crystal Skulls or Mjölnir, explaining how legendary deities and heroes achieved their incredible feats. WithAssassin’s Creed Shadowsdelayed once more to March, players will have to wait a bit longer to find out which Pieces of Eden lie in wait in 16th century feudal Japan.
Previously Known Pieces of Eden in Japan
In 2014, Ubisoft, PlayNext, and GREE released the role-playing trading card mobile gameAssassin’s Creed: Memoriesfor IOS devices. Here, players were able to create their own customized Assassin and recruit famous and brand-new Assassins from throughout history to battle others in multiplayer. Additionally,Memoriesexplored Assassins from six eras of history, from the 13th century with Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad to the 16th and 17th centuries with Japanese Assassins Hattori Hanzō and Yamauchi Taka. While the servers forMemorieshave since closed in 2015, parts of Hanzō and Taka’s stories can still be considered canon. However,Assassin’s Creed ShadowsCreative Director Jonathan Dumont has confirmed that some ofMemories’ lore had to be retooled for the upcoming mainline game.
Hattori Hanzō was one of the first people inducted into the Japanese Brotherhood of Assassins after Japanese Assassin Kotetsu established the Brotherhood following his training byChinese Assassin Shao Jun. Together, Hanzō and the Brotherhood recruited more members, such as Yamauchi Taka, and built alliances with the Tokugawa shogunate. In 1573, Hanzō assassinated daimyo Takeda Shingen after the Battle of Mikatagahara and attempted to recover Shingen’s Sword of Eden. Daimyo Oda Nobunaga then came into possession of the Sword of Eden until Taka assassinated Nobunaga in 1582 and sent the Sword to the Chinese Brotherhood. The status and exact identity of this Sword of Eden remains unknown.
Potential Pieces of Eden to Appear in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
At the end ofAssassin’s Creed 1, the Apple of Eden shows Altaïr locations of other Pieces of Eden across the globe, including one in Japan. While it’s unknown if this map was referring tothe Sword of EdenfromMemoriesor not, the Sword could still appear inAssassin’s Creed Shadowsthrough a new form.Shadowsand the Japanese aspects ofMemoriestake place in the same time period, with Hanzō and Taka’s stories appearing in the 1570s and 1580s, whileShadowsis set in 1579. The Sword fromMemorieshas never been explicitly shown in a visual format, so Ubisoft could depict it as a more traditional or legendary Japanese sword inShadows, as opposed to the more European design seen inAssassin’s Creed Unity.
One of the most legendary Japanese swords Ubisoft could turn intoa Piece of Edenis Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi, otherwise known as Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi or the grass-cutting sword. This sword is said to have been found within the body of the eight-headed-serpent Yamata-no-Orochi, after the deity Susanoo slew the serpent. Eventually, the sword was given to the legendary warrior Yamato Takeru, who used it to control the wind, slay monsters, evil deities, and warlords and easily slice huge swaths of grass. Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi is believed to be a real sword, currently stored in the Atsuta Shrine, and is one of the divine Three Sacred Treasures of Japan alongside Yata-no-Kagami and Yasakani-no-Magatama.
Other Pieces of Eden in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
IfShadowsgoes the route of featuring several Pieces of Eden akin toOdysseyandValhalla, several more legendary Japanese objects could appear in the game. Both Yata-no-Kagami and Yasakani-no-Magatama could appear as powerful mind-controlling and defensive Isu creations similar to Apples of Eden from otherAssassin’s Creedgames. The Ame-no-Nuboko or heavenly spear may also appear as a Piece of Eden given its significance in Shinto mythology for being used to create the Japanese archipelago by the gods Izanagi and Izanami. Based onFujibayashi Naoe and Yasuke’s different playstylesinAssassin’s Creed Shadows, some potential Pieces of Eden may be designed for either character, such as Yaskue using the Ame-no-Nuboko, while Naoe could use the bows Ame-no-Makakoyumi and Ikuyumiya.
There are multiple Swords of Eden found throughout theAssassin’s Creedfranchise, such as the Atlantean Blade, Blazing Sword, Excalibur, Shamshir-e Zomorrodnegar, and Sword of Damokles.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.• Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.• Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power. Unlock new skills, gear, and progression independently for each character.• Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.• Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
