Amidst the shroud of secrecy enveloping Assassin's Creed Hexe, details on the upcoming 2022 project remain scarce beyond its teaser trailer. Despite the limited information, the game's ominous undertones have captivated fans, sparking a flurry of theories within the community about the nature of Hexe.
The teaser, along with the title, suggests a narrative centered around a group of European witches, likely set during the Holy Roman Empire era. This period, characterized by prejudice, power struggles, and political intrigue, aligns with the thematic elements typical of the Assassin's Creed series, prompting prospective players to delve into the history of Europe's infamous witch trials.
Assassin's Creed Hexe: A Glimpse into Germany's Witch Hunt Legacy
The teaser trailer of Assassin's Creed Hexe unfolds in a dim forest, featuring a crackling fire and a twig effigy of the Assassin's Brotherhood symbol. These visuals, coupled with the title Hexe, hint at a focus on witches. In German, 'hexe' translates directly to 'witch,' strongly suggesting a German setting for the game.
Germany, like many European regions, has a dark past of persecuting alleged witches, particularly rampant between the 16th and 17th centuries. This era saw widespread witch hunts under the dominion of the Holy Roman Empire, a powerful entity that held sway over large parts of Europe for nearly a millennium until 1806.
Religious and Political Influence on Witch Hunts in Assassin's Creed Hexe
The Holy Roman Empire comprised various kingdoms united by a profound adherence to religions such as Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism, and Calvinism. Upholding these faiths was paramount for the Empire, leading to the condemnation of practices like Paganism as satanic and immoral.
Enforcing the beliefs of the dominant religions, witch trials were prevalent, particularly in what is now Germany. These trials peaked from the late 1500s to the mid-1600s, resulting in the gruesome executions of numerous individuals, predominantly through burning at the stake.
Although men could face accusations of witchcraft, women bore the brunt of persecution during this period. Assassin's Creed Hexe is speculated to feature a female protagonist, shedding light on the plight of these women. Ubisoft's challenge lies in authentically capturing and portraying the historical realities within this forthcoming installment.