Hey guys! Ever wondered about those super advanced beings from the Assassin's Creed universe? Yeah, I'm talking about the Isu! They're not just some ancient civilization; they're the architects of humanity and possessors of technology so advanced it might as well be magic. Reddit's been buzzing about them for ages, and I thought we could dive deep into what makes the Isu so fascinating, especially through the lens of Reddit discussions.

Who are the Isu?

Let's start with the basics. The Isu, also known as Those Who Came Before, were a highly advanced civilization that predates humanity. They created humans as a labor force, but things got a bit complicated when a human-Isu hybrid named Eve incited a rebellion. This rebellion, combined with a catastrophic solar event, led to the downfall of the Isu civilization. What remains of them are their advanced technologies, known as Pieces of Eden, and their genetic influence on humanity, which manifests as special abilities in certain individuals, like our main assassins and templars.

Reddit's Take on Isu Lore

Reddit threads are full of theories and discussions dissecting every bit of Isu lore. Some Redditors speculate on the true extent of their technology. We talking about bending reality, manipulating time, and even achieving a form of digital immortality. Others delve into the philosophical implications of the Isu's actions, questioning whether their creation of humanity was benevolent or exploitative. It’s a mixed bag of opinions, wild theories, and insightful analyses, making it a goldmine for anyone interested in the deeper lore of Assassin's Creed.

Key Isu Figures

Several Isu figures have played significant roles in the Assassin's Creed storyline. Here are a few of the big names:

• Minerva: One of the most prominent Isu, Minerva, along with Jupiter and Juno, attempted to warn humanity about the impending solar event. Her appearances often involve cryptic messages and guidance for the assassins.
• Jupiter: Another key member of the Isu triumvirate, Jupiter, worked alongside Minerva to create the Eye, a device designed to protect humanity from the solar flare. His contributions are crucial to understanding the Isu's efforts to preserve life.
• Juno: Juno's story takes a darker turn as she seeks to manipulate humanity for her own purposes. Her consciousness survived through technology, and she becomes a major antagonist in the modern Assassin's Creed storyline. Redditors often debate her motivations and the morality of her actions.
• Aita: The husband of Juno, Aita, has been reincarnated multiple times throughout history, often appearing as influential figures. His story is intertwined with Juno's, and his various incarnations add layers to the Isu's influence on human events.

Pieces of Eden: Isu Technology

The Pieces of Eden are powerful artifacts created by the Isu. They range from mind-controlling devices like the Apple of Eden to weapons of immense power like the Sword of Eden. These artifacts have been the cause of countless conflicts between the Assassins and Templars throughout history.

Reddit Discussions on Pieces of Eden

Reddit users love to discuss the capabilities and implications of the Pieces of Eden. Some threads focus on which Piece of Eden is the most powerful, while others explore the ethical dilemmas posed by such advanced technology. The debate often revolves around whether the Pieces of Eden should be used for the greater good or if they are too dangerous to be wielded by anyone.

Examples of Pieces of Eden

• Apple of Eden: The Apple of Eden is probably the most well-known Piece of Eden. It can control minds, create illusions, and project memories. Its power makes it a highly sought-after artifact by both Assassins and Templars.
• Swords of Eden: These powerful weapons possess immense destructive capabilities. They can unleash devastating energy blasts and are incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands.
• Shroud of Eden: The Shroud of Eden has healing properties and can even resurrect the dead. Its ability to defy death makes it one of the most coveted Pieces of Eden.

The Isu and Human DNA

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Assassin's Creed lore is the genetic connection between the Isu and humans. Certain individuals possess a higher concentration of Isu DNA, granting them special abilities like Eagle Vision. This genetic link is what allows players to relive the memories of their ancestors through the Animus.

Reddit Theories on Isu DNA

Reddit is filled with theories about the extent of Isu DNA's influence on human abilities. Some Redditors believe that Isu DNA is responsible for all human creativity and innovation, while others think it simply unlocks latent potential. The debate often centers on how much of human history has been shaped by the Isu's genetic legacy.

The Animus and Genetic Memory

The Animus is a device that allows users to access the genetic memories of their ancestors. This technology is crucial to the Assassin's Creed storyline, as it allows players to experience historical events through the eyes of their assassin ancestors. Reddit users often discuss the implications of genetic memory, questioning whether the memories accessed through the Animus are accurate representations of the past or simply interpretations.

The Downfall of the Isu

The Isu civilization met its end due to a combination of factors, including a human rebellion and a devastating solar event. The Isu tried to prevent the catastrophe by creating devices like the Eye, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.

Reddit Discussions on the Isu Catastrophe

Reddit threads often delve into the details of the Isu catastrophe, analyzing the various factors that led to their downfall. Some Redditors argue that the Isu's reliance on technology was their undoing, while others believe that their internal conflicts and exploitation of humanity contributed to their demise. The discussions often explore the lessons that humanity can learn from the Isu's fate.

The Great Cataclysm

The Great Cataclysm, also known as the Toba Catastrophe, was a massive solar event that devastated the Earth and wiped out most of the Isu civilization. This event reshaped the planet and led to the rise of humanity as the dominant species.

The Isu in Modern Assassin's Creed Games

In recent Assassin's Creed games like Odyssey, Valhalla, and Mirage, the Isu have taken on an even more prominent role. Players directly interact with Isu technology and even visit Isu simulations, blurring the lines between reality and the ancient past.

Reddit Reactions to Isu Integration

Reddit users have had mixed reactions to the increased integration of Isu lore in modern Assassin's Creed games. Some appreciate the deeper exploration of the Isu civilization, while others feel that it detracts from the historical focus of the series. The debate often revolves around whether the sci-fi elements of the Assassin's Creed universe should be more prominent or if they should remain in the background.

Examples from Recent Games

• Assassin's Creed Odyssey: In Odyssey, players encounter Isu artifacts and visit Isu sites, uncovering more about their advanced technology and the events that led to their downfall.
• Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Valhalla delves even deeper into Isu lore, with players experiencing simulations of Norse mythology that are revealed to be Isu technology. The game explores the connections between Norse gods and Isu figures.
• Assassin's Creed Mirage: This game has less integration of the Isu, with only one collectible referencing them. While a lot of fans feel that the game had a great return to form, they feel that the lore could have been expanded upon with more modern content.

Theories and Speculations

One of the best parts about the Assassin's Creed community on Reddit is the endless stream of theories and speculations about the Isu. Here are a few popular ones:

• The Isu are still among us: Some Redditors believe that the Isu have found ways to survive and are secretly influencing human events from behind the scenes.
• Humanity is evolving into the Isu: Others speculate that humanity is slowly evolving to become more like the Isu, unlocking latent abilities and rediscovering lost technologies.
• The next Assassin's Creed game will take place in an Isu simulation: A popular theory is that the next Assassin's Creed game will be set entirely within an Isu simulation, allowing players to explore their world in unprecedented detail.

Conclusion

The Isu are a cornerstone of the Assassin's Creed universe, adding layers of mystery and intrigue to the historical setting. Reddit's vibrant community continues to dissect and debate every aspect of their lore, keeping the discussion alive and engaging. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, diving into the Reddit threads on the Isu is a great way to deepen your understanding and appreciation of this fascinating civilization. So, what do you guys think? What are your favorite Isu theories? Let's keep the conversation going!