One big selling point pushed forAssassin’s Creed Valhallais its fluid protagonist Eivor.Assassin’s Creed Valhallaplayers can always change their gender, with an in-universe explanation that the Animus cannot determine which is correct, and thus leaves it ambiguous. Many still want to know how this makes both genders of Eivor canon to the story at the same time, and one fan has an interesting explanation.
A Twitter user who goes by sagowormz posted her theory that Eivor is a “human chimera” of sorts, one individual with two sets of DNA that can explain why it would not be strange for the character to switch genders on a dime. She floats her theory toAssassin’s Creed Valhalla’s Narrative Director Darby McDevitt, asking if she can get a free copy of the game if she is correct. McDevitt replied, “We shall see.”
RELATED:Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Gender Change Mechanic Comes at the Wrong Time
The chimera is a Greek mythological beast typically depicted as a hodgepodge of creatures. However, modern genetics has more widely recognized humans as being born with distinct strands of DNA, according to a 2007 study from the University of Akron, which can contribute to factors like individuals being born intersex. It may be a stretch to believe Ubisoft went this deep into the concept, asAssassin’s Creed Valhallavideos have shown basic gender swapmechanics, but it’s an interesting explanation nonetheless.
While the idea that Eivor can swap genders at any time has drawn a lot of attention, it was not always the plan. SomeAssassin’s Creeddevs wanted Eivor to be canonically female, but the idea was allegedly shot down so that a male Eivor could be prominently used in the game’s promotional material.
This is not a new concern. Ubisoft has been one of the focal points in a movement against sexism and sexual misconduct in the video game industry over the last few months, with one story finding that former Chief Creative Officer Serge Hascoet said games likeAssassin’s Creed Odyssey"would not sell" with a woman protagonist.
Hascoet was fired following investigations into his behavior at Ubisoft, and the company is continuing to rebuild from the inside. Lately, theAssassin’s Creedcommunity has been celebrating its female assassinsand creators, suggesting things may change for the better, but for now sagowormz' chimera idea may hold water in its upcoming title.
Assassin’s Creed Valhallareleases November 17 for PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One. PS5 and Xbox Series X versions to follow.
MORE:Ubisoft Announces Resignation of Chief Creative Officer Serge Hascoet After Misconduct Allegations
