Azar

Azar was a Persian merchant who operated in Dublin, Ireland during the city's occupation by the Vikings in the 9th century. Originally from the Persian city of Shiraz, Azar was vital in assisting King Bárid mac Ímair in his vision to develop and turn Dublin into a prosperous and important trading post in the 9th century.

Biography

Early life

Azar was born into a wealthy family in Shiraz, a city in the Abbasid Caliphate. Showing a natural and shrewd talent for commerce and trade, her father placed his growing commerce business in her hands. With the commerce industry being heavily dominated by men, Azar decided to adopt a masculine name and mannerism which eventually led to the discovery that she was gender fluid. As per her wish, Azar's friends continued to feminine pronouns while her family's wealth and influence protected her from much scrutiny.

Around this time, Azar came to work alongside her father's former friend Konstantinos, who became her business partner. In time, however, Konstantinos grew power hungry and greedy. Seeking to claim the family business for himself, he had Azar's family killed. While she managed to escape to safety, she lost an eye in the process.

Service under Bárid

"Ah, so you are Eivor. In fact, I bring you a message from Ireland."

―Azar meeting Eivor for the first time, 879.

Azar meeting Hytham and Eivor in Ravensthorpe

Azar fled from Persia and travelled north and westward towards Europe. After wounding up in the Ireland, Azar entered the services of Bárid mac Ímair, the King of Dublin who also had a passion for trade and commerce, and sought to turn Dublin into a prosperous trading settlement. Becoming his most trusted advisor, Azar was tasked to establish trade with the various kingdoms and empires throughout the known world.

Around 879, Azar made contact with the Hidden One Hytham, who was based in the Norse settlement of Ravensthorpe in Ledecestrescire, England. This also led to the discovery that the settlement's jarlskona Eivor Varinsdottir was a long-lost cousin of Bárid's. Azar was thus sent by Bárid to establish a trading post in the settlement, as well as to send an invitation to Eivor to invite her to Ireland.

Making her way to England, Azar's ship was stalled by a blockade placed at the mouth of the Nene River. She was thus forced to leave her boat eventually found her way to Ravensthorpe's docks. Upon arriving at the docks, Azar was greeted by Eivor and, not knowing of Eivor's identity, asked for Hytham's whereabouts. Hytham arrived shortly thereafter and Azar was thus introduced to Eivor, learning of her position as the settlement's jarlskona. She informed Eivor of Bárid's invitation to Ireland though the jarlskona was not aware of Bárid's position in Ireland. Regardless, Eivor assisted the merchant in eliminating the blockade, while Azar remained in the settlement to settle down and search for Bárid's invitation letter.

After the blockade was cleared and the trading post was built, Azar presented Eivor with a letter from Bárid, whom the latter recognized as her long-lost cousin she had lost contact with. Eivor agreed to join Azar to travel to Ireland to meet Bárid and thus the two departed on Eivor's longship, the Sea-Chariot.

Azar discussing Thorstein's threat with Eivor and Bárid

Once they arrived in Dublin, Bárid met them at the docks and welcomed his cousin. While walking towards his party at the King's Hall, Azar first went to her shop and check on her workload. Afterwards, she attended the party and witnessed a young Sichfrith's spectacle and upfront disrespect towards his father. Once the party ended, she was the last one drinking until she met both Eivor and Bárid, who had just survived an attack by Thorstein the Red's men. Advising Bárid, she insisted to enlist Eivor's help in the matter, which made him reluctantly agree.

Building Dublin's trade

Azar discussing with Eivor plans to get gifts for Flann's coronation

Azar soon met with Eivor as they discussed about finding a gift for Flann Sinna's coronation as High King. She acquired the trade post Rathdown but asked Eivor to clear it of its intruding smugglers. After Eivor re-established Rathdown, Azar traded the spices for the furs Eivor received from the liberated trade post. She also informed the jarlskona of the other abandoned trade posts around Ireland.

Through Eivor's travels, the abandoned trading posts in Ireland were revitalized as they connected to Azar's shop, where she took care of their respective traded goods. At the shop, Azar let Eivor know of trade relationships between Dublin and other oversea countries, which gave tasks to Eivor to fulfill with Dublin's newfound wares. In doing so, both she and Eivor gradually built up Dublin's recognizance as a trade center.

Working under Sichfrith

In 881, Azar found herself working under the new King of Dublin, Sichfrith, who was mourning his father's death and seeking vengeance against Abbot Eogan mac Cartaigh. She informed both Sichfrith and Eivor that his incoming weapons were held by one of the Children of Danu's Lords, "The Seed," as she later went back to her work.

Revenge

After making Dublin a major trade port, Azar met with Eivor again, as she had been informed that Konstantinos had arrived on Dublin's shores. Wanting revenge, she accepted Eivor's offer to help and kill the traitor, though Azar stipulated that she instead wanted Konstantinos apprehended alive. Once Eivor brought a restrained Konstantinos to Azar's shop, Azar requested to be alone with her former business partner in order to torture him. Afterwards, Azar finally killed him and disposed of his remains among pigs.

Gallery

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  Azar in the Database
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  Concept art of Azar
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  Portrait
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  Closeup portrait
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  Azar trading with Eivor
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  Azar at Ravensthorpe's docks

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids (first appearance)
• The World of Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Journey to the North – Logs and Files of a Hidden One (mentioned only)