Lantern
Lanterns are portable sources of light used to illuminate caves, tunnels, and other dark spaces.
History
Ming dynasty
During the Ming dynasty, certain soldiers among the Ming military carried lanterns, which they used on their patrols to search hiding spots for any unwanted individuals attempting to enter prohibited areas.[1]
Golden Age of Piracy
In 1725, the British Assassin Edward Kenway tried to destroy a Far East Company ship illegally smuggling opium into Macau by emptying a barrel of gunpowder and then igniting it with a lantern. After his attempt was thwarted by the Japanese Templar Shimazu Saito,[2] Edward instead shot a lantern on the ship's deck, causing burning oil to spill and ignite a nearby firework.[3] This signaled his allies John Young and Rupiya to sink the ship using their cannons while Edward escaped to safety.[4]
American Revolution
Both Edward's son Haytham Kenway, the first Grand Master of the Colonial Templars, and grandson Ratonhnhaké:ton, a Colonial Assassin, used lanterns to navigate Freemason tunnels underneath Boston and New York, and to solve puzzles in order to unlock new fast-travel locations.[5]
French Revolution
The French Assassin Arno Dorian used lanterns to find his way around the caves underneath Saint-Denis, clearing the way of bats and insects. If Arno were to fall into water, his lantern would be spoiled until he dipped it in oil. Arno also used the Head of Saint-Denis as a lantern, which did not have to be dipped in oil.[6]
Gallery
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A lantern guard in the Ming military -
Edward Kenway shooting a lantern -
Ratonhnhaké:ton leading Samuel Adams through the Masonic tunnels
Appearances
- Assassin's Creed III (first appearance)
- Assassin's Creed: Unity – Dead Kings
- Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China
- Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece (mentioned only)
- Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple
- Assassin's Creed: Mirage
- Assassin's Creed: Nexus VR (mentioned in Database entry only)
References