Six methods of salvation
- "We chose those solutions which held the most promised, and devoted ourselves to testing their merits. Six we tried in succession, each more encouraging than the last. But none worked. And then, the world ended, 2012."
- ―Assassin's Creed: Revelations[src]
The Six Methods of Salvation were a series of intricate and advanced solutions engineered by the Isu to avert the solar flare that threatened to wipe out all life on Earth.
While some Isu decided to invest their resources to continue waging war against the humans, others chose not to take part in the conflict; instead, they designed and built underground vaults to protect themselves from the battle above but to also contain possible consequences if their projects went wrong.
They worked across all the globe and their results were sent to the Grand Temple so the Father, the Mother, and the Voice could sort and sample all that was collected. They were tasked to select those solutions that showed most potential and to put them to the test so their effectiveness could be evaluated. Althought each method seemed most promisisng than the last, none of them succeeded, and the Isu civilization met its tragic fate, leaving behind their artifacts and knowledge for future generations to discover.
The First Method: Absortion
The first solution was to build four Towers to absorb the solar flares rays and energies that would strike the planet and dispel it. While they had the means and resources, the time to produce even one of them would take too long to be successful. The first tower was never completed, and the research was eventually abandoned. However, after the Great Catastrophe took place, a few Isu returned to resume their construction.[1] With the help of automated machines, the Towers were successfully built, and their purpose was redefined.[2]
Surtr attempted to use the first of these towers, named Maekinn[3], when he invaded Svartálfaheimr. He thought it could further his conquering plans, but was stopped by Odin.[4]
The Second Method: Shielding
The second solution was to use the Rings of Eden on a much larger scale than ever before. The magnetic field emitted by the Shards could protect the planet against the solar flare, but it was too large to build and was considered impossible.[1] The Isu hoped to save ever-decreasing fractions of the planet's landmass, ultimately ending their attempts at one-tenth the size, but the lack of time and resources proved too great. It was theorized that—at best—a city might have been spared, given more time, but the Isu did not have this luxury and so this plan was also abandoned.[1]
The Third Method: Manipulation
The third solution was to use the Apples of Eden to control humanity into willing the threat away. If enough humans were compelled to believe in one singular idea, their thoughts took on form and became reality. The consequent solution involved launching an Apple of Eden into orbit, aiming it towards the planet, and commanding the entire human race to think one thought, "make us safe." However, even with a dozen of the Apples sent into orbit, the Isu lacked the means to direct and maintain the control beam, and simultaneously influence the humans on a global scale. The project was eventually abandoned.[1]
The Fourth Method: Divination
The fourth solution was to attempt to go back in time and prevent the disaster before it could occur.[1] Minerva discovered that there was a pattern to the numbers and equations that define existence. If one could comprehend these numbers, time itself could be tamed. Unfortunately, it appeared that the Isu's attempts had no effect on the past. The device they created could, however, look into the future and see if the other solutions would prevent the disaster, but the result was always a failure. The solution was abandoned, though Minerva herself continued her studies on the underlying mathematics of the universe,[1] and eventually used her knowledge to actively communicate with individuals in the far future, such as Desmond Miles, through the genetic memories of his ancestor, Ezio Auditore da Firenze.[5]
The Fifth Method: Bio-engineering
The fifth solution was to augment Isu bodies to adapt to the hostile new climate which appeared on Earth following the catastrophe. Juno's husband Aita volunteered himself to test the method, but his mind degenerated and he became increasingly catatonic. With enough will, he wished for Juno to euthanize him, and she fulfilled it. The solution was subsequently abandoned.[1]
The Sixth Method: Transcendence
The sixth and final solution was to transfer one's consciousness to new, stronger, and better vessels that the former solution had failed to create. These new vessels would be able to withstand the new environment and could house the transferred consciousness within. While transferring one's consciousness into the new vessel was relatively simple, subsequent releasing of oneself from the vessel was nearly impossible. They even considered transferring the mind into another Isu being, as if it was a sacrifice, but this proved futile and morally wrong. As a result, this solution was ultimately abandoned.[1]
The Hidden Seventh Method: Rebirth
The Seventh Method was a closely guarded secret, known only to a very select few among the Isu. This method involved a last-resort contingency plan that combined elements of the previous sixth method. This hidden solution aimed to ensure the survival of the Isu by transferring their genetic memories into the human genome.[6] Its procedure wouldn't transfer their consciousness nor would create a copy of their minds, but it would serve to preserve their knowledge and legacy for future generations by allowing their incarnations to live for them.[4]
Gallery
-
Jotun carving of the First Method. -
Jotun carving of the Second Method. -
Jotun carving of the Third Method. -
Jotun carving of the Fourth Method. -
Jotun carving of the Fifth Method. -
Jotun carving of the Sixth Method.
Appearences
- Assassin's Creed: Revelations (first mentioned)
- Assassin's Creed III (first appearance)
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
References
