Kadar Al-Sayf
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Kadar Al-Sayf (died 1191) was a member of the Levantine Brotherhood of Assassins during the 12th century, the younger brother of Malik Al-Sayf, and the uncle of Malik's son Tazim Al-Sayf.
While not ranked highly above a novice of the Order, he was among the Assassins sent to recover the Templar treasure in 1191 at Solomon's Temple. Due to a conflict that arose there, Kadar lost his life.
Biography[edit | edit source]
Early life[edit | edit source]
The son of Faheem Al-Sayf, a Master Assassin, Kadar was raised in the Assassin fortress of Masyaf alongside his older brother Malik. He trained from an early age to become a member of the Brotherhood in preparation for active duty.[1]
Kadar viewed Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad as the epitome of the Brotherhood's skill and power. He attempted to emulate the Master Assassin, which infuriated Malik, who envied Altaïr.[1]
While Malik disliked Altaïr for his arrogance, Kadar ignored his brother's warnings and followed Altaïr's teachings rather than his sibling's more cautious approach.[1]
By 1191, Kadar had proven proficient with his weapons and was deemed capable of undertaking dangerous missions. At the time of his death, he carried a Hidden Blade, several throwing knives, and a sword; weapons granted only to Assassins who had proven their abilities and risen in the ranks.[2]
Solomon's Temple[edit | edit source]
Kadar was assigned to a high-profile recovery operation alongside his brother Malik and the Master Assassin Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad. Initially excluded from the mission's sensitive details due to his junior standing, Kadar sought clarification from Altaïr regarding their objectives within Solomon's Temple.[3]
Shortly after entering the site, Altaïr executed an innocent old man near the entrance, prompting a stern reprimand from Malik for violating the second tenet of the Creed. Kadar, however, remained unmoved by his brother's concerns, instead praising Altaïr's proficiency with the Hidden Blade. As the team proceeded, Kadar continued to express admiration for the Master Assassin, disregarding Malik's visible frustration.[3]
Navigating through the temple's subterranean tunnels, the Assassins eliminated a guard through stealth to maintain their approach. They eventually reached a ledge overlooking a large, excavated chamber supported by carved pillars, where they observed a decorated golden box. The site featured various scaffolds, as the chamber had been recently unearthed by laborers from Jerusalem.[3]
Malik identified the chest as the object of their search. When Kadar hesitantly questioned if the artifact was the legendary Ark of the Covenant, Altaïr dismissed the notion, characterizing the Ark as a myth. The team's observation was interrupted by the arrival of a Templar detachment led by Robert de Sablé, the Grand Master of the Templar Order.[3]
Despite Malik's insistence on prioritizing the recovery of the treasure, Altaïr chose to confront de Sablé directly. Breaking the tenet of discretion, Altaïr openly challenged the Grand Master. Robert easily parried the attack and physically expelled Altaïr from the chamber, deliberately sparing his life so that the Assassin might deliver a message to Al Mualim. This left Malik and Kadar to face the remaining Templars alone.[3]
Death[edit | edit source]
Left to contend with five Templars present, including the highly-skilled Robert, the brothers engaged in a desperate struggle. Despite the overwhelming odds, Malik managed to secure the artifact, though he suffered a grievous injury to his arm that would later necessitate amputation.[3][4]
Kadar, lacking the combat experience required to survive such an onslaught, was killed during the skirmish. While Malik successfully escaped back to Masyaf with the treasure, the loss of his brother remained a point of deep resentment toward Altaïr, whose recklessness Malik held responsible for Kadar's death.[3][4]
Personality and traits[edit | edit source]
Kadar was eager and aggressive in his youth, preferring direct confrontation over stealth. As such, he readily adopted Altaïr's methods rather than the cautious tactics of his brother. This frustrated Malik, who envied Altaïr and disapproved of the Master Assassin's arrogance.[2]
Despite his youth, Kadar held a rank above that of a novice, indicating proficiency in combat and weaponry. He was dedicated to the Order and looked up to both Malik and Altaïr.[2]
Kadar was obedient to the Creed, and though he admired Altaïr's rebellious nature, he displayed the humility and obedience required of an Assassin.[2]
Kadar possessed a tanned complexion and light stubble. His eyes were light in color, a distinct feature compared to the dark brown common in the region. He wore a gray hood and dark gray sleeves, denoting his junior rank.[2]
His attire included the Order's signature triangular buckle and a red sash. He carried throwing knives and a sword. Unlike many of his brethren in the Levantine Brotherhood, Kadar retained his ring finger despite wielding a Hidden Blade.[2]
Trivia[edit | edit source]
- In Arabic, "Kadar" (from Qadir, قدير) means 'powerful' or 'strong', while "Al-sayf" means 'the sword'.
- Al-Qadir is also one of the 99 attributes of Allah.
- Kadar wore the short robes and dark hood common to the lower-ranked Assassins and guards in Masyaf.
Appearances[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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