The Assassin's Creed universe is vast and intricate, filled with historical settings, compelling characters, and, most importantly, a rich lore that extends far beyond human history. Central to this lore are the Isu, a precursor race whose advanced civilization predates and influences humanity in profound ways. For fans of the franchise, the Isu are a constant source of fascination, speculation, and debate, especially within online communities like Reddit. Let's dive into what makes the Isu so captivating and explore how the Reddit community dissects and discusses them.

Who are the Isu?

At its core, the Assassin's Creed series presents a secret history, where humanity's past has been shaped by powerful artifacts and the clandestine conflicts between the Assassins and Templars. But before both of these groups, there were the Isu. The Isu, also known as Those Who Came Before, were a highly advanced species that existed long before humans. They possessed knowledge and technology far surpassing anything we can imagine, and they used this to create the Pieces of Eden – powerful artifacts that can control minds, manipulate reality, and grant immense power.

The Isu aren't just technologically superior; they are also genetically different. They created humans as a labor force, modifying our DNA to make us subservient. However, a cataclysmic solar event wiped out most of the Isu and freed humanity from their control. Despite their near extinction, the Isu left behind a legacy that continues to influence the world. Their technology, knowledge, and genetic imprint are scattered throughout history, waiting to be discovered.

The Isu on Reddit: Theories and Discussions

Reddit plays a crucial role in keeping the Isu relevant and exciting for Assassin's Creed fans. Subreddits dedicated to the franchise are filled with discussions, theories, and speculations about the Isu. Fans dissect every piece of information revealed in the games, comics, and books to piece together a comprehensive picture of this enigmatic race. Some popular theories include:

• The Nature of the Cataclysm: What exactly caused the Great Catastrophe that wiped out the Isu? Was it a natural event, or was there something more sinister at play? Reddit users often debate the various hints and clues scattered throughout the games to come up with plausible explanations.
• Isu Technology: How did the Isu's advanced technology work? What were the limits of their power? Fans speculate on the capabilities of the Pieces of Eden and other Isu artifacts, often drawing parallels with real-world scientific concepts and science fiction.
• The Role of the Sages: Sages are individuals who carry the genetic memory and consciousness of specific Isu figures. How do Sages fit into the grand scheme of things? What is their purpose, and what role do they play in the ongoing conflict between Assassins and Templars? Reddit users explore the significance of Sages like Bartholomew Roberts and their connections to the Isu.
• The Future of the Isu: Are the Isu truly extinct? Could they return in some form? Many Reddit users believe that the Isu may still have a presence in the world, either through their technology, genetic legacy, or even through some form of digital consciousness.

Key Isu Figures in Assassin's Creed Lore

To truly appreciate the Isu, it's essential to know some of the key figures from their civilization. These individuals have played significant roles in the events of the Assassin's Creed universe, and their stories are deeply intertwined with the fate of humanity.

Minerva

Minerva is one of the most prominent Isu figures in the series. She is a member of the Capitoline Triad, along with Jupiter and Juno. Minerva is known for her wisdom and foresight. She was instrumental in warning humanity about the impending solar flare and devising a plan to save a select few from the catastrophe. Her messages, encoded within the Animus, guide Desmond Miles in his quest to avert another apocalypse. Minerva's actions showcase the Isu's concern for humanity, even if it was initially intended as a labor force.

Jupiter

Jupiter, another member of the Capitoline Triad, is renowned for his engineering prowess. He played a crucial role in constructing the Grand Temple, a massive underground complex that served as a repository for Isu knowledge and technology. Jupiter's recordings provide valuable insights into the Isu's society, their scientific advancements, and their understanding of the cosmos. His contributions highlight the Isu's technological superiority and their efforts to preserve their legacy.

Juno

Juno is perhaps the most complex and controversial Isu figure. Initially presented as a benevolent guide, she is eventually revealed to have a more self-serving agenda. After the Great Catastrophe, Juno's consciousness was transferred into a digital form. She seeks to resurrect her physical body and reassert her control over humanity. Juno's actions drive much of the modern-day storyline in the Assassin's Creed games, making her a central antagonist. Her character raises questions about the Isu's morality and their ultimate goals.

Pieces of Eden: Relics of Isu Technology

The Pieces of Eden are powerful artifacts created by the Isu. These relics have the ability to manipulate minds, control elements, and grant immense power to those who wield them. Throughout the Assassin's Creed games, these artifacts are central to the conflict between the Assassins and Templars, each faction seeking to harness their power for their own purposes.

The Apple of Eden

The Apple of Eden is one of the most well-known Pieces of Eden. It can create illusions, control minds, and project thoughts into the minds of others. The Apple has been used by various historical figures, including Genghis Khan and George Washington, to manipulate events and control populations. Its power makes it a highly sought-after artifact, and its influence can be seen throughout history.

The Sword of Eden

The Sword of Eden is another powerful artifact that grants its wielder superhuman strength and speed. It can also project energy blasts and create shockwaves. The Sword has been used in numerous battles and has played a significant role in shaping the course of history. Its destructive potential makes it a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands.

The Shroud of Eden

The Shroud of Eden has the ability to heal injuries and even resurrect the dead. It is a highly coveted artifact due to its life-giving properties. The Shroud has been used to save countless lives, but it also has the potential to disrupt the natural order of life and death. Its power raises ethical questions about the limits of technology and the consequences of tampering with life itself.

The Isu and Their Impact on Humanity

The Isu's influence on humanity is undeniable. They created us as a labor force, shaping our DNA and imbuing us with certain traits. They also left behind their technology and knowledge, which has been both a blessing and a curse for humanity. The Pieces of Eden have been used to manipulate events, control populations, and wage wars. The conflict between the Assassins and Templars is, in many ways, a direct result of the Isu's legacy.

Genetic Memory

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Assassin's Creed universe is the concept of genetic memory. Humans can access the memories of their ancestors through their DNA, allowing them to relive past events and gain insights into the past. This genetic memory is a direct result of the Isu's tampering with human DNA. It allows characters like Desmond Miles and Layla Hassan to explore the lives of their ancestors and uncover the secrets of the Isu.

The Assassin-Templar Conflict

The conflict between the Assassins and Templars is a central theme in the Assassin's Creed series. The Assassins fight for freedom and free will, while the Templars seek order and control. This conflict can be traced back to the Isu, who represent both the potential for great power and the dangers of unchecked ambition. The Assassins and Templars are, in essence, fighting over the legacy of the Isu and their technology.

The Future of the Isu in Assassin's Creed

As the Assassin's Creed series continues to evolve, the role of the Isu remains a central point of interest. Recent games have delved deeper into their history and motivations, revealing new layers of complexity. The question remains: what role will the Isu play in the future of the series? Are they truly gone, or do they have a more significant part to play? The Reddit community is always buzzing with new theories and speculations, eagerly awaiting the next installment in the franchise.

Potential Storylines

There are several potential storylines that could explore the Isu in more detail:

• The Return of the Isu: Could the Isu find a way to return to the world? Perhaps through their technology, genetic legacy, or even through some form of digital consciousness. This could lead to a new conflict between humanity and the Isu.
• Exploring Isu Society: What was life like in the Isu civilization? What were their values, beliefs, and social structures? A game set during the Isu era could provide valuable insights into their culture and motivations.
• The Search for More Pieces of Eden: There are still many Pieces of Eden that have yet to be discovered. A game focused on the search for these artifacts could reveal new secrets about the Isu and their technology.

Conclusion

The Isu are a fascinating and integral part of the Assassin's Creed universe. Their advanced technology, complex motivations, and lasting impact on humanity make them a constant source of intrigue for fans. The Reddit community plays a vital role in keeping the Isu relevant and exciting, with countless discussions, theories, and speculations. As the Assassin's Creed series continues to evolve, the Isu will undoubtedly remain a central point of interest, shaping the future of the franchise. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, the Isu offer a rich and rewarding lore to explore. So dive in, join the discussions on Reddit, and discover the secrets of Those Who Came Before.