A Hero Returns

A Hero Returns is inspired by the opening chapter of Assassin’s Creed, the first of a series of video games, originally released in 2007. The game is set during the Third Crusade in 1191, and it centres around a prolonged conflict between the assassins and the Knight’s Templar, who are both trying to obtain an ancient, mind controlling artefact.

The composition begins by depicting the title character, the distinguished assassin Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, returning to the village of Masyaf (in Syria), after attempting to stop one of the Templars from stealing the artefact. Within the first few bars, the orchestra starts to swell, reflecting the impressive sight of the mountainous village ahead. The assassin’s mission, however, had not been entirely successful, and he had broken several rules of the assassin’s order in the process. The theme first heard on the flute, and then on the cor anglais, conveys the sombre mood as the assassin walks through the troubled village, which has been caught up in the events of the Third Crusade. The music in this movement has elements that are melodically reminiscent of Arabic music.

Altaïr eventually reaches the gates of a grand castle, the home of the assassin’s brotherhood leader, Al Mualim. The majesty of the building is clearly reflected by the fanfare-like brass. On entering the castle, the assassin travels to a dark and dusty library, filled with books on the arcane. The harp, celesta, and piano, in combination with tremolo strings and an advanced harmonic style, create an eerie and mysterious texture. In the library, the imposing figure of Al Mualim stands in wait, and he demotes Altaïr to the rank of novice for his previous failure. The assassin is told that he must eliminate the remaining Templars in order to redeem himself.

At that moment, an army can be seen in the distance. The large number of troops menacingly approach closer and closer to the castle. In the music, the enemy is portrayed by the constant thud of the timpani, getting ever louder. The assassin realises that the castle defences won’t hold, so he stealthily climbs a cliff face next to the castle, and releases a stack of logs to block the castle gates. This section of the piece is characterised by the use of high registers in the woodwind and strings, hinting at the height of the cliffs. With the enemy unable to proceed further into the castle, Altaïr and the rest of his brotherhood battle back, and the enemy is forced to retreat. Themes from earlier in the piece are heard once more, but this time with added impetus, and eventually triumph. The music has a sombre yet peaceful conclusion, suggesting that the heroic assassin has saved the village for now, but still has a long way to go to restore his reputation and end the unrest in the kingdom.

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