Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Character Bios & Backstories

Learn the motivations behind Assassin's Creed Valhalla's figures. This guide details character bios and backstories to deepen your understanding of the saga.

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Character Bios & Backstories

Understanding the motivations and histories of the key characters in Assassin's Creed Valhalla can significantly enrich your gameplay experience and aid in making informed decisions during pivotal story moments. This section delves into the backgrounds of prominent figures, offering insights into their allegiances, personal struggles, and how their pasts influence their interactions with Eivor and the broader narrative.

Eivor Varinsdottir: The Wolf-Kissed

As the protagonist, Eivor's backstory is central to the entire saga. Orphaned at a young age during a brutal attack by Kjotve the Cruel, Eivor carries the weight of their past throughout their journey. This traumatic event, detailed in the early quest "Honor Bound" (part of the Battle for the Northern Way arc), shapes their fierce independence and unwavering loyalty to their clan.

  • Key Backstory Elements:
    • Orphaned by Kjotve: Witnessing the death of their parents instills a deep-seated desire for vengeance, which drives many of Eivor's early actions.
    • Adopted by Varin: Though not Eivor's biological father, Varin's influence and the bond with Sigurd are crucial.
    • The Wolf-Kissed Prophecy: The encounter with the wolf in childhood, as explored in "A Seer's Solace", marks Eivor as special, hinting at a destiny beyond mere raiding.
  • Impact on Gameplay:
    • Dialogue Choices: Eivor's responses often reflect their pragmatic and sometimes aggressive nature, stemming from their harsh upbringing. Consider this when engaging in diplomatic conversations.
    • Combat Style: Their preference for direct confrontation and powerful attacks can be attributed to their warrior ethos forged in the crucible of Norseland.
    • Alliance Decisions: Eivor's loyalty to their clan and desire for a safe haven for their people will heavily influence choices during the Alliance Map quests.
  • Recommended Exploration:
    • Revisit the starting area of Rygjafylke to find scattered notes and environmental storytelling that further flesh out Eivor's early life.
    • Pay close attention to conversations with Sigurd and Randvi, as they often provide personal anecdotes about Eivor's past.

Sigurd Styrbjornson: The Jarl's Son

Eivor's adoptive brother and the Jarl of the Raven Clan, Sigurd is a charismatic but often impulsive leader. His thirst for glory and a grand destiny, often fueled by his encounters with Basim and Hytham, sets him on a path that frequently clashes with Eivor's more grounded approach. His journey is heavily explored in quests like "The Prodigal Prince" and "Family Matters".

  • Key Backstory Elements:
    • Heir to the Raven Clan: Sigurd shoulders the responsibility of leading his people, a burden that sometimes manifests as arrogance.
    • Encounter with the Hidden Ones: His fascination with the Isu and the mysteries of the world is sparked by Basim, leading him down a dangerous path.
    • Relationship with Randvi: His marriage to Randvi, and the ensuing complexities, are a significant part of his personal narrative.
  • Impact on Gameplay:
    • Main Story Progression: Sigurd's decisions are often the catalyst for major plot developments, sometimes forcing Eivor into difficult situations.
    • Raid Opportunities: His desire for wealth and glory often leads to large-scale raids, providing opportunities for resources and experience.
    • Endgame Choices: Your relationship with Sigurd, shaped by your actions throughout the game, will have profound consequences in the final arcs.
  • Actionable Advice:
    • During the quest "A Cruel Destiny", pay close attention to Sigurd's interactions with Fulke. These early encounters foreshadow his later obsession.
    • When given choices that involve Sigurd's well-being or his grand schemes, consider the long-term impact on your relationship with him and the clan.

Randvi: The Advisor

Sigurd's wife and a shrewd strategist, Randvi becomes a vital ally and confidante for Eivor. Her intelligence and calm demeanor often serve as a counterbalance to Sigurd's impulsiveness. Her personal struggles and growing connection with Eivor are explored through various settlement quests and the Alliance Map.

  • Key Backstory Elements:
    • Strategic Mind: Randvi's ability to plan and organize is crucial for the Raven Clan's success in England.
    • Strained Marriage: Her relationship with Sigurd is complex and often fraught with tension, particularly as his obsession grows.
    • Loyalty to the Clan: Despite her personal feelings, Randvi remains dedicated to the prosperity of the Raven Clan.
  • Impact on Gameplay:
    • Alliance Map Progress: Randvi is your primary contact for the Alliance Map, guiding you through the political landscape of England.
    • Settlement Growth: Her advice on building and expanding Ravensthorpe is invaluable. Consult her regularly at the Longhouse.
    • Romantic Options: Your interactions with Randvi can lead to a romantic subplot, which has minor narrative implications.
  • Specific Walkthrough Steps:
    • To deepen your relationship with Randvi, complete all "Randvi's Request" quests that appear on the Alliance Map. These often involve exploring new territories or resolving local disputes.
    • After completing the Grantebridgescire arc, return to Ravensthorpe and speak with Randvi in the Longhouse. A specific dialogue option will open up regarding her feelings.

Basim Ibn Ishaq: The Hidden One

A mysterious and enigmatic member of the Hidden Ones, Basim arrives in Norway with Hytham, seeking to eliminate members of the Order of the Ancients. His true motives and ancient connections are slowly revealed throughout the narrative, making him a pivotal and often unsettling figure. His introduction occurs during "A Seer's Solace" and "Family Matters".

  • Key Backstory Elements:
    • Member of the Hidden Ones: Basim is a master assassin with a deep understanding of their creed and history.
    • Ancient Connections: His past is far more complex than it initially appears, linking him to events predating the Viking age.
    • Mentor to Sigurd: He actively encourages Sigurd's pursuit of glory and destiny, often to Eivor's concern.
  • Impact on Gameplay:
    • Order of the Ancients Hunt: Basim and Hytham provide the initial impetus and guidance for hunting down the Order.
    • Main Story Twists: Basim's actions and revelations are central to some of the game's most significant plot twists.
    • Combat Training: While not a direct trainer, his presence and the Hidden Ones' techniques influence Eivor's understanding of stealth and assassination.
  • Strategic Considerations:
    • Be wary of Basim's advice, especially when it concerns Sigurd. His agenda is not always aligned with the Raven Clan's best interests.
    • Pay close attention to his dialogue and the cryptic hints he drops, as they often foreshadow future events and revelations about the Isu.