Connor Kenway
The Mohawk Assassin who shaped a nation's freedom through blood and steel.
Connor Kenway, also known by his Mohawk name Ratonhnhaké:ton, is a central figure in the Assassin's Creed saga and the protagonist of the third main installment. He is a half-Mohawk, half-British Assassin who operated during the tumultuous period of the American Revolution. Under the mentorship of Master Assassin Achilles Davenport, he rebuilt a decimated organization to fight for the freedom of his people.
- Full Name
- Ratonhnhaké:ton / Connor
- Affiliation
- Assassin
- Era
- 18th-century Colonial America from 1754 to 1783
- Father
- Haytham Kenway
- Mother
- Kaniehtí:io (Ziio)
- Genetic Link
- Ancestor of Desmond Miles
Lore & Background
Connor is credited with rebuilding and reforming the Colonial Brotherhood from the ashes left by decades of Templar suppression, rather than founding it from scratch. Guided by the last surviving Master Assassin in the colonies, Achilles Davenport, he restored a strong Assassin presence in North America. His legacy extends beyond his lifetime, as his genetic memories were later accessed by modern-day Assassins to uncover hidden truths about the First Civilization and the Templar Order.
In Their Own Story
Winter wind howled through the pines as Connor watched the smoke rise from the distant valley. He adjusted his grip on the tomahawk, feeling the cold bite of steel against his palm. The war was ending, yet the shadows remained long and deep. He knew peace would not come easily to these lands, but he had done what he could for the future.
Reader's Guide
Connor Kenway stands as a tragic hero defined by loss and purpose. Born Ratonhnhaké:ton to a Mohawk mother and British Templar father, he initially sought vengeance against those who destroyed his village. This personal crusade eventually evolved into a broader commitment to liberty when he joined the Assassin cause. His combat style blends traditional Native American warfare with Assassin techniques, utilizing tomahawks and hidden blades equally well. Throughout his journey, he struggles with the cost of war and the betrayal by both sides of the conflict. He ultimately establishes a permanent Brotherhood presence in North America, securing its future for generations. Key moments include the confrontation with his father Haytham and the decision to leave civilization behind after the Revolution. His legacy is not just in battles won, but in the protection of his people's culture amidst colonial expansion. He represents the bridge between two worlds, sacrificing personal happiness for the greater good of humanity.
Did You Know?
- Connor is half-Mohawk, half-British, and his Mohawk name Ratonhnhaké:ton means 'life that is hard to see'.
- He is the son of Haytham Kenway, a British Templar who attempted to build a presence for his Order in the colonies during the French and Indian War.
- Connor's mother was killed, which motivated him to become an Assassin to protect his people and avenge her death.
- The game was one of the first major video game releases to prominently feature Mohawk people, and the team consulted with cultural experts about the depiction of Connor and other Mohawk characters.
- Connor's genetic memories were relived by series protagonist Desmond Miles using a machine known as the Animus to find a way to avert the 2012 apocalypse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Connor Kenway?
Connor Kenway, born Ratonhnhaké:ton, is a half-Mohawk, half-British Assassin who serves as the protagonist of Assassin's Creed III. He operates during the American Revolution to protect his people and fight for independence against colonial oppression.
Who are Connor Kenway's parents?
His father is Haytham Kenway, a Templar Grand Master, while his mother is Kaniehtí:io (Ziio), a Mohawk woman from the Kanatahséton village.
What role does Connor play in the Assassin Brotherhood?
Mentored by Achilles Davenport, Connor rebuilds the decimated Colonial Assassin Brotherhood to oppose Templar influence during the American Revolution. He acts as a bridge between Native American communities and colonial forces while seeking justice for his mother's death.
How does Connor Kenway's story end?
After decades of fighting alongside George Washington and witnessing the birth of a new nation, Connor retires to live with his family in the wilderness. He eventually passes away of natural causes at an advanced age, leaving behind a legacy that shapes future generations.
Why is Connor Kenway important to the franchise?
Connor represents a pivotal shift in the series by highlighting Indigenous perspectives and the complexities of the American Revolution through a Native protagonist. His journey explores themes of identity, betrayal, and the true cost of freedom within the Assassin-Templar conflict.
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