Haytham Kenway's Betrayal

Lore & Background

Born to the legendary pirate-turned-Assassin Edward Kenway, Haytham was raised with knowledge of both sides of the eternal war. Despite his father's teachings on free will, Haytham found himself drawn to the Templar philosophy that humanity required guidance and structure to thrive. This philosophical betrayal led him to sever ties with his Assassin heritage, eventually becoming one of the most powerful Templars in history. His influence extended across the Atlantic as he worked to secure control over Colonial America. While often viewed as a villain by Assassins, Haytham was depicted as a man of conviction who believed chaos would destroy civilization without oversight. His conflict with his own son, Connor, highlighted the tragic cost of this betrayal, as family bloodlines became battlegrounds for ideological supremacy.

Reader's Guide

Haytham Kenway was born into a life of conflict between two ancient orders. Though raised by an Assassin father, Edward Kenway, he ultimately rejected the Creed’s pursuit of freedom in favor of Templar structure and control. This ideological betrayal defined his early adulthood as he sought to impose order on a chaotic world rather than liberate it from corruption. He eventually traveled to Colonial America to establish the Templar Rite there, recruiting key figures like Reginald Birch to secure their influence.

His plans brought him into direct conflict with his own son, Connor, who was raised by Assassins and hunted Haytham for years due to the destruction of his home village. The tension culminated in a final confrontation at Kenway Manor where truth was laid bare. Despite their enmity, Haytham’s actions shifted near the end. When British forces attempted to assassinate Connor during their duel, Haytham intercepted the fatal shot meant for his son.

He died moments later, passing knowledge of the Templar artifacts before succumbing to his wounds. This final act complicated his legacy as a betrayer.

Did You Know?

• Haytham Kenway is the father of Ratonhnhaké:ton / Connor, the main protagonist of Assassin's Creed III.
• The main narrative of Assassin's Creed III is set in 18th-century Colonial America from 1754 to 1783.
• Haytham is a British Templar who attempts to build a presence for his Order in the colonies during the French and Indian War.
• Connor is Haytham's half-Mohawk son, who becomes an Assassin to protect his people and avenge his mother's death.
• A prequel, Assassin's Creed Rogue, detailing the rise and fall of the Templars and Assassins in Colonial America, was released in November 2014.