What Does Ezio Say When He Kills Someone?
"Requiescat in pace"—which translates from Latin to "Rest in peace" in English—is the iconic phrase the famed assassin Ezio Auditore murmurs after successfully carrying out an assassination of one of his targets throughout the Assassin‘s Creed video game series. This brief benediction has become nearly as famous among fans as Ezio himself.
The Meaning and Impact of "Requiescat in Pace"
Uttered so many times over the course of Ezio‘s long crusade against the Templars, this epitaph clearly carries deep meaning for him. Though some speculated it might be cavalier or cruel to bid slain foes to find peace, examining Ezio‘s background provides insight into the solemn respect these words suggest:
- Ezio was raised in a religious Italian family during the Renaissance era, so Latin phrases and Biblical references come naturally to him
- The Assassins‘ ideology focuses on ensuring free will for humanity – so Ezio aims to release Templar enemies from poisonous greed/ambition
- Perhaps some part of Ezio regrets needing to kill, even as he exacts justice
We watch Ezio mature from a reckless youth seeking vengeance into a measured Mentor leading others. But he never stops holding onto principles taught growing up or showing mercy – two crucial facets highlighted in how he marks his assassinations.
Over many hard years hunting the Borgias and their allies, Ezio dispatches dozens of enemies with the hidden blade or sword. But it‘s more than a mere catchphrase when "requiescat in pace" leaves his lips – it‘s a steadfast commitment to his code. Even master assassins respect life‘s value while understanding death‘s necessity.
Ezio‘s Most Impactful Assassination Targets
While a complete list may be innumerable after so many years serving the Brotherhood, records confirm key assassination targets that Ezio would have uttered "requiescat in pace" to afterward:
Uberto Alberti
The first person Ezio kills in Assassin‘s Creed II, Alberti‘s betrayal led the Templars to execute Ezio‘s father and brothers. So by taking his life, Ezio sets forth on the bloody path of revenge that will one day help renew the Assassin Order itself.
The Pazzi Conspirators
Representatives of this rival Florentine family scheme with the Templars. Ezio systematically hunts down Francesco, Jacopo, Antonio, Bernardo, and Vieri de’ Pazzi for sentencing following their failed bid to overthrow the Medicis.
Marco Barbarigo
A powerful figure Ezio eliminates to hinder Templar control of Venice. After a struggle above canals and rooftops, Barbarigo dies cursing Ezio‘s name – assassinated mid-conspiracy.
Rodrigo and Cesare Borgia
The shrewd leader of the Templars for decades and his vicious, ambitious son. Ezio‘s long quest leads to confronting each Borgia at the height of their power. He ultimately defeats them in dramatic fashion before placing daggers in their throats.
Through cold calculation or righteous fury, Ezio adds these names and more to the Brokerhood‘s list of annihilated enemies. Yet just as consistently, he offers last rites to transition these corrupt, dangerous men from life to the afterlife following their worldly demise.
Ezio‘s Character Development and Eventual Destiny
Ezio Auditore serves as the most prolific assassin protagonist not only thanks to his many years stalking history’s pages but because we witness profound personal growth reflecting moral nuance. His progression from reckless nobleman through weathered mentor all the way until fate’s final calling as guiding prophet steers humanity toward salvation reveals layered narrative mastery.
Eventually retiring to a quiet life running a Tuscan vineyard with his wife and daughter, Ezio dies of a sudden heart attack at 65 during a trip back to his beloved Florence alongside family. Even for one so accomplished at dealing death to others, fate remains unpredictable as always.
But surely Ezio would show no fear crossing over to the other side. And were there words to somehow whisper in life’s last blink, what else could they be except a satisfied “requiescat in pace” knowing his work complete? Destiny now rests on other hidden blades…
So in tribute to legendary Ezio Auditore da Firenze, remember that even noble killers may temper necessary violence with mercy and contemplate mortality as we all must eventually.
References:
Grey, D. (2020, September 15). Every Assassin‘s Creed Game, Ranked. GameRant. https://gamerant.com/every-assassins-creed-game-ranked/
Travis, J. (2022, October 29). Assassin‘s Creed: 10 Things You Didn‘t Know About Ezio. TheGamer. https://www.thegamer.com/assassins-creed-ezio-auditore-facts-trivia/
Peters, J. (2020, November 2). Assassin‘s Creed: 5 Best Assassinations In The Series (& 5 Worst). TheGamer. https://www.thegamer.com/assassins-creed-best-worst-assassinations/
