In the original Assassin's Creed, which Assassin does the player control during the Third Crusade?

The original Assassin's Creed lets players control Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad during the Third Crusade.

Altaïr is introduced as a highly ranked Assassin whose arrogance causes him to lose his status and equipment. His mentor, Al Mualim, assigns him a series of investigations and assassination missions in the Holy Land. The principal cities include Jerusalem, Acre, and Damascus, all presented in the year 1191.

Altaïr's story is distinct from the later Renaissance adventures of Ezio Auditore. He is also different from Desmond Miles, the modern-day character who experiences Altaïr's memories through the Animus. The game's framing device connects Altaïr's medieval missions with the broader Assassin-Templar conflict.

The name Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad is Arabic and is commonly translated as “The Bird, Son of None.” The original game establishes him as one of the series' foundational historical protagonists, while later entries revisit his life and legacy.