The Animus is the fictional artifact-like machine that lets users access genetic memories in Assassin's Creed.
In the series, the Animus allows a person in the present to experience memories inherited through DNA from an ancestor. The device provides the narrative bridge between modern characters such as Desmond Miles and historical figures such as Altaïr and Ezio.
The machine is central to the first game's framing story. Abstergo Industries, a modern organization connected to the Templars, uses Desmond to search his ancestral memories. Later games show different Animus models and interfaces, including systems developed by Abstergo and used by other characters.
The Animus is often confused with the Apple of Eden. Apples are Pieces of Eden, powerful artifacts from the ancient Isu civilization, whereas the Animus is a technology used to view memories. The Bleeding Effect is another separate concept: it describes lasting skills or psychological effects caused by prolonged Animus exposure.