The Apple of Eden is the Assassin's Creed artifact that can grant control over human minds.
Apples of Eden are Pieces of Eden, advanced artifacts created by the First Civilization, also called the Isu. In the games, an Apple can influence perception, control or manipulate people, and produce other powerful effects. Its capabilities make it one of the most important objects in the Assassins-versus-Templars conflict.
The artifact's name deliberately echoes the biblical apple, but Assassin's Creed presents a science-fiction explanation rather than treating it as a literal religious object. Different games show different Apples and different manifestations of their power.
The Staff of Hermes is another Piece of Eden associated with immortality, while the Sword of Eden is a separate artifact. The Shroud of Eden is also distinct and is linked to healing and bodily restoration. These objects belong to the same artifact family, but they are not the mind-controlling Apple.