How Ancient Japanese Wisdom Shaped Assassin’s Creed Shadows Stealth Gameplay
The proverb of the Three Wise Monkeys—Mizaru (see no evil), Kikazaru (hear no evil), and Iwazaru (speak no evil)—originates from 17th-century Japan, carved into the sacred wood of the Tōshō-gū shrine in Nikkō, Japan. These monkeys, covering their eyes, ears, and mouth, represent a moral code rooted in restraint, awareness, and ethical silence. In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, this philosophy finds new life—not as passive avoidance, but as tactical mastery in gameplay.
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The three wise monkeys are rooted in Buddhist and Confucian teachings: to avoid evil by being mindful of what we see, hear, and say. Far from passive ignorance, this philosophy encourages self-discipline and ethical restraint.
In traditional Japanese culture, the proverb was a spiritual reminder to live honorably and avoid corrupting influences. It was tied to the Kōshin belief system, which blended Taoist and Shinto elements, and viewed the monkeys as guardians of moral conduct. Their silent gestures weren’t about denial—they were about choosing virtue over vice, even when temptation or injustice loomed.
In the game’s setting of Sengoku-era Japan, where loyalty is fragile and shadows are lethal, the monkeys’ teachings echo through every stealth kill and silent infiltration. “See no evil” becomes the assassin’s clarity—discerning threats without prejudice. “Hear no evil” reflects the shinobi’s discipline—filtering chaos to find the signal. “Speak no evil” is the art of restraint—knowing when silence is more powerful than a blade.
Modern interpretations often twist the proverb into a symbol of denial or ignorance. But AC Shadows reclaims its original depth. The player doesn’t ignore evil—they study it, stalk it, and strike with precision. The wisdom of the macaques becomes a gameplay philosophy: observe, listen, and act only when the moment is right, a test of your understanding of restraint and timing.
In-game, the Three Wise Monkeys aren’t just rare event and sumi-e folklore—they’re a stealth doctrine. And Assassin’s Creed Shadows, made sure legacy lives on in every shadow you walk through.
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