Answer:
In the storyline of Assassin's Creed Odyssey, it is revealed that Alexios' father, Nikolaos of Sparta, throws him off a cliff during their confrontation on Mount Taygetos. The cause behind this act is deeply intertwined with the complex political and social dynamics of ancient Greece, as well as the overarching narrative of the game.
To understand the reasons behind Nikolaos' decision, we need to explore the context in which it occurs. Assassin's Creed Odyssey is set during the Peloponnesian War, a conflict between Athens and Sparta that lasted from 431 to 404 BCE. Sparta was known for its rigid social and military structure, where discipline and obedience were highly valued.
Nikolaos, as a Spartan general, was a strict adherent to these values. He saw his role as a father secondary to his duty to Sparta and the broader cause of maintaining order and Spartan dominance. This ideology is exemplified in a pivotal moment early in the game when a group of young Spartan boys are chosen for rigorous training. Nikolaos, as their instructor, presents a harsh and unforgiving environment, believing that only the strongest should survive to become true Spartans.
When Alexios was born, he was deemed "weak" by Spartan standards due to his mother being a non-Spartan. This weakened lineage would have been seen as a detriment to Spartan society. However, due to the Oracle of Delphi's prophecy, which predicted the fall of Sparta and the rise of a "lion's cub marked by the gods," Nikolaos believed that Alexios might hold the key to Sparta's salvation.
Yet, as Alexios grows older, it becomes evident that he possesses a compassionate and empathetic nature, which stands in stark contrast to the Spartan ideals of discipline, obedience, and lack of emotional attachment. Alexios' actions and choices begin to challenge the very foundations of Spartan society and threaten to undermine its rigid hierarchical structure.
When Alexios returns to Sparta after several years away, the confrontation between father and son becomes inevitable. Nikolaos, torn between his duty to Sparta and his love for his son, faces a difficult decision. He believes that by sacrificing Alexios, he can restore order and save Sparta from the chaos that his son represents.
In their final confrontation on Mount Taygetos, Nikolaos intends to force Alexios to embrace the Spartan way by testing his strength and resolve. The dialogue and choices leading up to this moment shape the outcome. The player's decisions may lead to Nikolaos throwing Alexios off the cliff, in an act intended to both eliminate the threat Alexios poses and reinforce the harsh Spartan discipline.
It's important to note that this act is not driven solely by malice or cruelty on Nikolaos' part. Rather, it is a desperate attempt to preserve Sparta's traditions and values, even at the cost of his own son's life. The decision weighs heavily on Nikolaos, as he recognizes the magnitude of his actions and the loss he experiences as a father.
Ultimately, the cause that drives Nikolaos to throw Alexios off the cliff stems from his unwavering commitment to Spartan society, the prophecy that points to Alexios as a potential danger, and the fear that his son's non-Spartan nature could undermine the stability of their city-state.