The heir is the same person with his ancestor, a part of his ancestor.

Explanation

In the legal fiction of descent, the heir is treated as a continuation of the ancestor's legal identity — what bound the ancestor binds the heir, and the ancestor's rights vest in the heir without interruption.

Where this applies

• My grandfather's contracts are now binding on me as his heir.
• The heir is legally treated as a continuation of the deceased — the obligations carry over.