Ashe is the first (and so far the only) champion to possess both a global-ranged basic ability (Hawkshot) as well as two global-ranged abilities in total.
Prior to the League Client Update in 2016, Ashe was the only champion to be recognized as both a marksman and a support .
Her name references the ash tree, from Old English Æsc, from Proto-Germanic *askaz.[1]
Her direct ancestor Avarosa was betrayed, yet still commemorated, by the Ice Witch with a single runeword carved onto the cairnstone; possibly from Latin avisbird & Rosa.
As of December 9, 2017 Ashe has featured on the free champion rotation more than any other champion at 76 times.
Development
During Alpha Week 6, she was simply called Bowmaster or Chloenil.
Ashe is likely based on Guinsoo's DotA character, Traxex the Drow Ranger.
Both share very similar visual and gameplay designs, such as being played as marksmen in their respective games and the ability to shoot ice arrows to slow down opponents.
Lore
Ashe's True Ice bow is said to have belonged to her ancestor Avarosa, the ancient Iceborn queen of unified Freljord. However, dialogue from Swain suggests this might be a fabricated lie by her. Dialogue from Taric suggests the bow is actually a celestial weapon of Targon infused with True Ice by one of her ancestors that were "of the stars". According to Lissandra's biography, the only ancestor stated to have ever had any interaction with Targon was Serylda, Sejuani's ancestor, which ultimately suggests the bow might actually belong to her.
If Ashe, Sejuani, and/or Lissandra are played on opposing teams, Battle for Freljord will trigger. This in-game quest consists in one killing the other to earn the title of 'Queen of Freljord' (complete with a floating ice crown floating above their heads) referencing the civil war taking place there, between the three tribes each lead.
Quotes
e"No, really, put that apple on your head... ugh! Ah... ohh... hmm... " references William Tell'sapple-shot.
This skin represents the potential aftermath of the Freljord Civil War in which the Avarosan win and unite the tribes, with Ashe becoming the queen and Tryndamere the king.
This also represents her appearance her old lore.
Rakelstake (the Freljordian capital) can be seen in the background.
Amethyst is a violet variety of Quartz, often used in jewelry. It is known as a meditative and calming stone which works in the emotional, spiritual, and physical planes to provide calm, balance, patience, and peace.
This fits perfectly Ashe's goals of peace, unification, and prosperity for the Freljord.
She is from an alternate future in which she was cybernetically augmented as part of the PROJECT Initiative, but is leading the resistance against it in the name of humanity.
If one tells her they fight for 'unity' she'll say the following:
The Avarosan (led by Ashe) are engaged in a civil war with the Winter's Claw (led by Sejuani) over sovereignty of the Freljord. The Frostguard (led by Lissandra) do not directly confront both sides.
Unbeknownst to all, Lissandra is the Ice Witch of Freljordian legend, who is actually waiting for the right moment to sticke Ashe's and Sejuani's tribes and wipe out any potential incarnations of Avarosa and Serylda in order to take over the Freljord.
As revealed by Lissandra, she herself is one of the Three Sisters who led the Iceborn uprising against the Watchers. Whether or not she knows Ashe and Sejuani are direct descendants of her sisters (Avarosa and Serylda, respectively) making her their great-aunt-many-times-removed is unknown.
Evidence to support Ashe's heritage stems from Ezreal's uncle Lyte stating her 'striking resemblance' to Avarosa herself, as well as the fact Ashe was coincidentally led to Avarosa's grave by a great hawk and recovered her ancestor's True Ice bow she carries with her to this day.
Anivia support her and the Avarosan's goal of peace and unification. Gragas is another supporter.
It is unknown if Nunu and Willump support Ashe, but their deeds around the Freljord lead towards the same goal.
Ashe and Tryndamere are outhbound. Outhbounds are largely political marriage pacts that strengthen two uniting tribes or people. With this act Tryndamere and his entire tribe joined the Avarosan and he is bound to serve his new tribe and be loyal to Ashe.
All of this is, in turn, an inside reference at Riot. The name of Riot's CEO and co-founder Marc 'Tryndamere' Merrill's wife is Ashley.
Volley is the only ability usable in the basic tutorial, which takes place in the Howling Abyss.
Magelord side of 
I will lead us back to what we've lost."
DE3FRE Plasma Bow
Chromas:
