It seems as though 2022 is a year when several AAA games are fighting for the spotlight. Nevertheless, it is nearly impossible for any game to steal attention away from the highly anticipated sequel to 2018’sGod of War. Developed by Santa Monica,God of War Ragnarokwill continueKratos and Atreus' adventures as they attempt to prevent the end of days, known as Ragnarok, from occurring. Along the way, they will have to deal with dangerous monsters, treacherous environments, and enemies who are out for revenge.
Most gamers will be jumping intoGod of War Ragnarokfor the satisfying combat that has madeGod of Wara staple of gaming. However, for many, the thing that makesGod of Warspecial is its story, which takes inspiration from European mythology. This time around, withGod of War Ragnarokpicking up where 2018’sGod of Warleft off, there may be far too many elephants in the room, which could be a problem, as having too many big reveals could make all of them feel less impactful.
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The Role of Loki Remains a Mystery
Atreus is introduced in2018’sGod of War. He is the son of Kratos and Faye, who is a Frost Giant from Jötunheim, which makes him part-god and part-giant. For a long time, Kratos keeps Atreus ignorant of the fact that he is part-god, and it is easy to understand why. Kratos has seen how the gods war against each other, and how the gods go on to kill their parents. By convincing Atreus that he is a mortal, Kratos hoped to keep him away from that cycle of violence. However, after Atreus falls ill, Kratos is forced to reveal the secret.
During the last leg of Kratos and Atreus' journey to scatter Faye’s ashes at the highest point of the Nine Realms, Atreus encounters a wall depicting his mother, and it also refers to him as Loki. Kratos explains that Atreus was named after a Spartan warrior, though Faye had named him Loki at first and this was the name she had told the Jötnar.
Atreus' Grecian name associates him with King Atreus of Greek mythology, who was the son of Pelops and Hippodamia, and the brother of Thyestes. He was a vengeful man who, after discovering his wife was having an affair with his brother, slaughtered his brother’s sons. Atreus’s Nordic name is far more interesting, however. In Norse mythology, Loki is a trickster figure who is the son of Faye (also known as Laufey). According to legend, with the onset of Ragnarok, Loki will align himself with the Jötnar, war against the gods, and eventually defeat Heimdallr who wields theHofud sword.
Norse mythologymay hint at what is to come inGod of War Ragnarokwhere gamers will see how Atreus copes with the fact that he is a god, how he plays into the role of Loki, and how he goes about trying to stop Ragnarok from occurring.
Odin Should Make an Appearance
Odin is mentioned quite a few times inGod of War(2018), although he is never seen. He is an important figure because he is the father of Baldur and the ex-husband of Freya, who becomes the sword enemy of Kratos after he kills Baldur. Throughout 2018’sGod of War, players discover thatOdin once imprisoned Mimirand tortured him. Mimir explains that Odin is clever, and he loves collecting prophecies. He tries to be all-seeing and all-knowing and to help him with this endeavor he releases many ravens to survey the world. Fortunately, Kratos can destroy these spies.
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Norse mythology does not give too many clues aboutGod of War’s Odin. In mythology, he is depicted as a savior of heroes who dwells in Valhalla, and he is associated with wisdom, poetry, and healing. The mythological Odin does not align too much withGod of War’s Odin, except for both of them being wise, which suggests that Santa Monica has decided to take the character in a different direction. InGod of War Ragnarok’s trailer, Mimir says Odin has tricks up his sleeves they have not dared to consider. After building him up for an entire game, if he does appear, it is certain to be a monumental event.
Kratos Has a New Enemy to Deal With: Thor
Most gamers who playedGod of War(2018) are aware ofFreya’s vow to seek revenge on Kratosfor killing Baldur. However, a smaller percentage of gamers have seen the game’s true ending which shows a tiny glimpse of a cloaked figure. That person is Thor, and he also has a bone to pick with Kratos: He is affected by Baldur’s death because he is Baldur’s half-brother. Through Thor, the cyclical nature of violence is revealed, and once it is started it is remarkably difficult to halt.
The appearance of Thor raises a lot of questions. The most important question is how, if at all, will Kratos beat Thor. His foe is the god of thunder, and he wieldsthe Mjolnir, which is a powerful hammer capable of devastating destruction. Some gamers have speculated that a showdown between them will result in the Mjolnir becomingGod of War Ragnarok’s new weapon for Kratos to play with. Thor’s appearance also raises questions about how he will work together with Freya who is also seeking revenge. Whether the two will be a harmonious team or whether they will squabble and bicker will determine how much of a challenge they will be to defeat.
God of War Ragnarok’s releaseis just around the corner, and Santa Monica’s track record has gamers hyped for the next leg of Kratos and Atreus' journey. The winter to end all winters is looming, and Kratos and Atreus are on the cusp of discovering plenty of secrets about themselves and the world of the gods. With so many major revelations awaiting, the game should be sure to give each reveal the gravitas it deserves.
