What Mythology is God of War Based On?
The Answer
God of War, the popular video game series, is based on Norse mythology. Specifically, it draws inspiration from the ancient Scandinavian and Germanic mythologies, including the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, two medieval Icelandic manuscripts that contain Old Norse texts.
Why Norse Mythology?
Developer Sony Santa Monica Studio chose to base their game on Norse mythology for several reasons. According to an interview with game director Cory Barlog, "We wanted to create a world that felt new and fresh, but still had an ancient, mythological quality to it." Norse mythology offered the perfect blend of dark, gritty, and dramatic stories, as well as iconic gods and goddesses that could be adapted to fit the game’s narrative.
Major Gods and Goddesses
Here is a list of the major gods and goddesses that appear in the God of War series, with their corresponding Norse mythological counterparts:
- Kratos (Greek mythology): While Kratos is a Greek demigod, his Norse counterpart is Odin, the All-Father and King of the Gods.
- Ares (Greek mythology): In God of War, Ares is the God of War, while in Norse mythology, he is Odin’s equivalent, Forseti, the God of Justice.
- Poseidon (Greek mythology): Kratos’ son, Atreus, is the equivalent of Freyr, the God of Rain and Fertility.
- Zeus (Greek mythology): Odin, the king of the gods, takes on Zeus’ role as the powerful leader of the gods.
Key Aspects of Norse Mythology in God of War
Here are some key aspects of Norse mythology that can be seen in God of War:
- Ragnarök: The concept of Ragnarök, the end of the world, is central to the game’s story. Kratos and Atreus journey to prevent the events of Ragnarök from occurring.
- Runes: In Norse mythology, runes are magical symbols used for various purposes. In God of War, Kratos and Atreus use runes to overcome challenges and defeat enemies.
- Eitr: Eitr is a type of magical substance that is central to Norse mythology. In God of War, Eitr is used to fuel the game’s combat mechanics.
Fascinating Facts and Figures
Here are some interesting facts and figures related to Norse mythology and God of War:
| God/Goddess | Powers and Responsibilities | Equivalent in Greek Mythology |
|---|---|---|
| Odin | God of Wisdom, War, and Magic | Zeus |
| Freyr | God of Rain and Fertility | Poseidon |
| Thor | God of Thunder | Hercules (Ares in some depictions) |
| Freyja | Goddess of Love and War | Aphrodite (also associated with Persephone) |
FAQs and Answers
Q: Is God of War a faithful adaptation of Norse mythology?
A: While the game draws heavily from Norse mythology, it also takes creative liberties to fit the story and characters within the game’s narrative.
Q: Can I play God of War without having prior knowledge of Norse mythology?
A: Absolutely! The game’s story and gameplay are designed to be accessible to players who may not have prior knowledge of Norse mythology.
Q: Are there any connections between God of War and other Sony franchises?
A: Yes, Kratos’ son, Atreus, is connected to God of War’s narrative, and there may be future connections to other Sony franchises in the future.
Q: How does the gameplay of God of War differ from previous entries in the series?
A: The 2018 game introduces a new perspective (third-person) and focuses on exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, departing from the fast-paced action-adventure gameplay of previous titles.
Q: Are there any Easter eggs or references to other mythologies?
A: Yes, the game features references to Greek mythology, as Kratos is a demigod and the series’ protagonist.
Q: Will there be more God of War games set in the Norse mythology world?
A: While the 2018 game concluded the Norse mythology-based storyline, the franchise has been rebooted, and a sequel, God of War Ragnarök, was released in 2022.
Q: Can I learn more about Norse mythology from playing God of War?
A: Absolutely! The game’s narrative is an excellent introduction to the world of Norse mythology, and players can explore the mythologies further through online resources and supplementary materials.
Q: Are the gods and goddesses in God of War based on specific characters from the Eddas?
A: While Kratos and Atreus are fictional characters, the gods and goddesses they encounter are inspired by the characters found in the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, such as Odin, Thor, and Freyja.