Where is God of War Set?
The God of War video game series, developed by Santa Monica Studio, has undergone significant changes in its setting over the years. From the original trilogy’s Greek mythology-inspired world to the 2018 game’s Norse mythology-inspired setting, the series has consistently explored new and imaginative realms. In this article, we’ll delve into the setting of the 2018 game, God of War, and explore the world of Midgard and beyond.
Midgard: The Realms of Men
Midgard is the mortal world in Norse mythology, where humans live alongside gods and giants. In the 2018 game, Midgard is the primary setting, and it’s where the story begins. The game takes place in a snowy, Norse-inspired world, filled with mountains, forests, and rivers. The environment is designed to evoke a sense of grandeur and danger, with treacherous landscapes and hidden dangers lurking around every corner.
The Realms of the Gods
In addition to Midgard, the game explores several other realms, each with its unique environment and inhabitants. These realms are connected by the World Tree, Yggdrasil, which serves as a central hub for the gods and other supernatural beings. The realms include:
• Asgard: The realm of the Aesir gods, including Odin, Thor, and Freya. Asgard is a place of grandeur and beauty, with shimmering palaces and lush gardens.
• Vanaheim: The realm of the Vanir gods, known for their love of beauty and magic. Vanaheim is a land of vibrant colors and whimsical architecture.
• Hel: The underworld, ruled by the goddess Hel. Hel is a dark and foreboding realm, filled with the undead and other dark creatures.
• Jotunheim: The realm of the giants, a harsh and unforgiving environment filled with towering mountains and treacherous ice caves.
The Setting’s Inspiration
The 2018 game’s setting was inspired by Norse mythology, which offers a rich tapestry of stories, gods, and creatures to draw from. The game’s director, Cory Barlog, drew inspiration from the myths and legends of Norse culture, as well as his own experiences growing up in a snowy, mountainous region.
Faithfulness to the Source Material
While the game takes creative liberties with the mythology, it remains largely faithful to the original stories and characters. The game’s story is influenced by the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, two medieval Icelandic manuscripts that contain the surviving Norse myths. The game’s world is also filled with nods to Norse mythology, from the characters and creatures to the environmental details.
Why the Change in Setting?
The shift from Greek to Norse mythology was a deliberate choice, made to offer a fresh start for the series and to explore new storytelling opportunities. The Norse myths offer a rich and complex world, filled with fascinating characters and stories, making it an ideal choice for the game’s setting.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between the God of War (2018) and the original trilogy?
A: The 2018 game is a soft reboot, with a new protagonist (Kratos’ son, Atreus) and a new setting (Norse mythology). The game retains some elements from the original trilogy, but offers a fresh start for the series.
Q: Is the game faithful to Norse mythology?
A: The game takes creative liberties with the mythology, but remains largely faithful to the original stories and characters. The game’s story is influenced by the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, and the world is filled with nods to Norse mythology.
Q: What is the significance of the World Tree, Yggdrasil?
A: Yggdrasil is the central hub for the gods and other supernatural beings in the game. It connects the different realms and serves as a symbol of the connection between the mortal world and the realms of the gods.
Q: Can I play the game without knowing Norse mythology?
A: Yes, the game is designed to be accessible to players who are new to Norse mythology. The game provides context and explanations for the mythological elements, making it easy for new players to follow the story.
Q: Is the game set in a specific time period?
A: The game is set in a specific time period within Norse mythology, during the events leading up to the end of the world (Ragnarok).
Q: Can I play the game with a friend?
A: Yes, the game features co-op gameplay, allowing two players to play through the game together.
Q: Are there any other God of War games set in Norse mythology?
A: No, the 2018 game is the only God of War game set in Norse mythology. However, the series has explored other mythologies and settings in the past.
Q: Will there be a sequel to the 2018 game?
A: Yes, a sequel is currently in development, and it will continue to explore the world of Midgard and beyond.