Where is Hel in God of War?
Spoiler Alert: This article assumes you have completed the main storyline of the 2018 God of War game. If you haven’t, you might want to skip to the next section.
The Journey Begins
In the 2018 God of War game, Kratos, the protagonist, embarks on a quest to spread his wife Faye’s ashes from the highest peak in Midgard. Along the way, they come across Hel, the queen of the underworld, also known as the Niflheim. But before we delve into the details, let’s clarify who is Hel?
Who is Hel?
In Norse mythology, Hel is the goddess of death, but not the goddess of all death as some might think. Hela (also referred to as Hel) is responsible for collecting and guiding the spirits of those who died as einherjar (those who died as warriors or heroes) to Valhalla, while Bára (another god of death) collects the spirits of the hamingjur (those who died in battle, but are not considered heroes). This adds a layer of complexity to Hel’s role, making her a nuanced character in the God of War game.
Where is Hel in the Game?
Now that we know who is Hel, let’s address the question where is Hel in the game. Hel’s realm, also known as the Underworld, is an optional region accessible after completing the main storyline. You’ll need to progress through the storyline to unlock the door to Niflheim.
Here are the steps to access Niflheim:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Complete the main storyline and kill the World Serpent. |
| 2 | Head back to the Lake of Nine, where you’ll find Sylvan waiting for you. |
| 3 | Complete A Path Lurks (a quest involving Sylvan’s mother) to receive Witch’s Wand, which allows you to travel between worlds. |
| 4 | Travel to Niflheim using the Witch’s Wand. |
| 5 | Face the Judgment of the Nether and complete the challenge. |
In-Game Description
After arriving at Niflheim, Kratos will meet Stranger, who helps you navigate the Underworld. Hel greets you with begrudging respect, revealing her true nature: the queen of the dead, and an enigmatic and dark character. This strange encounter will raise many questions about Hel’s motives, her connection to Faye, and the secrets she keeps hidden.
The Story and Mythology
The understanding of Hel is pivotal to the story’s development in God of War. As Kratos learns more about Niflheim and his wife’s fate, the boundaries between life and death blur, blurring the lines between mythological realms. This is especially evident in the Baldur’s story arc, which deepens the mystery surrounding Hel and her realm.
A New Perspective on God of War
The optional area of Niflheim offers a unique experience that expands the world’s lore. As players explore the Underworld, they’ll encounter various Asgardian spirits, enigmatic murals, and dark creatures, all of which provide valuable information about the Nine Realms. Newfound respect for the dead might also arise as players explore this grim and atmospheric environment, further enriching their connection to the game.
FAQs:
Q1. Is Hel the only ruler of the Underworld in God of War?
A1. Yes, Hel is the primary ruler of Niflheim, while there are other gods and goddesses overseeing other realms in Norse mythology (e.g., Valhalla for the einherjar and the fire giant Surtur in Muspelheim).
Q2. Can I play Hel in God of War?
A2. No, Hel is not playable in the 2018 game. She is an non-playable character (NPC) and queen of the Underworld.
Q3. Is Hel a boss in the game?
A3. Yes, you’ll face the Nidhogg’s Wrath, a boss encounter within Hel’s realm. Preparation and strategy will help you overcome this formidable enemy.
Q4. Are the Asgardian spirits seen in Niflheim other gods or goddesses?
A4. Yes, they are additional gods and goddesses, serving as spirits who have passed on from Asgard into the Underworld. Each provides insight into the lore of the Nine Realms.
Q5. Can I interact with Hel’s realm beyond its initial visit?
A5. Yes, after unlocking the area, you can return to Niflheim using the Witch’s Wand, completing other challenges and secrets.
Q6. Is Hel connected to other characters in the game?
A6. Yes, Hel has ties to Faye (Kratos’ wife) and her story, as well as the overall story arc of God of War. Exploration of the Niflheim may reveal more connections.
Q7. Are there other underworld-like realms in God of War?
A7. Yes, besides Niflheim and Hel’s realm, the game features other underworld-like environments, such as Jotnar’s Ruins in Helheim.
Q8. Can I find Faye in the Underworld?
A8. No, Faye is not found in Niflheim. However, completing the main storyline will yield more information about her fate.
Conclusion
The God of War series is known for its intricate storylines and rich mythology. Hel represents a fascinating aspect of this narrative, delving into the mysteries of death, the Afterlife, and the complexities of Kratos’ journey. By exploring the optional Niflheim, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the world’s lore and the characters within it, shedding light on the many connections and secrets that exist beneath the surface.