Who Else Called the Serpent in God of War?
In the beloved video game series, God of War, the serpent Jörmungandr is a formidable foe known as the Midgard Serpent. Introduced in the first game, Jörmungandr has become a crucial part of the God of War narrative, frequently appearing in battles against the protagonist Kratos. But who else has summoned the serpent in this renowned franchise? Let’s dive deeper and explore the history of Jörmungandr’s appearances in God of War.
Fenrir in the Original God of War (2005)
The first game introduces Jörmungandr as a terrifying serpent, born of the god Loki’s mischief. Although Kratos does not directly interact with the Midgard Serpent at this point, the game sets the tone for the future conflicts between Kratos and Jörmungandr. The original God of War (2005) marks a key moment in the series, as it reveals the origins of Jörmungandr’s legend and foreshadows Kratos’ later battles against the serpent.
The Serpent in God of War II (2007)
Athea and Jörmungandr in God of War III (2010)
In God of War III, the Midgard Serpent returns as a central force in the narrative. This game marks a pivotal moment in the series, where Athena, the patron goddess of Kratos, plays a significant role in summoning the Serpent to aid Kratos in his battles against the Olympian gods.
| Character | Action |
|---|---|
| Athena | Summons Jörmungandr to battle against the Titans |
Odin’s Involvement in God of War (2018)
In the soft-reboot of the series, God of War (2018), the God of War himself, Kratos, encounters the Midgard Serpent once again. This time, Odin, the All-Father, is involved in the battle between Kratos and Jörmungandr. Odin wields immense power, using his wit and cunning to control the Serpent against Kratos.
| Odin’s Role | Impact |
|---|---|
| Odin controls Jörmungandr | Allows him to use the Serpent as a living shield against Kratos |
Other Appearances and Tributes
While Jörmungandr has primarily been called by gods, other characters within the God of War universe have also wielded significant influence over the Serpent.
• Balder’s Curse: Balder’s curse, which inadvertently led to the death of Kratos’ family, indirectly influenced the summoning of Jörmungandr. Kratos’ rage over this tragedy ultimately led to his pursuit of Jörmungandr in God of War (2018).
• Gaia’s Influence: Gaia, the Titan of the Earth, contributed to Jörmungandr’s powers by awakening ancient energies that amplify the Serpent’s capabilities.
• The Norse Gods’ Involvement: In the Norse gods’ lore, Jörmungandr is often depicted as their greatest threat. This narrative strand is woven throughout the God of War franchise, showcasing the reverence and fear towards the Midgard Serpent.
FAQs:
Q: Which game introduces Jörmungandr?
A: God of War (2005) introduced Jörmungandr as the Midgard Serpent, a key aspect of the original game’s narrative.
Q: What game marks the return of Jörmungandr?
A: God of War III (2010) sees the Midgard Serpent make a comeback as a central force in the battle against the Olympian gods.
Q: Who summons Jörmungandr in God of War III?
A: Athena wields immense power to summon Jörmungandr to battle the Titans.
Q: What role does Odin play in God of War (2018)?
A: Odin controls Jörmungandr, using the Serpent as a shield against Kratos. Additionally, Odin plays a crucial role in balancing the forces of good and evil.
Q: Who else wields influence over the Serpent?
A: Balder’s Curse, Gaia’s Influence, and the Norse Gods’ Involvement all significantly impact Jörmungandr’s actions throughout the God of War narrative.
Q: Why is Jörmungandr significant?
A: Jörmungandr, as the Midgard Serpent, symbolizes the power, chaos, and ultimate destruction that unfolds in the God of War universe, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
Q: What role does Jörmungandr play in modern God of War games?
A: Jörmungandr’s presence still looms as a major force in the God of War series, serving as both a testament to the franchise’s connections to its original narrative and a dynamic element influencing the modern games’ storylines.
Q: What challenges lie ahead for Kratos, and will he face Jörmungandr again in the future?
A: The consequences of Kratos’ actions will only continue to unravel, and the fate of Midgard remains uncertain. Although the immediate fate of Jörmungandr is unclear, there is potential for the Serpent to re-emerge as Kratos continues his journey through Norse mythology.
By exploring the various interpretations and appearances of Jörmungandr, the God of War narrative gains added depth and complexity, culminating in a rich tapestry woven from threads of mythology, action, and drama. As the franchise continues to expand, it’s certain that the Midgard Serpent will remain a pivotal piece of the God of War puzzle.