Decoding Destiny: The Meaning of the Final Mural in God of War Ragnarök
The ending mural in God of War Ragnarök is a powerful symbol of changed fate and newfound hope. It depicts a future where Kratos is not destined to die as previously foreseen, but instead, he is revered and worshipped by mortals for the protector and leader he has become. This mural signifies the culmination of his journey from a vengeful god haunted by his past to a figure of peace and guidance, a transformation fueled by his love for Atreus and his dedication to breaking the cycle of violence. It’s not just an ending; it’s a rebirth, a testament to the power of choice and the potential for redemption, proving that prophecy is not immutable but rather a path that can be altered through will and action.
Unveiling the Prophecy: A Deeper Look at the Mural
The initial prophecy, seen at the end of God of War (2018), painted a grim picture: Kratos’s death. However, Faye, Atreus’s mother and a giant with the ability to see the future, deliberately left out crucial details, knowing that the full truth would paralyze them with fear and prevent them from choosing their own path.
The Illusion of Inevitability
The murals were not meant to be a roadmap, but a warning, a set of possible outcomes based on the current trajectory. The revelation of the hidden panel in Ragnarök shows the original, fearful prophecy, while the visible, final mural depicts the realized, hopeful future. The change isn’t accidental; it’s the direct result of Kratos and Atreus actively choosing a different course. This reinforces the game’s central theme: fate is not fixed.
Kratos’s Transformation: From Destroyer to Protector
The core message is Kratos’s evolution. The mural portrays him not as a fearsome warrior, but as a compassionate leader, surrounded by those who look to him for guidance and protection. The figures worshipping him represent the mortals he has chosen to safeguard, a stark contrast to his past as the Ghost of Sparta, who only inspired fear and bloodshed. The tears Kratos sheds upon seeing this mural are tears of relief, acceptance, and finally, a sense of belonging and purpose. He is finally worthy of being called a god.
Atreus’s Role: The Architect of Change
Atreus, or Loki, played a pivotal role in altering the prophecy. While he didn’t necessarily defy fate, he reshaped it through his choices and actions. His journey to understand his true identity and his ability to empathize with others, even Odin, were instrumental in preventing the worst possible outcome. The controversial twist of Atreus containing Odin’s soul highlights the complexity of the situation; sometimes, difficult choices are necessary to achieve a greater good.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ending Mural
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What exactly is depicted in the final mural?
The final mural depicts Kratos being revered by mortals, suggesting he has become a figure of guidance and protection rather than fear. It contrasts with the earlier mural which foreshadowed his death.
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Why was the original mural showing Kratos’s death incorrect?
The original mural was not inherently “incorrect,” but rather it represented a potential future that was averted through the choices and actions of Kratos and Atreus. Faye deliberately obscured the full picture, knowing that the complete prophecy would be paralyzing.
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What is the significance of Kratos crying when he sees the final mural?
Kratos cries because he realizes that his efforts to change his destiny and protect those he cares about have succeeded. He sees that he is finally viewed as a benevolent god worthy of worship, a complete turnaround from his past.
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How did Atreus influence the change in the prophecy?
Atreus’s journey to understand his identity as Loki, his empathy, and his willingness to make difficult choices directly impacted the course of events, helping to steer away from the originally foreseen catastrophic future.
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Was the prophecy about Tyr actually about Odin in disguise?
Yes, the “Tyr” that Kratos and Atreus initially rescued was revealed to be Odin in disguise. This deception allowed Odin to infiltrate their inner circle and learn about the Jotnar prophecies.
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What is the meaning of Atreus holding Odin in the mural?
This depicts Atreus capturing Odin’s soul. This act, though ethically complex, was a key event in altering the predicted future. Some interpret that Atreus and Kratos never changed the prophecy.
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Did Kratos and Atreus change fate, or was it all predetermined?
The game emphasizes the power of choice. While elements of fate and prophecy exist, Kratos and Atreus actively shaped their destiny through their decisions. They demonstrated that prophecy is not a rigid constraint but a potential outcome that can be altered.
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What is the secret ending, and how does it relate to the mural?
The secret ending, accessed through the “A Viking Funeral” side quest, provides closure and reinforces the themes of moving forward and honoring the past. While not directly related to the visual content of the mural, it underscores the overall message of hope and new beginnings.
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Why did Faye want Atreus to be named Loki?
Faye knew Atreus’s destiny was intertwined with the events of Ragnarök and that his true name was Loki. Naming him Loki was a way to prepare him for his role in the grand scheme of things.
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Will there be another God of War game?
While God of War Ragnarök concludes the Norse saga, the story leaves Kratos’s fate open. A sequel is highly likely to be based on the Norse Saga.
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Could Kratos go to Egypt in a future God of War game?
The possibility of Kratos traveling to Egypt is definitely there. It’s a popular theory among fans, considering Kratos’s past travels and the untapped potential of Egyptian mythology.
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Is the Norse saga truly over?
While the main narrative arc of Ragnarök has concluded, there are still loose ends and opportunities for expansion within the Norse setting, possibly through spin-offs or DLC content.
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What role will Atreus play in future God of War games?
Atreus is likely to take on a more central role in future games, potentially leading his own adventures and carrying on the legacy of his father. Some predict he will literally take over Kratos’ Leviathan Axe and Chaos Blades.
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Is Sindri set up as the next antagonist?
Sindri’s grief and anger over the loss of his brother, Brok, could potentially lead him down a dark path, making him a compelling antagonist in future installments. However, this remains speculative.
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What are the key themes explored through the ending mural?
The key themes are redemption, hope, the power of choice, and the importance of breaking cycles of violence. It also highlights the transformative power of family and the potential for even the most hardened individuals to change for the better.
By actively defying the initial prophecy and choosing a path of compassion and leadership, Kratos and Atreus rewrote their destinies, proving that even the most seemingly immutable fates can be altered through will, choice, and love. The ending mural serves as a powerful reminder that we all have the potential to shape our own futures and create a better world.
To learn more about how games can teach valuable lessons and influence learning, visit the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.