Can You Wield Mjölnir in God of War Ragnarök? The Truth About Thor’s Hammer
The question on many fans’ minds before, during, and after playing God of War Ragnarök is: can you wield Thor’s iconic hammer, Mjölnir? The short answer, and perhaps a disappointing one for some, is no. Despite the epic battles and the pivotal role Thor plays in the narrative, Kratos (nor Atreus) never gets to pick up, let alone wield, the mighty Mjölnir. This decision by Santa Monica Studio, while seemingly depriving players of a power fantasy, was deliberate and rooted in the game’s story and character development. Let’s delve into why and explore some other related questions.
Why You Can’t Wield Mjölnir in God of War Ragnarök
The Lore and Limitations of Mjölnir
The reason Kratos cannot use Mjölnir isn’t merely a gameplay limitation; it’s built into the very fabric of the Norse mythology the game draws from. In the established lore, Mjölnir is not just any weapon. It is imbued with powerful magic that dictates who can wield it. Only those deemed worthy by the hammer can lift it, a concept famously explored in Marvel Comics. While God of War is not bound by Marvel’s interpretation, it maintains a sense of respect for the underlying mythology.
Kratos’s Character and Weapon Choices
Furthermore, Santa Monica Studio made the choice to keep Mjölnir out of Kratos’s hands to reinforce his character arc. Throughout the game, Kratos is developing as a character, shifting from a brutal Spartan warrior to a more thoughtful and responsible leader. His weapons reflect this change. The Leviathan Axe, which can harm Thor, represents his connection to his past, and the Draupnir Spear, with its focus on precision, symbolizes his evolving mindset as a strategist. Giving Kratos Mjölnir would be too on the nose and ultimately clash with his character progression.
Gameplay Balance and Narrative Integrity
Allowing Kratos to wield Mjölnir would also dramatically alter the gameplay balance. The hammer is depicted as an immensely powerful weapon, and adding it to Kratos’s arsenal could make the challenges of God of War Ragnarök less compelling. Moreover, the storyline deliberately prevents it. Thor is ultimately killed by Odin, leaving the hammer in the possession of Thor’s daughter Thrud.
A Hint of Possibility?
The game’s ending does subtly hint at the possibility of Kratos wielding Mjölnir in the future, but it’s never explicitly confirmed. Santa Monica Studio intentionally leaves room for speculation, keeping players engaged and curious about the potential future of the franchise. But for now, the hammer remains an unattainable prize.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mjölnir in God of War
Here are some of the most common questions regarding Mjölnir and its role in God of War Ragnarök:
1. Can Kratos even pick up Mjölnir in God of War Ragnarök?
No, Kratos cannot even lift or pick up Mjölnir. The game mechanics and lore prevent him from interacting with it in that way. He can, however, block, deflect, and redirect the hammer’s attacks during battle, showing the power of Kratos and his abilities.
2. Does Atreus have any chance of wielding Mjölnir?
Similarly to Kratos, Atreus cannot wield Mjölnir. The game explicitly states that neither of them can handle the hammer.
3. If Kratos can’t wield Mjölnir, why is he able to stop it in its tracks?
Kratos’s strength and abilities are shown through his ability to block, deflect, and stop Mjölnir. This displays his raw power and resistance to the hammer’s force, even if he cannot fully control it.
4. Why didn’t Santa Monica Studio allow Kratos to use Mjölnir?
The studio’s decision was deliberate for several reasons: maintaining the character’s integrity and avoiding a too-obvious weapon choice, respecting the lore, and ensuring gameplay balance. The Draupnir Spear was selected to better represent Kratos.
5. Where does Mjölnir end up after Thor’s death?
After killing Thor for his defiance, Odin throws Mjölnir into an abyss, eventually ending up in Alfheim where Thrud finds it, half-buried in the ground.
6. Is Thor playable in God of War Ragnarök?
No, Thor is not a playable character. While he does fight alongside the player at certain points, his actions are controlled by the game’s AI.
7. Can you fight Thor in God of War Ragnarök?
Yes, you encounter Thor multiple times throughout the game, the most notable being the second-to-last boss battle in the seventeenth chapter, “The Realms at War.”
8. Why doesn’t Thor heal in God of War Ragnarök?
The Leviathan Axe, with its frost-imbued power, prevents Thor from healing. This is a key element of the game’s narrative that gives Kratos a chance against Thor’s immense power.
9. How heavy is Mjölnir in God of War?
Although the game does not specify the weight, many fans draw on the comics. The weight of Mjölnir from Marvel Comics is listed as 42.3 pounds. It’s important to note that the weight is secondary to the hammer’s enchantment on who can wield it.
10. Can Thor fly without Mjölnir in God of War?
Like Marvel Comics, Thor’s ability to fly is inherent and is not derived from the hammer. While it isn’t as obvious in the game, it is inferred that he can.
11. Why is Kratos seemingly weaker in God of War Ragnarök?
Kratos’s perceived weakness is due to the loss of his magic from his home and his reluctance to unleash his full potential. He’s also described as holding back.
12. Is it possible to access all nine realms in God of War Ragnarök?
Yes, unlike the previous title, God of War Ragnarök allows players to explore all nine realms, including Asgard, Vanaheim, and Svartalfheim.
13. Did Kratos actually lift the Nine Realms?
No, the realms exist in the same physical space, acting as reflections of each other. Kratos does not physically lift them.
14. How is Thor’s personality different in God of War Ragnarök?
Thor is depicted as a conflicted character, grappling with the trauma of his actions, his family, and his place within Odin’s control. This leads to him being depressed and showing great remorse throughout the game.
15. Why is Mjolnir’s handle short?
According to lore, Loki interfered with the creation of Mjölnir, disguising himself as a fly and distracting the blacksmith, Sindri.
Conclusion
While the desire to wield Mjölnir in God of War Ragnarök is understandable, Santa Monica Studio’s decision to keep it out of Kratos’s hands was a well-considered narrative and gameplay choice. The inability to wield the hammer ultimately enriches the game’s story, allowing it to explore the nuances of Kratos’s character and the depths of Norse mythology in a profound way. The story, lore, and gameplay all intertwine to make the game what it is, and leaving out the hammer allows for these to shine. Despite not getting Mjölnir, God of War Ragnarök delivers a captivating and memorable gaming experience.