What Did Atreus Do at the End of God of War Ragnarok? A Deep Dive
At the climax of God of War Ragnarok, Atreus, now a young man grappling with his identity and destiny, makes a profound and bittersweet decision: he departs from his father, Kratos, to embark on his own journey to find and help the surviving giants. He believes it is his calling, driven by visions and a deep sense of responsibility towards his Giant heritage. This parting is not a rejection of Kratos, but a necessary step for Atreus to fulfill his potential and embrace his destiny as Loki. It’s an emotionally charged moment where Kratos, having learned the importance of free will, finally accepts and supports his son’s choice, allowing Atreus to forge his own path.
The Weight of Prophecy and the Call of the Giants
Atreus’s decision is heavily influenced by the prophecies he has seen and the knowledge that the giants are not entirely extinct. Angrboda, a fellow giant and friend, reveals to him the existence of other giants scattered across the realms, hidden and waiting to be found. This revelation ignites a fire within Atreus, a purpose that resonates deeply with his nature. He recognizes that he possesses a unique ability to connect with and understand the giants, making him the ideal individual to lead this search.
The prophecies, once a source of fear and constraint, become a catalyst for action. Atreus understands that he cannot passively accept fate; he must actively shape his own future and the future of the giants. This proactive stance is a significant departure from the predetermined path that Odin sought to impose, highlighting the game’s themes of free will and self-determination.
The Journey Begins in Midgard
After Ragnarok, Atreus finds himself back in Midgard, a familiar yet transformed landscape. He walks a symbolic spiral path, encountering familiar faces who have played pivotal roles in his journey. This journey underscores the relationships he has forged and the impact he has had on the lives of those around him.
Reaching the top of the spiral, he meets Angrboda, who reinforces his calling and urges him to share his visions with Kratos. However, Atreus already knows that his path lies elsewhere, and while he values his father’s guidance, he understands that this journey is one he must undertake alone. It’s a coming-of-age moment where he asserts his independence and takes ownership of his destiny.
Saying Goodbye: A Necessary Separation
The separation between Kratos and Atreus is arguably one of the most emotional scenes in the game. Kratos, who has spent much of his life trying to protect Atreus and shield him from the world’s harsh realities, must now let go and trust his son to navigate his own path. This is a testament to Kratos’s growth as a character, from a vengeful god to a loving father who prioritizes his son’s well-being above all else.
Atreus, in turn, expresses his gratitude and love for his father, acknowledging the sacrifices Kratos has made for him. He assures Kratos that this is not a permanent farewell, but rather a temporary separation for the sake of a greater purpose. The two share a poignant embrace, symbolizing their deep bond and mutual respect.
The Future is Unwritten
Atreus’s departure leaves the future wide open for both him and the God of War franchise. His journey to find the giants sets the stage for potential future games or spin-offs that explore new realms, characters, and mythologies. This open-ended conclusion allows for creative storytelling possibilities and ensures that Atreus’s story is far from over.
The separation also provides Kratos with an opportunity to fully embrace his role as a protector of the realms, working alongside Freya to rebuild and restore balance. He continues to honor Faye’s wishes and finally accepts his destiny, leading to a potentially bright future for the realms and himself. Exploring narratives in video games is a dynamic field where players become active participants in storytelling, a concept further explored by organizations such as the Games Learning Society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where did Atreus ultimately go at the end of God of War Ragnarok?
Atreus departs for destinations unknown, venturing across the realms with Angrboda, seeking out surviving giants. The precise locations are not explicitly revealed, leaving room for speculation and future exploration.
2. Why couldn’t Atreus continue his journey with Kratos?
Atreus felt a unique calling tied to his Giant heritage. His connection to the giants and his ability to decipher their prophecies made him uniquely suited for the task. He needed to forge his own path to truly embrace his identity.
3. Is Atreus playable after the main story of God of War Ragnarok?
While Atreus is not playable in a dedicated post-game mode in the base game, he is fully playable during certain sections of the main story. There were hopes for a more extensive post-game experience as Atreus, however, this did not come to fruition.
4. What abilities did Atreus develop during God of War Ragnarok?
Atreus displays advanced archery skills, animal communication, and the ability to transform into animals (although this is primarily seen in his younger years in the previous game). More importantly, he develops a deeper understanding of magic and prophecy related to his Giant heritage.
5. How did Sindri react to Atreus leaving?
Sindri is still deeply wounded by the events of the game and the loss of Brok. While he doesn’t explicitly forgive Atreus (or Kratos), he doesn’t actively hinder their efforts. His grief is a major theme in the post-game content.
6. Will Kratos follow Atreus to find the giants in future games?
While it’s possible, it’s more likely that future games will focus on Kratos’s own journey in other lands or with different mythologies, at least for the time being. Atreus’s storyline may be explored in spin-offs or later sequels.
7. What is the significance of Atreus being called Loki?
Loki is Atreus’s Giant name, representing his connection to the Giant race and his potential role in shaping the future. It signifies a different destiny than the one Kratos initially envisioned for him.
8. Did Angrboda and Atreus have a romantic relationship?
The game hints at a deeper connection between Atreus and Angrboda, but it doesn’t explicitly define their relationship as romantic. Their bond is based on shared heritage, understanding, and mutual respect.
9. Could we see other Norse gods return in future God of War games?
Absolutely. While many gods died during Ragnarok, the realms are vast, and Norse mythology is rich with characters. The potential for new or returning gods is high.
10. What other mythologies might the God of War franchise explore?
Egypt, Celtic, Mayan, and even Mesopotamian mythologies are strong contenders. Kratos’s travels to Egypt are even alluded to in supplementary materials. The possibilities are extensive.
11. How does Atreus’s journey tie into the themes of the game?
Atreus’s journey emphasizes the theme of breaking free from pre-determined destinies and the importance of individual choice. It also touches on the complexities of identity and belonging.
12. What was the prophecy that Atreus and Kratos were trying to prevent?
The prophecy depicted Kratos’s death at Ragnarok and Atreus siding with Odin. The game is all about defying this prophecy.
13. Is Atreus stronger than Kratos?
Atreus’s strength lies in his unique combination of Giant and Godly powers, his knowledge of magic, and his connection to the natural world. While he may not have Kratos’s raw physical power and experience, his potential is immense. He will probably be stronger one day.
14. What does the ending mural reveal about Kratos’s future?
The ending mural depicts Kratos being revered and praised, symbolizing a future where he is seen as a benevolent protector rather than a feared destroyer.
15. How does the ending of God of War Ragnarok contribute to the overall narrative of the series?
The ending provides closure to the Norse saga while simultaneously opening up new possibilities for the franchise. It showcases the growth and evolution of both Kratos and Atreus, setting the stage for future adventures.
In conclusion, Atreus’s decision to leave Kratos at the end of God of War Ragnarok is a pivotal moment that underscores the game’s central themes of free will, self-discovery, and the importance of embracing one’s destiny. While it marks the end of their shared journey in Norse mythology, it also opens the door to exciting new possibilities for both characters and the God of War franchise as a whole. Organizations like the GamesLearningSociety.org further promote understanding game narrative and learning.