What Happens When Atreus Dies? A Deep Dive into God of War’s Lore
The question of what happens when Atreus dies is a complex one, deeply intertwined with the lore of the God of War universe. Directly answering this question isn’t straightforward because, as of God of War Ragnarök, Atreus does not die. However, exploring the potential implications of his death requires us to delve into the nature of his being, his lineage, and the established rules of mortality in the game world. If Atreus were to die, it wouldn’t be a simple case of ceasing to exist. Instead, a multitude of factors would come into play, drastically altering the narrative and potentially affecting the future of the Nine Realms. We can only speculate, but based on what the game has shown us, his death would likely involve a combination of these elements:
- The Loss of a Bridge: Atreus, being part Jotunn and part God (via Kratos), acts as a bridge between two powerful races. His death would sever this link and likely have far-reaching political and magical consequences. The Jötnar, already scattered, would lose a crucial hope for their restoration.
- Emotional Cataclysm: For Kratos, Atreus’ death would be nothing short of a devastating emotional blow. Having lost family before, losing his son would likely trigger a new, darker chapter in his life. It could push him to extremes and possibly ignite his rage again.
- Impact on Prophecy: Faye, Atreus’ mother, carefully crafted a prophecy that involved him heavily. Atreus’ death would throw a wrench into these plans. It’s possible this could result in a devastatingly different ending, making prophecies unreliable or completely changing the course of fate.
- Jotunn Soul: The Jötnar have a unique connection to the spirit world and the possibility of reincarnation or a journey to a Jotunn afterlife, something which is not extensively detailed in the lore. This would mean Atreus’ soul would be affected differently, especially with his unique origins, and would not necessarily adhere to the regular rules of life or death.
- Potential for Resurrection: Gods and powerful beings in the God of War universe have been known to resurrect or be reborn. Atreus, given his unique lineage, might also possess abilities that could lead to a return in some form.
Ultimately, while Atreus remains alive in the story, pondering the implications of his death allows us to appreciate the intricate lore and potential for future narratives. His survival is not just a personal victory but a cornerstone for the future of the God of War world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions about Atreus, his fate, and related topics within the God of War universe:
What happens to Atreus at the end of Ragnarok?
At the end of Ragnarok, Atreus does not die. Instead, after learning about Faye’s manipulations and the truth about his own identity, he decides to embark on his own journey. His mission is to find and restore the scattered Giants. He departs, leaving Kratos behind to forge his own path.
Where does Atreus go after Ragnarok concludes?
Following the cataclysm, Atreus wakes up in Midgard. He follows a spiral path, passing by familiar characters from God of War: Ragnarok, until he reaches the top where he encounters Angrboda. She reveals she knows about his visions and encourages him to share his experiences with Kratos.
Does Kratos die in God of War Ragnarök?
No, Kratos does not die in God of War: Ragnarök. While there is a prophecy that suggests his death, the game defies this predetermined fate. He survives, having altered his destiny, and continues to guide a world in need.
Will Sindri ever forgive Atreus?
Sindri finds it incredibly hard to forgive Atreus after the bear attack that ultimately led to Brok’s death. He begins to distance himself from Atreus, and despite working alongside him during parts of the game, it’s clear he holds onto this resentment. Sindri’s forgiveness seems unlikely in the foreseeable future, making him potentially a future antagonist.
Is Atreus the last Giant?
Atreus is not the last Giant, as many have scattered or hidden themselves in the realms. Atreus’s mission after Ragnarok is to find and reunite with those remaining Giants. He is crucial in their restoration, although not the last, he’s a key piece in this.
Can Kratos see Atreus again after the end of the game?
Yes, after the main story concludes, Kratos can visit Atreus and Angrboda in Jotunheim. This shows that, even though Atreus has embarked on his own journey, the bonds between father and son remain. It is also part of a key secret ending.
Is the “Tyr” that Kratos and Atreus freed actually Tyr?
The “Tyr” that Kratos and Atreus initially free in Svartalfheim is actually Odin in disguise. This is revealed later in the game when the real Tyr is found in Niflheim after completing the main storyline.
How did Brok know Tyr was Odin in disguise?
Brok’s skeptical nature and questioning of Tyr’s every move, especially regarding a pathway to Asgard, led him to the conclusion that this wasn’t the real Tyr. His suspicions, which he shared with others, eventually exposed Odin’s deception and resulted in Brok’s tragic death.
Will there be a God of War game focused on Atreus?
God of War: Ragnarok’s ending sets the stage for Atreus potentially becoming the focus of a future game. His story of restoring the giants provides a significant narrative path for the franchise to explore. While there is no official confirmation, the groundwork has been laid for this possibility.
What is Kratos’s exact age in God of War Ragnarök?
Based on educated guesses, Kratos is roughly 1,055 years old in God of War: Ragnarök. While this makes him quite old, as a demigod, he maintains his exceptional fighting ability and resilience.
Is Sindri considered a God in Norse lore?
In Norse mythology, Sindri is a dwarf renowned for his smithing skills, and there is a hall named after him that is said to be a dwelling place for the virtuous after Ragnarok. In the God of War games, however, he is presented as an incredibly skilled dwarf smith, not as a God.
Does Sindri hate Atreus after Brok’s death?
Sindri harbors a lot of bitterness and anger towards Atreus (and Kratos) following Brok’s death, holding them both accountable for what happened. This bitterness manifests as a refusal to accept any help from Kratos, even when they are working together, which reflects his deep emotional pain and a lack of forgiveness.
Can Sindri lift Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir?
Interestingly, in the Avengers: War Across Time comic, it has been revealed that Sindri can indeed lift Mjolnir due to his role in its creation. He is also able to control it, as he had a hand in its forging. In the God of War universe, this ability is not explicitly referenced, as Mjolnir is not part of the game’s narrative.
Who are some of the most powerful characters who could potentially defeat Kratos?
There are several characters outside of the God of War universe who could potentially defeat Kratos. These include characters with unique abilities, such as Alucard, Ōnoki, Anos Voldigoad, Lelouch, and Kaguya Otsutsuki, whose powers could overpower, immobilize, or otherwise neutralize Kratos’s strength.
Will Kratos ever travel to Egypt?
God of War: Fallen God provides a glimpse into Kratos’s travels in Egypt, during his exile. During these travels, he desperately tried to rid himself of the Blades of Chaos, a curse of his past, however, his efforts would ultimately fail as they would always return. The Egyptian villagers, fearful of his might and past, would flee upon his arrival. This suggests a path that could eventually be revisited in the future.