How Did Týr Know Kratos? Unraveling the Mystery of the Norse God of War

The question of how Týr, the Norse God of War, knew Kratos is a fascinating one, steeped in the complex lore of God of War: Ragnarök. The short answer is: the Týr that Kratos and Atreus initially encounter in Svartalfheim was not the real Týr but Odin in disguise. This revelation, a significant plot twist in the game, explains why the supposed Týr seemed familiar with Kratos’ name and past. The real Týr was imprisoned by Odin long before the events of the game, making any prior knowledge of Kratos impossible. Odin, impersonating Týr, had infiltrated Kratos’ circle of allies in order to spy on them and find out the secrets of the prophecy. The “Týr” who spoke of Kratos’ exploits in the Greek world was, in fact, Odin utilizing his disguise to maintain his role and gather intelligence.

The Deception: Odin as Týr

The game masterfully sets up the deception. When Kratos and Atreus rescue “Týr” from the dwarven mine in Svartalfheim, they believe they are freeing a powerful ally. This “Týr” quickly establishes himself as a calm, insightful figure, a stark contrast to Kratos’ gruff persona. However, this persona was merely a facade. Odin, the All-Father, used his godly powers to shapeshift and impersonate his son, Týr, a long-imprisoned figure he wished to replace.

Odin’s decision to pose as Týr was strategic. He needed to get close to Kratos and Atreus to understand their goals and, more importantly, learn about the Jötnar prophecies hidden in their shrines. Odin, as “Týr,” gains access to their inner circle, travels with them, and learns crucial information, all while sowing seeds of doubt and distrust within the group. This allowed him to observe the group and their plans from the inside.

The Real Týr’s Fate

The real Týr was, as previously mentioned, imprisoned by Odin long before the events of the game. Players can only find the real Týr in the post-game after the main story concludes. He is located in the Aesir Prison Wreckage in Niflheim, a location that further illustrates his isolation and Odin’s ruthlessness. Once freed, Týr can be found wandering through other realms, grappling with his imprisonment and the betrayal he suffered. He is seen reflecting on Freyr in Alfheim before asking to be left alone to pay respects to the Vanir god. This shows he still has a sense of honor and is still concerned for the well-being of others, which is why Kratos respects him.

The real Týr was not part of Kratos’ past before the events of Ragnarök. He knew of Kratos’ feats due to the spread of stories across the realms but had never met him personally. The real Týr did not hear Kratos’ name until Odin, disguised as Týr, talked about them after his imprisonment. The fake Tyr using this information to speak about Kratos makes it seem like he knows more than he does. This is how Odin, disguised as Týr, knew Kratos and his history – not from a previous encounter, but rather from actively learning about his past from other sources during his infiltration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How is Týr related to Kratos?

Týr, the Norse God of War, and Kratos, the Greek God of War, are not related by blood. They are, in a way, mythological counterparts, each representing the concept of war in their respective pantheons. The real Týr respects Kratos and his journey due to his strength and honor. However, they are two distinct individuals from different cultures and mythos.

2. Was Kratos Týr the whole time?

No, Kratos was never Týr. Kratos is a distinct entity with his own identity, history, and motivations. Kratos is not the god of war in Norse mythology. This is why Tyr and Kratos become allies; they are not the same being.

3. How did Kratos and Atreus find the fake Týr?

Kratos and Atreus, acting on information from prophecies and stories, sought out Týr to understand Atreus’ role as Loki better. Their search led them to a dwarven mine in Svartalfheim where they believed Týr was being held prisoner.

4. How did Brok figure out the fake Týr was Odin?

Brok, with his critical and observant nature, started to question “Týr’s” actions and words. When “Týr” spoke of a secret path to Asgard, Brok understood something was wrong, as that kind of knowledge was unusual for the real Týr. Brok’s distrust led him to expose Odin’s deception before Odin had a chance to take them by surprise.

5. Why did Týr travel to Greece?

The real Týr did not travel to Greece. The dialogue of the fake Tyr leads to fans believing he did. The idea that Týr visited Greece is a deception created by Odin to maintain his disguise and establish a connection to Kratos’ past, making him seem more trustworthy.

6. Was Tyr actually Odin all along?

Yes, the Týr encountered for the majority of the game was Odin in disguise. The real Týr was imprisoned, and Odin used this opportunity to manipulate and spy on Kratos and his allies.

7. Where did the real Tyr go after being freed from Niflheim?

After players free the real Týr from his prison in Niflheim, he can be found wandering through various realms, reflecting on his experiences. He is first found in Alfheim near Strönd.

8. Can you find the real Týr before the ending?

No, the real Týr is only accessible in the post-game after the main story is completed. Players must finish the game to begin the quest to free him.

9. How did Mimir not know that “Týr” was Odin?

Mimir’s inability to recognize Odin’s disguise was likely due to a curse or spell. Mimir was also suffering from not being attached to his head, so his ability to properly use his senses may have been weakened. The game hints that this may have been a calculated move by Odin to prevent being detected.

10. Why did Kratos initially want to find Tyr?

Kratos was searching for Tyr to find answers about who Loki really is to protect his son, Atreus, from the prophecies. This search for answers led to them rescuing the fake Týr.

11. Who is stronger, Týr or Thor?

While both are powerful warriors, Thor is demonstrably stronger than Týr. As a son of Odin, Tyr is strong, but his half-brother Thor has the strength and powers of a god that exceed his. Thor is considered one of the strongest gods in the nine realms, second only to Odin.

12. How old is Kratos in God of War Ragnarök?

Kratos is estimated to be approximately 1,055 years old in God of War: Ragnarök.

13. What are Týr’s powers?

Týr, like other Asgardians, possesses superhuman strength, speed, stamina, durability, agility, and reflexes. He also has an extremely long lifespan and is immune to earthly diseases, with some resistance to magic.

14. Was Brok always dead in God of War?

Yes, Brok was already dead before the events of God of War (2018). He died after being bitten by a venomous spider. Sindri brought him back to life, though his soul was incomplete. When Brok dies the second time, his soul is lost forever.

15. Does Sindri forgive Atreus?

No, Sindri does not forgive Atreus. Sindri blames Atreus and Kratos for Brok’s death, as their actions led to Odin’s infiltration. The betrayal by Odin, who he thought was Tyr, and his brother’s death led to him unforgiving to them for the foreseeable future.

By understanding these intricate details, players can fully appreciate the complexities of God of War: Ragnarök and the deception that forms a crucial part of its compelling narrative. The mystery of how Týr knew Kratos is ultimately answered by revealing that it wasn’t Týr at all, but Odin manipulating events to his advantage.