How Tall Was Faye in God of War? Unraveling the Giant’s Height
Faye, also known as Laufey, the wife of Kratos and mother of Atreus in God of War (2018), is depicted as being between 6’1″ and 6’3″. This height is noticeably close to Kratos, who stands at approximately 6’4″ according to Santa Monica Studios. This seemingly human stature, however, belies her true nature as a Jötunn (Giant) from Jötunheim, a secret she kept hidden from her family for reasons central to the game’s plot. Understanding Faye’s height requires diving into the complexities of character scaling, lore, and the nuances of Norse mythology within the God of War universe.
Unpacking Faye’s Height: More Than Just Numbers
Faye’s height is a fascinating detail, particularly when contextualized within the broader narrative. While 6’1″ to 6’3″ might seem unremarkable compared to other colossal figures in the game, like Thor (7’4″) or even earlier depictions of Kratos himself, it’s crucial to remember that height in God of War isn’t merely a physical attribute; it’s a statement about identity, power, and hidden truths.
The Significance of Concealment
Faye’s choice to conceal her true Jötunn nature is paramount to the storyline. Her decision to live as a mortal, seemingly shorter than other giants, hints at a deliberate attempt to integrate into Midgard and shield Atreus from the potential dangers associated with his dual heritage. Perhaps assuming a height closer to humans made it easier to blend in, minimizing suspicion from Odin and other Aesir gods who actively sought to suppress the Giants.
Comparing Faye to Kratos and Other Characters
The visual comparison of Faye with Kratos is telling. Being just a few inches shorter than Kratos, who himself is considerably taller than average humans, suggests Faye possessed a commanding presence. This juxtaposition emphasizes her strength and capability, aligning with the game’s narrative where she is portrayed as a formidable warrior and tactician.
The Reality of Character Scale and Lore
It’s important to acknowledge that character heights in video games are subject to artistic interpretation and gameplay considerations. While developers strive for consistency, certain liberties are often taken to enhance visual impact or facilitate gameplay mechanics. Therefore, Faye’s height should be viewed as a narrative choice that adds depth to her character rather than a strictly measured statistic.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Faye and Her World
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions, along with detailed answers, to help further your understanding of Faye and related aspects of God of War.
1. Was Faye a Giant?
Yes, despite living as a mortal, Faye was, in fact, a Giant (Jötunn) from Jötunheim. She concealed her true nature from Kratos and Atreus for unknown reasons that are slowly unraveled during the game’s story.
2. How old was Faye in God of War?
Estimating Faye’s exact age is challenging. Mimir mentioned hearing rumors of her over a century before the events of God of War (2018), suggesting she was at least 109 years old. Some fans speculate she could be closer to 150 years old or older, considering the existence of a tapestry depicting her with Tyr in his underwater temple.
3. Was Faye half-giant?
No, Faye was a full-blooded Giant. This makes Atreus half-giant and half-god, a crucial aspect of his identity and destiny within the game’s narrative.
4. Why did Odin want Faye?
Odin sought Faye primarily because she was a Jötunn, hoping to exploit her knowledge to access Jötunheim. He dispatched Baldur to find her, intending to learn the secrets of the Giants and control their power.
5. Is Faye as strong as Thor?
According to in-game lore and spirits’ accounts, Faye was an even match for Thor in battle. This indicates she possessed immense strength and combat prowess, making her one of the most powerful figures in the God of War universe.
6. Does Faye love Kratos?
Yes, Faye deeply loved Kratos. Despite knowing his past and the atrocities he committed, she chose to build a life with him and raise Atreus. Her love for Kratos is evident in her actions and her posthumous plan to guide them on their journey.
7. What did Kratos think Faye was?
Initially, Kratos believed Faye was a mortal woman. He was unaware of her Jötunn heritage until after her death, when the truth began to unravel through their journey to Jötunheim.
8. Who is Loki’s father?
In the Marvel Comics universe, Laufey is Loki’s biological father. However, in God of War, Kratos is Atreus/Loki’s father. Laufey is Faye’s birth name.
9. Why is Faye called Atreus Loki?
Atreus was the name given to him by Kratos, in honor of a brave Spartan comrade. Faye wished to name him Loki, and that’s how she referred to him among the Giants. His true name is Loki.
10. Why does Baldur hate Faye?
Baldur doesn’t specifically hate Faye. His hatred is directed toward Freya, his mother, because she cast a spell that made him invulnerable but unable to feel physical sensations, causing him immense suffering.
11. Is Freya taller than Kratos?
No, Freya is shorter than Kratos. She is depicted as standing roughly up to his ear. While still taller than her son, Baldur, she is significantly smaller than Kratos.
12. Can Kratos still grow in size?
In the original God of War trilogy, Kratos, as the God of War, possessed the ability to change his size to immense proportions. However, this ability is absent in the Norse saga.
13. How many years did Kratos spend with Faye?
According to the novelization of God of War (2018), Kratos hid the Blades of Chaos under their home for at least 50 years, suggesting he and Faye were together for a minimum of five decades.
14. How much can Kratos lift?
Estimating Kratos’s lifting strength is challenging, but lore suggests it could be around 30-24 quintillion tons. This estimate is derived from comparing his strength to figures like Cronos and Atlas, who are capable of holding immense weight such as the Earth’s crust.
15. What is Kratos real size?
Based on in-game appearances, Kratos is roughly 6’3″ or 6’4″ tall in the Norse era. This contrasts with earlier depictions where he was portrayed as taller, around 7’6″.
The Enduring Legacy of Faye
Faye’s height, while a seemingly simple detail, encapsulates the depth and complexity of her character. As a Jötunn living among humans, she strategically concealed her true nature to protect her family and guide them toward a predetermined destiny. Her strength, wisdom, and love for Kratos and Atreus shape the entire narrative of God of War (2018), making her an unforgettable figure in gaming history. Understanding her character, including her height in relation to others, provides valuable insight into the themes of identity, fate, and the choices that define us.
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