Unveiling the Prophecies: What Kratos Saw at the End of God of War (2018)
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At the climax of 2018’s God of War, after scattering Faye’s ashes and fulfilling her last wish, Kratos and Atreus discover a hidden mural within the Jotunheim shrine. This mural reveals a prophecy foretelling not only Atreus’s role in the events of Ragnarok but also, crucially, Kratos’s own destiny and transformation. It depicts Kratos’s journey from a vengeful warrior in Greece to his eventual acceptance and, ultimately, worship in Midgard, suggesting a future far different from the doom foretold in other prophecies. Seeing this final panel, where he is revered as a god of the people instead of being feared, causes Kratos immense emotion, signifying a pivotal shift in his character and a redemption he never thought possible.
The Layers of Prophecy: A Closer Look
The mural isn’t a single image but a series of panels that narrate a journey. It’s a visual representation of the past, present, and potential future of both Kratos and Atreus, revealing several significant plot points:
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Atreus’s Journey: The primary mural showcases Atreus’s birth, his hunting trip with Kratos, the battles they face together, and his eventual role in Ragnarok. It establishes his identity as Loki and the crucial part he plays in the unfolding events.
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Kratos’s Hidden Path: More importantly, behind Atreus’s mural, a second shrine is uncovered. This reveals Kratos’s long and arduous journey, starting with his violent past in Greece. The mural portrays his transition to Midgard, suggesting a movement towards a different destiny, including images of him holding the Leviathan axe while adorned in his iconic Spartan armor. This hints at a fusion of his past and present selves.
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The Final Revelation: After Atreus leaves the temple, Kratos then discovers a final pane which shows him being worshiped as a god. It contrasts starkly with his earlier role as a god of war feared by mortals. Seeing this brings Kratos to tears, understanding that he can evolve beyond his violent past and become a figure of hope and guidance. This final panel overwrites the original prophecy of Kratos’s death.
The Significance of Redemption
The final image of Kratos being worshipped is particularly significant. Throughout his life, Kratos has been defined by violence and vengeance. The Greek gods manipulated him, leading to the tragic death of his family, and his subsequent quest for revenge consumed him. Even in Midgard, he struggles with his past and attempts to shield Atreus from the darkness within him.
The mural, however, suggests a different path. By seeing himself revered, Kratos realizes that he can break free from the cycle of violence and become something more. It is not just about surviving but about evolving into a figure worthy of respect and admiration. This revelation is crucial for his character development and provides a sense of hope for the future, suggesting he can be a better father and leader. It means Kratos was seen as a god worthy of worship instead of what he was before. Since the beginning he was always feared or hated. He cried because he really became who he wanted to be.
The Implications for the Future
The mural’s revelation significantly impacts the narrative trajectory of the God of War series. It overwrites or modifies earlier prophecies, which initially depicted a darker fate for Kratos, potentially including his death during Ragnarok. This opens up new narrative possibilities and allows the story to move in unexpected directions.
Moreover, it sets the stage for Kratos to embrace his role as a leader and guide, both for Atreus and for the people of Midgard. Instead of simply trying to escape his past, he can now actively shape his future and strive to create a better world. This shift is evident in his decision to spare Thor at the end of God of War Ragnarok, demonstrating his commitment to breaking the cycle of violence and embracing a more compassionate approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is a Jotnar shrine?
A Jotnar shrine is a sacred place within the God of War universe dedicated to the Jotnar, also known as Giants. These shrines often contain murals or paintings that depict prophecies and significant events from the past and future. They act as repositories of knowledge and cultural history for the Giants.
2. How did Angrboda create the new prophecy?
Angrboda, being a powerful Jotunn with the ability to see the future, used her artistic skills to create the new prophecy on the Jotnar shrine. She understood that the original prophecies could be altered through choices and actions, and she crafted a new vision that reflected the potential for Kratos to evolve and become a benevolent figure.
3. Did Kratos completely avert his original prophecy?
While Kratos managed to avoid the original prophecy that foresaw his death during Ragnarok, not all prophecies are entirely averted. The mural suggests that some aspects of the future are still fluid and subject to change based on decisions made by Kratos, Atreus, and others. Kratos successfully prevented that prophecy by deciding to spare Thor’s life.
4. What does the Leviathan axe symbolize in Kratos’s mural?
The Leviathan axe symbolizes Kratos’s new life and identity in Midgard. It represents his commitment to protecting Atreus and the people of this new land. It also represents his attempt to forge a new path, separate from the violence and destruction that defined his past in Greece. The axe is a symbol of hope, protection, and a new beginning.
5. Why was Kratos so emotional when he saw the final panel?
Kratos was overcome with emotion because the final panel represented a profound shift in his identity and purpose. Throughout his life, he had been defined by violence and revenge, constantly battling against gods and monsters. Seeing himself revered and worshipped as a benevolent figure showed him that he could break free from this cycle and become something more. It signified a redemption he never thought possible.
6. What role does Atreus play in shaping Kratos’s destiny?
Atreus plays a crucial role in shaping Kratos’s destiny. His presence humanizes Kratos, forcing him to confront his past and learn to care for someone other than himself. Atreus’s open-hearted nature and willingness to embrace others inspire Kratos to do the same, ultimately leading him to a path of redemption and acceptance.
7. How did the discovery of the mural affect Kratos’s relationship with Atreus?
The discovery of the mural deepened Kratos’s relationship with Atreus. It helped Kratos become more open and communicative about his past and his fears for the future. It also allowed him to trust Atreus’s judgment and allow him to make his own choices, even if they differed from what Kratos would have chosen.
8. Is the mural a definitive prediction of the future, or can it still be changed?
The mural should be viewed as a representation of potential futures rather than a fixed destiny. While it provides insights into possible outcomes, the choices and actions of Kratos, Atreus, and other characters can still influence the direction of the story. The future is not predetermined, and the mural serves as a guidepost rather than a rigid roadmap.
9. How does Kratos’s journey to Egypt tie into the events of God of War?
Kratos’s journey to Egypt, depicted in God of War: Fallen God, occurred after the events of God of War III and before his arrival in Midgard. During this time, he was haunted by the memories of his past and struggled to rid himself of the Blades of Chaos. This period of exile helped shape his character and prepared him for the new challenges he would face in the Norse world.
10. Why did Faye call Atreus Loki?
Loki, as it was revealed, was the name that Kratos’ wife, Faye, wanted to give Atreus when he was born. The former Greek God of War insisted that Atreus be named after another Spartan that Kratos fought alongside long before arriving in Midgard.
11. Where is Atreus after Ragnarok?
After the cataclysm ends, Atreus wakes up in Midgard. He walks along a spiral path, passing by all the friends he met in God of War: Ragnarok, until he gets to the top, where Angrboda is waiting.
12. Is Sindri a villain now?
God of War: Ragnarok sets Sindri up as the series’ next antagonist.
13. Was Odin Tyr the whole time?
Before that happens, it’s revealed that Tyr, the Norse god of war who’s been staying at Kratos & Co’s headquarters, has actually been Odin all along. Odin used his godly powers to disguise himself as Tyr, and spent the whole game spying on Kratos, Atreus and Freya.
14. Does Kratos regret killing innocents?
At the end of 2018’s God of War, Kratos admits to his son Atreus that “I have killed many who were deserving, and many who were not.” Both it and the sequel God of War: Ragnarök sees the Ghost of Sparta filled with regret about his past and seek redemption for it as the Norse apocalypse draws near.
15. What happened to the real Tyr in God of War Ragnarok?
Fortunately, Tyr is actually alive in God of War Ragnarok, and you can go and search for him as part of the post-endgame content.
Conclusion
The murals at the end of God of War are a complex tapestry of prophecy, history, and personal transformation. They not only reveal the destinies of Kratos and Atreus but also highlight the themes of redemption, change, and the power of choice. Kratos’s emotional response to seeing himself worshipped as a god underscores the depth of his journey and the potential for even the most violent individuals to find peace and purpose. Understanding these complex narratives allows us to explore the deeper meaning and significance of video games, appreciating their potential to offer profound insights into the human condition. GamesLearningSociety.org offers many other interesting ideas about the educational possibilities of games and interactive storytelling.