Kratos’s Vision of Hope: Decoding the End of God of War Ragnarok
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At the end of God of War Ragnarok, Kratos doesn’t just see a changed world; he sees a transformed future for himself and his son, Atreus. No longer bound by the prophetic murals foretelling his death at the hands of Thor, Kratos witnesses the reality Faye envisioned for him: a life where he is praised as a benevolent leader and god, bringing peace and prosperity to the realms. This is not just a visual shift but a fundamental change in his destiny, fueled by his choices throughout the game and his rejection of the predetermined path laid out by fate. This vision signifies Kratos’s embrace of hope and his commitment to forging a new, brighter future, breaking free from the cycle of violence and vengeance that defined his past.
The Mural of Transformation: A Deep Dive
The significance of what Kratos sees at the end of God of War Ragnarok goes far beyond a simple change in scenery. To truly grasp the depth of this moment, we need to consider the context of the murals encountered throughout the game and the role they play in shaping the narrative.
Shifting Perspectives: From Jotunheim to Ragnarok
Early in their journey, Kratos and Atreus discover murals in Jotunheim that depict events leading up to and including the original God of War (2018). Crucially, these murals show Atreus playing a pivotal role, suggesting a destiny far greater than Kratos initially imagined. The most chilling mural foretold Kratos’s death, with Atreus mourning over his fallen father.
However, God of War Ragnarok subverts these expectations. Atreus sees this same mural at Ironwood, solidifying its seemingly unavoidable nature. Yet, the final mural – the one Kratos sees at the game’s conclusion – paints a dramatically different picture. This updated mural reflects the choices made during the game, specifically the defiance of prophecy. Instead of death and despair, it portrays a thriving world where Kratos is revered, indicating that their actions have successfully altered the course of fate.
The Power of Choice: Breaking the Cycle
This transformative mural underscores the central theme of God of War Ragnarok: the power of choice to shape one’s destiny. Kratos’s journey in the Norse realms is one of self-discovery and acceptance. He learns to trust Atreus’s instincts, to rely on his allies, and to believe in the possibility of a future free from the bloodshed that haunted him for so long.
By choosing to defy Odin, to fight for the innocent, and to mentor Atreus towards his own path, Kratos actively rewrites his fate. The final mural serves as a visual representation of this triumph over destiny, a testament to the fact that even gods can change their course.
Faye’s Influence: A Mother’s Guiding Hand
While Kratos and Atreus actively make choices that influence their destiny, the final mural is also a testament to Faye’s foresight and planning. As a giant, Faye possessed the ability to see glimpses of the future and strategically set events into motion to guide her family towards a better outcome.
The murals Faye painted weren’t simply passive predictions; they were catalysts for change. Knowing Kratos’s stubbornness, Faye likely crafted these murals to encourage the path that would steer Atreus toward his own future, and ultimately redefine Kratos’s as well. The updated mural represents the culmination of Faye’s plan, revealing her ultimate hope for Kratos to become a force for good, not destruction.
A Symbol of Hope and Rebirth
Ultimately, what Kratos sees at the end of God of War Ragnarok isn’t just a different painting on a wall. It’s a symbol of hope, rebirth, and the potential for even the most hardened warrior to find redemption. It confirms that he has successfully escaped the cycle of violence and vengeance that consumed him for so long and that he is finally free to embrace a future of peace and purpose. This ending provides a sense of closure to Kratos’s personal journey, while also opening up new possibilities for the future of the God of War franchise.
The Games Learning Society explores topics such as these narratives and can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly was Kratos’s original prophecy?
The original prophecy depicted Kratos dying in Atreus’s arms, killed by Thor during Ragnarok. This prophecy was a constant source of tension and anxiety for both Kratos and Atreus, driving them to question and ultimately defy their predetermined fate.
2. How did Faye know about Kratos’s past?
Faye’s knowledge of Kratos’s past likely stemmed from her giant heritage and her ability to see glimpses of the future. She likely saw Kratos’s tragic past in Greece and understood the potential for both good and destruction within him.
3. Why did Kratos initially try to hide Atreus’s true identity?
Kratos feared the repercussions of Atreus discovering his Giant heritage, believing it would lead him down a dangerous path, potentially embracing violence and destruction like Kratos himself once did. He wanted to protect Atreus from the burden of his lineage and the expectations that came with it.
4. What role did Mimir play in Kratos’s transformation?
Mimir, the smartest man alive, served as Kratos’s guide and advisor, providing invaluable insights into Norse mythology and helping Kratos navigate the complex political landscape of the Nine Realms. Mimir’s wisdom and perspective helped Kratos to see beyond his own anger and to make more informed decisions.
5. How did Odin manipulate events in Ragnarok?
Odin employed a variety of manipulative tactics throughout the game, including using his shapeshifting abilities to disguise himself as Tyr and spying on Kratos and Atreus. He sought to control and exploit the events of Ragnarok to further his own goals of acquiring knowledge and power.
6. Why was Freya so angry with Kratos?
Freya’s anger towards Kratos stemmed from his killing of her son, Baldur. Despite Baldur’s immortality being a burden, Freya deeply loved him and blamed Kratos for ending his life. This created a complex and emotionally charged relationship between Kratos and Freya.
7. Did Atreus fully understand Faye’s plan?
Atreus only gradually pieced together Faye’s plan throughout the game. He initially struggled to understand her motives but eventually came to realize that she was guiding him towards a specific destiny, one that involved uniting with the giants and preventing further bloodshed.
8. What is the significance of Atreus’s departure at the end of the game?
Atreus’s departure signifies his journey of self-discovery and his pursuit of his own destiny. He leaves to find the lost giants, fulfilling the role Faye envisioned for him and forging his own path separate from Kratos.
9. Will there be a sequel to God of War Ragnarok?
While Sony has not officially announced a sequel, the ending of God of War Ragnarok leaves the door open for future installments in the franchise. The continued success and popularity of the series make it highly likely that more God of War games will be developed in the future.
10. What other mythologies could Kratos explore in future games?
Given Kratos’s past interactions with Greek and Norse mythology, future games could explore other pantheons, such as Egyptian, Celtic, or even Mesoamerican mythology. The possibilities are vast and exciting, offering the potential for new adventures and challenges for Kratos.
11. What does it mean that Kratos is now viewed as a benevolent god?
The depiction of Kratos as a benevolent god represents a complete reversal of his previous role as a destroyer and a harbinger of chaos. It signifies his redemption and his commitment to using his power for good, protecting the innocent, and fostering peace.
12. How did Kratos change his fate?
Kratos changed his fate through his actions and decisions throughout the game. He defied the predetermined prophecies, learned to trust others, and chose to fight for what he believed in, ultimately forging a new destiny for himself and Atreus.
13. Why couldn’t Kratos wield Mjolnir?
The game hints that Kratos cannot lift Mjolnir because the hammer is bound to Thor, or someone worthy in Odin’s eyes, by Odin’s enchantment. Kratos’s past, his nature, or simply the enchantment itself prevent him from wielding it.
14. Where is the true ending in God of War Ragnarok?
The “true” ending or epilogue of God of War Ragnarok is found after completing the main story and returning to Sindri’s house. This initiates a series of events that culminate in a celebration at Sverd Sands, marking a conclusion to the Norse saga and a moment of peace for Kratos and his allies.
15. Is Odin truly dead?
While Odin is defeated and seemingly killed by Kratos and Atreus, the nature of gods in the God of War universe raises questions about the permanence of death. It’s possible that Odin could return in some form in future games, especially considering his cunning and manipulative nature. Whether he remains dead is a question that future installments may address.
The narrative depth and themes explored in God of War Ragnarok provide fertile ground for discussion and analysis.