Deciphering Destiny: What Kratos Saw at the End of God of War Ragnarök
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At the end of God of War Ragnarök, Kratos witnesses two crucial visions: a final mural crafted by his late wife, Faye, and a glimpse into a future where he is revered as a wise and compassionate leader, not a harbinger of destruction. Faye’s mural reveals the complete arc of Kratos’s journey, from his tormented past in Greece to his arrival in Midgard and his eventual acceptance and praise as a god. More profoundly, the mural signifies a future where Kratos breaks free from the chains of prophecy and chooses his own destiny, guiding others towards a better world rather than succumbing to a predetermined, tragic end. This culminates in his realization that he is seen as a god worthy of worship for his good deeds, leading to an emotional breakthrough.
Unpacking the Murals: Prophecy and Choice
The significance of what Kratos sees at the end is deeply intertwined with the series’ recurring theme of fate versus free will. In the previous game, God of War (2018), Kratos discovered a mural depicting his death during Ragnarök, a prophecy he vehemently rejected. This rejection, and the desire to protect Atreus from a similar fate, fuels much of the conflict in Ragnarök.
The mural Faye creates, however, presents a different perspective. It’s not a rigid prediction but a potential future, one shaped by Kratos’s actions and choices. It’s a testament to Faye’s foresight and her belief in Kratos’s capacity for change. She knew he was destined for more than just repeating the mistakes of his past.
The final mural in Ragnarök showcases Kratos’s transformation. It depicts him as a towering gold statue, surrounded by people offering gifts and celebrating his leadership. This isn’t the image of a feared God of War but of a benevolent figure, a protector, and a guide. This is a future Kratos actively helps to create by choosing to fight alongside the people of the Norse realms, not for power or revenge, but for freedom and justice.
The Emotional Impact: Tears and Transformation
The impact of these visions on Kratos is profound. Having spent a lifetime defined by violence, rage, and the fear of repeating the cycle of destruction, seeing himself as a symbol of hope is overwhelming. This leads to Kratos crying which is a visible display of emotion, something incredibly rare for the stoic Spartan.
Kratos’s tears are not simply tears of joy but a culmination of years of pain, regret, and the slow process of healing. He finally accepts that he can be more than the “monster” he believes himself to be. He can be a leader, a protector, and a source of inspiration.
This transformation is crucial not only for Kratos’s personal journey but also for the future of the Norse realms. By choosing to break free from the cycle of violence and embrace a path of compassion, Kratos helps create a world where gods and mortals can coexist peacefully, a world where prophecy doesn’t dictate destiny.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand the ending of God of War Ragnarök.
1. What was the prophecy Kratos initially feared?
The prophecy, seen at the end of God of War (2018), depicted Kratos’s death during Ragnarök. This fueled his initial desire to isolate Atreus and prevent him from playing a role in the prophesied events.
2. Why was Atreus so important to the story?
Atreus, whose other name is Loki, played a critical role in setting the events of Ragnarök in motion, and he is destined to guide the remaining Giants in their quest for knowledge. His journey becomes an important aspect of the plot.
3. Did Kratos actually die in Ragnarök?
No, Kratos did not die in Ragnarök. He actively fought against the prophecy and, with the help of his allies, managed to defy his predicted demise.
4. What does the final mural signify about Kratos’s future?
The final mural signifies that Kratos is praised and approved of as a God, and that his future holds leadership, respect, and a role as a protector rather than a destroyer. It represents his potential to become a benevolent figure.
5. Why did Kratos hide the initial prophecy from Atreus?
Kratos hid the prophecy from Atreus out of a desire to protect him from the burden of knowing his potential fate. He feared that the knowledge would influence Atreus’s actions and lead him down a dangerous path.
6. How did Faye know about the future?
Faye, being a Giant, possessed the ability to see glimpses of the future through prophecy. This knowledge allowed her to strategically plan for the events leading up to and during Ragnarök.
7. What role did Mimir play in Kratos’s transformation?
Mimir served as a voice of reason and wisdom throughout Kratos’s journey. He helped Kratos understand the complexities of the Norse realms and encouraged him to consider different perspectives, playing a pivotal role in his character development.
8. Why did Kratos finally cry at the end of the game?
Kratos cries at the end because he is overwhelmed by the realization that he is seen as a force for good, not evil. This is a significant departure from his past, and it represents a culmination of his journey towards redemption.
9. What does the ending imply about the future of the God of War franchise?
The ending suggests that the franchise may be shifting its focus to Atreus and his journey to find the remaining Giants. It opens up possibilities for exploring new mythologies and different perspectives within the God of War universe.
10. Will there be another God of War game?
While nothing is confirmed, it is widely expected that there will be another God of War game. The story leaves several loose ends, particularly regarding Atreus’s quest, suggesting future installments.
11. Why does Kratos hate his Blades of Chaos?
The Blades of Chaos represent Kratos’s dark past and the atrocities he committed under Ares’s control. They are a constant reminder of the monster he once was.
12. Did Kratos ever regret his actions in Greece?
Yes, throughout God of War (2018) and Ragnarök, Kratos displays deep regret for his past actions in Greece, acknowledging the innocent lives he took and the suffering he caused.
13. What is the significance of Kratos being a demigod?
Kratos’s demigod status, being the son of Zeus, connects him to the Greek pantheon and explains his immense power. It also highlights his complicated relationship with his heritage and the legacy of the gods.
14. What other mythologies could the God of War franchise explore in the future?
Given the established pattern, the franchise could explore Egyptian mythology, Mayan mythology, or even Celtic mythology, among others. The possibilities are vast.
15. Where can I learn more about game narrative and storytelling?
To delve deeper into the art of game narrative and storytelling, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society, an academic organization that studies games and learning. Visit https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover valuable insights and research on the educational and cultural aspects of gaming. GamesLearningSociety.org can provide you with even more in-depth knowledge about the art of video game narrative.
Conclusion: A New Beginning for the Ghost of Sparta
The ending of God of War Ragnarök is not just a conclusion to a chapter but a prelude to a new beginning. Kratos’s journey is far from over, and the visions he witnesses offer a glimpse of a brighter future, one where he embraces his role as a leader and protector. The power to shape his destiny is now in his hands, and the possibilities are endless. Kratos has finally embraced the idea that he is becoming someone worthy of worship and respect instead of the monster he once was. It’s a powerful and emotional culmination of a long and arduous journey, leaving players hopeful for what lies ahead for the Ghost of Sparta.