Decoding Destiny: What Kratos Saw on the Wall in God of War Ragnarök

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In God of War Ragnarök, Kratos witnesses the culmination of a prophecy subverted, a future rewritten, and ultimately, a vision of hope he never dared to imagine. He discovers a hidden mural behind the initially revealed one, depicting his journey beyond the destruction of the Greek pantheon. This second mural displays a timeline: his arrival in the Norse realm, raising Atreus, fighting alongside him, and ultimately, instead of the fated death at Thor’s hand, it shows Kratos being revered as a benevolent leader and a god of peace. This vision moves the stoic Spartan to tears, solidifying his commitment to a new path, one of rebuilding and protecting, rather than destroying. This is a powerful symbol of breaking free from predetermination and forging one’s own destiny.

The Mural’s Revelation: A Turning Point

Unveiling the Hidden Truth

The initial mural, the one seemingly dictating Kratos’s fate, depicts a grim prophecy – Kratos’s death at the hands of Thor, with Atreus mourning his fallen father. This prophecy, orchestrated by Faye (Atreus’s mother and Kratos’s late wife), was subtly manipulated. The hidden mural Kratos finds reveals Faye’s true intention: not to trap Kratos in a predetermined demise, but to inspire him to transcend his past and create a better future.

Beyond Destruction: A Vision of Hope

The second mural showcases Kratos’s transformation. He is not just a warrior, but a symbol of hope and guidance. The mural shows Kratos as a gilded statue, surrounded by people offering gifts and celebrating him. This image depicts the people of the Norse realms acknowledging him, not as a destroyer, but as a savior, a protector, and ultimately, a benevolent deity. It depicts a future where Kratos is finally seen for the man he’s become.

Kratos’s Emotional Response: A Tearful Acceptance

For a character defined by his rage and stoicism, the sight of the mural evokes a profound emotional response in Kratos. He allows himself to cry, a rare and powerful moment showcasing the weight of his past and the liberation of his future. The tears signify his acceptance of this new path and the realization that he can be more than the “Ghost of Sparta,” and that he can truly leave his past behind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Mural

1. What was the original prophecy that Kratos and Atreus saw at the end of God of War (2018)? The original mural depicted Kratos’s death, seemingly at the hands of Thor, with Atreus cradling his body. It painted a bleak picture of Ragnarök ending in tragedy for the father and son. This mural was crafted by Angrboda’s mother, a giantess with the power to see the future.

2. Why did Faye manipulate the prophecy in the first place? Faye, being a giant with foresight, knew the initially depicted future. However, she also believed in the power of free will and wanted to give Kratos and Atreus the opportunity to forge their own destiny. By subtly altering the mural, she planted the seed for a future where Kratos could break free from his cycle of violence and destruction.

3. What is the significance of Kratos being depicted as a gold statue? The golden statue symbolizes Kratos’s deification – his ascension to a revered and respected figure. It represents the transformation from a feared warrior haunted by his past to a protector and leader worthy of worship. Gold often represents wisdom and knowledge, hinting at the guidance he will provide.

4. Why did Kratos keep his past a secret from Atreus? Kratos struggled with the guilt and shame of his past actions in Greece, including the murder of his family. He feared that revealing these dark secrets would negatively impact Atreus and potentially lead him down a similar path of violence. He was protecting his son, but at the same time, he was hiding a significant part of himself.

5. How does the mural relate to the themes of destiny vs. free will in God of War Ragnarök? The mural serves as a central representation of the game’s exploration of destiny versus free will. The initial prophecy suggests a predetermined fate, while the hidden mural demonstrates the power to choose a different path and rewrite one’s destiny through actions and choices. This concept can be related to Games Learning Society’s understanding of the learning experience through gameplay and the player’s autonomy in the gaming environment.

6. What role did Angrboda play in revealing the hidden mural? Angrboda was instrumental in revealing the hidden mural to Atreus. She explained the true purpose of the prophecy and the subtle manipulations made by her mother, allowing Atreus to understand the importance of forging his own destiny.

7. Why can’t Kratos wield Mjolnir? While Kratos is incredibly strong, Mjolnir is a weapon imbued with specific enchantments and requirements by Odin. It is likely only those deemed worthy by Odin’s magic, or who possess certain bloodlines or specific power sources, can wield it. Kratos’ strength alone is not enough.

8. What does the “path that Kratos never imagined” refer to? The “path that Kratos never imagined” refers to his transition from a destroyer to a rebuilder. He had always viewed himself as a weapon, an instrument of death. This new path involves helping to rebuild the realms, fostering peace, and becoming a mentor and leader, something he never envisioned for himself.

9. How does the ending of God of War Ragnarök set up future games in the series? The ending establishes a new status quo, with Kratos embracing his role as a leader and Atreus embarking on his own journey to find the lost giants. This leaves the door open for future games to explore new mythologies, characters, and challenges for both Kratos and Atreus.

10. Why couldn’t Thor heal the wound inflicted by Kratos? Thor’s incurable wound is due to the Eitr imbued in the Leviathan Axe. More specifically, it comes from Jormungandr’s venom.

11. Are there any secret endings or post-credits scenes in God of War Ragnarök? Yes, there is a secret ending that involves returning to Brok’s funeral and allows players to experience a final, emotional farewell and credits sequence, concluding the narrative arc.

12. What other Greek Gods did Kratos NOT kill? While Kratos killed a vast majority of the Greek Pantheon, some Gods were not killed by him. These include: Phobos, Circe, Amphitrite, Triton, and Nike.

13. What was Kratos’ initial fate that was described in the mural? In an early draft of God of War Ragnarok, Kratos was originally going to die at Thor’s hand.

14. What character from Kratos’ past came back to haunt him? Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom, makes an appearance to haunt Kratos about his past actions.

15. Did Kratos tell his son he was a God in God of War? Yes. After curing him, Kratos reveals to Atreus that he is a god.

The Legacy of Choice

Kratos’s journey in God of War Ragnarök is a powerful testament to the human, or in this case, godlike, capacity for change. The mural serves as a physical representation of this transformation, a reminder that even those burdened by a violent past can choose a different future. This narrative resonates deeply, exploring themes of redemption, fatherhood, and the responsibility that comes with power. Kratos’s story is a reminder that our destinies are not fixed, but rather, shaped by the choices we make. Explore more about the intersection of gaming and learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.