Decoding Destiny: Unraveling the Meaning of God of War’s Final Mural

The final mural in God of War (2018), located in Jotunheim, is arguably the most impactful and debated image in the entire game. It transcends a simple narrative conclusion, instead offering a complex, multi-layered prophecy open to interpretation. At its core, the mural initially appears to depict Kratos dying in Atreus’s arms, with a mysterious substance escaping his mouth. However, the true meaning is far more nuanced. The mural signifies the fulfillment of the Giants’ prophecy, revealing that Kratos is destined not to die, but to be revered as a benevolent leader and god. The seeming depiction of death is instead Kratos undergoing a transformation, shedding his past and embracing his role as a figure of hope and guidance. This interpretation is supported by the depiction of Kratos being praised and approved as a God, marking the ultimate redemption of Kratos, not just as a warrior, but as a source of inspiration. It illustrates a future where Kratos is finally seen as a protector, breaking the cycle of violence and vengeance that defined his life.

Understanding the Layers of Prophecy

The mural isn’t a straightforward prediction. It’s presented through the lens of the Giants, who had a unique understanding of the threads of fate. Therefore, the mural conveys not only what will happen, but what could happen, dependent on choices made along the way. The ambiguous nature of the images allows for multiple readings, each offering a different perspective on Kratos’s destiny. Let’s dive deeper into these layers:

The Initial Impression: Death and Despair

The first and most immediate interpretation is bleak. The image of Kratos apparently lifeless in Atreus’s arms is a stark contrast to the triumphant warrior he’s portrayed as throughout much of the game. This is a powerful visual that resonates with Kratos’s own fears and anxieties about repeating the mistakes of his past, particularly regarding his role as a father. This is further enhanced by the runes surrounding the image, translated by some as “father,” “death,” “mourned,” and “deceit/betrayal”.

The Subverted Expectation: Transformation and Redemption

However, a closer look reveals a more optimistic perspective. The “something” escaping Kratos’s mouth could be interpreted not as his life force, but as the burden of his past – his anger, his guilt, and his thirst for revenge. This represents a shedding of his old self, paving the way for a new beginning. The mural also depicts Kratos’s journey, his conflict in Greece, and his travels to Midgard, and his ultimate rise as a respected figure. The fact that Atreus is present and actively involved suggests that their bond is crucial to this transformation. This aligns with the game’s central themes of fatherhood, growth, and breaking the cycle of violence. Kratos ultimately embraces his son and decides to move forward.

The Giant’s Perspective: Hope for the Future

Crucially, the mural is a prophecy of the Giants. They were beings with insight into the future, but their prophecies weren’t immutable. The Giants likely saw not a fixed outcome, but a potential outcome. They foresaw the possibility of Kratos changing his destiny and becoming a force for good, a protector, and a leader. This is a profound statement about free will and the ability to shape one’s own fate. The vision that Atreus sees when he goes to Ironwood also demonstrates that the Giants knew that Kratos would need a vision of hope if he wanted to turn away from darkness.

The Significance of Atreus/Loki

Atreus’s role in the mural cannot be overlooked. His presence next to Kratos in the final panel implies his significant role in Kratos’s ultimate fate. The revelation of Atreus’s true name, Loki, adds further complexity. Loki is a figure of change and chaos, but also of ingenuity and resourcefulness. This suggests that Atreus’s journey will be one of transformation and that it will be intertwined with Kratos’s own redemption. Revealing Atreus’s name as Loki also carries significance, showing that Faye (Kratos’s wife) wanted him to have that name.

God of War: Ragnarok and the Fulfilled Prophecy

God of War: Ragnarok builds upon the foundation laid by the 2018 game, further exploring the themes of fate, choice, and redemption. While Ragnarok features many trials and tribulations, the final outcome is a testament to the power of choice. Kratos, with the support of Atreus and their allies, is able to break the cycle of violence and embrace a future free from the predetermined path. This ultimately underscores the meaning of the final mural: that even the most seemingly fixed destinies can be altered through courage, compassion, and a willingness to change. Kratos cried at the end of Ragnarok, becoming seen as a god worthy of worship and someone to be revered instead of hated and feared.

The Games Learning Society explores how these intricate narratives in games can be used as tools for learning and fostering critical thinking. Explore more on the powerful narrative potential of video games at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the meaning and implications of the final mural in God of War.

1. What does the last painting of God of War Ragnarok mean? The last painting is the same mural from the end of the 2018 God of War. This mural depicts Kratos’ conflict in Greece, his travels to Midgard, and his praise and approval as a God. The Giants saw that Kratos would change his fate.

2. Why did Kratos cry at the end of Ragnarok? He cried because he was finally seen as a god worthy of worship and reverence, a stark contrast to the fear and hatred he had always known. He became who he wanted to be, a protector instead of a destroyer.

3. What did Kratos see on the wall at the end of Ragnarok? Kratos and Atreus saw a mural depicting Kratos seemingly dying in Atreus’s arms, with a mysterious substance leaving his mouth. It’s a complex prophecy open to multiple interpretations.

4. Why is Atreus called Loki? Loki was the name Faye, Atreus’s mother, wanted to give him at birth. It symbolizes his destiny and the role he will play in shaping the future.

5. Will there be next God of War after Ragnarok? While the Norse saga concluded with Ragnarok, the ending leaves Kratos’s story open for a new adventure in a different mythology.

6. What mythology will God of War go to next? Celtic and Egyptian mythologies are popular candidates, given their thematic connections and rich lore.

7. Does God of War have a secret ending? Yes, returning to Sindri’s House after the main story unlocks a side quest and a secret ending that provides closure and sets up potential future storylines.

8. Was Odin Tyr the whole time? The Tyr that Kratos and Atreus encountered in Svartalfheim was, in fact, Odin in disguise. Odin posed as his own son as a means to infiltrate Kratos’ circle of allies and know their plans.

9. How did Kratos break fate? By opening his heart to suffering and embracing his role as a father and leader, Kratos was able to change his destiny and defy the predetermined course set by fate.

10. Will Sindri ever forgive Atreus? Sindri’s pain and grief over Brok’s death have created a deep rift between him and Atreus, making forgiveness unlikely in the foreseeable future.

11. Why is Brok blue? Brok’s skin turned blue from direct contact with raw metals during his forging process, a testament to his dedication and skill as a craftsman.

12. How did Brok know Tyr was Odin? Brok’s sharp intellect and attention to detail allowed him to see through Odin’s disguise as Tyr.

13. Can you find the real Tyr before killing Odin? No, the real Tyr can only be found after completing the main story and defeating Odin.

14. Could God of War return to Greece? It is a possibility that Kratos could return to his homeland in Greece to make amends for his past actions and help the Greek people.

15. What god is Kratos now? He is now the God of Hope and embodies the role of protector and leader, a far cry from his earlier title as the God of War.