Decoding the Final Prophecy of God of War Ragnarok: A New Path for Kratos
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The final prophecy revealed in God of War Ragnarok isn’t about Kratos’s death or the cataclysmic end of the world; instead, it unveils a future where Kratos is seen not as a harbinger of destruction, but as a savior and a leader. This radical shift in perspective is the core of the new prophecy, which is revealed through a mural. This mural depicts Kratos, not as a cursed warrior stained with the blood of gods, but as a figure inspiring hope and admiration – a stark contrast to the fear and hatred that followed him through his Greek saga and his early Norse experiences. This prophecy signals a monumental change in Kratos’s arc and provides a strong foundation for future narrative possibilities in the God of War franchise.
The Transformation of Kratos
The significance of this new prophecy lies in the profound transformation Kratos undergoes throughout the Norse saga. Initially, he’s a gruff, withdrawn father haunted by his past, seeking only to protect his son, Atreus. However, as the journey progresses, and particularly after the events of God of War (2018), Kratos begins to grapple with his role in the world and the legacy he wishes to leave behind. He witnesses firsthand the destructive nature of fate and prophecy, and he begins to challenge the rigid predetermined paths that were believed to be inevitable.
The old prophecies that spoke of Kratos’s death during Ragnarok, and the eventual demise of the Norse gods, are revealed to be not absolute truths but the result of Odin’s machinations and the manipulation of information. In fact, Faye, Atreus’s mother, actively destroyed a shrine that detailed Loki’s original predetermined path as told by the giants. This action gives Kratos and Atreus the freedom to choose their own fate, making the new prophecy all the more powerful. The mural showing a Kratos admired instead of feared is not a fate dictated but an earned destiny that he forges.
Kratos as a Figure of Hope
This transformation culminates in the final mural, where Kratos sees himself as a revered figure, and the subsequent emotional release he experiences, including tears and whimpers. This reaction is the direct result of confronting his past self as an instrument of death and now seeing his potential to be a beacon of hope. The prophecy does not dictate what he will do, but rather shows what he can be, a leader and a savior. This provides both an emotional payoff for long-time players who have followed his journey, and sets him up to embrace his new role as a leader of people.
The emotional impact of this prophecy is multi-layered. Firstly, it’s a poignant reflection on Kratos’s personal evolution. Secondly, it’s a powerful statement about the nature of destiny and the ability of individuals to forge their own path. Finally, this prophecy is a narrative launching point, hinting at the future directions the franchise might take, potentially focusing more on Kratos guiding others and using his experience to create positive change, a huge leap from the spartan rage filled warrior of the past.
The Implications of the New Prophecy
This prophecy isn’t merely an uplifting end to Kratos’s Norse journey; it’s a profound narrative turning point. Kratos is no longer simply a character bound by fate, running from past mistakes. He’s now a figure who inspires others, leading to a more nuanced and complex narrative going forward. This transformation means the next saga could explore themes of leadership, redemption, and the lasting impact one individual can have on the world, even a flawed individual like Kratos.
Furthermore, the reveal of this prophecy also frees the franchise from the traditional constraints of Greek mythology and the Norse pantheon. Kratos’s story becomes universal and more human, allowing the narrative to tackle a variety of new challenges and locations. His journey to Egypt that is briefly mentioned in the article further demonstrates the franchise’s possibilities, offering new challenges and new myths to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the original prophecy regarding Kratos at Ragnarok?
The initial prophecy, as seen at the end of God of War (2018), indicated that Kratos would die during Ragnarok. This was a cause of concern for Kratos, given his history of prophecies turning true when avoided. However, it turns out this prophecy was not complete, and manipulated by Odin.
2. How was the true prophecy hidden?
The giants hid the true prophecy within some of their Jötunn shrines, using their magic to prevent Odin from finding them. This secrecy was crucial to prevent Odin from using the prophecy to control the outcome of Ragnarok.
3. Why did Kratos cry when he saw the mural?
Kratos cried because he was overwhelmed by the vision of himself as a savior and leader. This is drastically different from his past as a dreaded god killer, and the prophecy showed the positive outcome of the changes he has made to be a better person.
4. Did Kratos ever embrace his new role?
Yes, Kratos embraces his new role by the end of the game. He accepts that he will always be a warrior, but chooses to use that warrior spirit for good, to protect and teach others, which is in stark contrast to how he acted in the past.
5. Why did Faye destroy Loki’s shrine?
Faye destroyed Loki’s original shrine, effectively choosing a different fate for her son and the world, allowing Kratos and Atreus to choose their own paths.
6. Where did Atreus go at the end of Ragnarok?
Atreus leaves to find and help the remaining giants, his new destiny now clear, after learning of the truth about his mother, Faye. He was aided in this journey by his friend, Angrboda.
7. Will there be another God of War game after Ragnarok?
Yes, it is highly likely. God of War Ragnarok ends with Kratos’ story open for another chapter, and it is heavily suggested that the series will continue with another saga, or at least another story about Kratos, possibly with a new setting.
8. Is the “Tyr” we encounter early in Ragnarok the real one?
No, the “Tyr” Kratos and Atreus initially free is actually Odin in disguise. This was a part of Odin’s plan to infiltrate and learn the plans of Kratos’s group.
9. When can the real Tyr be found?
The real Tyr can be found after completing the main story, in the Aesir Prison Wreckage area of Niflheim, as part of the ‘Broken Prison’ favor, after visiting the Raven Tree.
10. Why did Sindri become bitter towards Atreus?
Sindri became bitter after the bear attack, feeling betrayed that Atreus caused the event. He distances himself from the boy and refuses to forgive him for the foreseeable future.
11. Was Atreus’s mother, Faye, a god?
No, Faye was a mortal. Her true nature as a giant was not fully understood until later in the game and was the main reason why she wanted Atreus to learn more about his heritage, and be able to make his own choices, rather than be a slave to fate.
12. Why is Brok blue?
Brok is blue due to the excessive use of silver in his forging processes, an odd quirk of the dwarven race, which he used to his advantage when his soul was split in the past.
13. How did Brok suspect Tyr was Odin?
Brok suspected that “Tyr” was not who he claimed to be due to the latter’s odd behavior and contradictions, especially once a path to Asgard was mentioned, leading him to question everything.
14. Can Atreus become stronger than Kratos?
Yes, it’s implied that Atreus has the potential to become stronger than Kratos due to his hereditary godly powers and growth potential, where as Kratos has reached his peak in godly power, and is now more experienced than he is powerful.
15. What happened to Kratos in his travels to Egypt?
As mentioned in God of War: Fallen God, Kratos travels to Egypt to get rid of the Blades of Chaos, but they continuously returned to him, driving him nearly insane. Egyptian villagers were afraid of him, and would hide at his appearance, because they were well aware of his reputation.