The Ashes of Laufey: Unpacking Kratos’s Pouch in God of War
At the heart of God of War (2018), and a significant motivating factor throughout both it and God of War Ragnarök, lies a seemingly simple item: a pouch. This isn’t just any bag; it contains the ashes of Laufey, Kratos’ wife and Atreus’ mother, a Giant. This pouch is not merely a symbolic object; it’s a tangible representation of the journey, the loss, and the complicated family dynamics that define these games. The quest to spread these ashes at the highest peak in the nine realms sets the events of the 2018 game into motion, acting as a constant reminder of Kratos’s commitment to his late wife’s final wish and his evolving relationship with Atreus.
The Significance of Laufey’s Ashes
A Promise Kept
Laufey’s dying wish is the primary driver of Kratos and Atreus’s initial adventure. Kratos, a Spartan warrior turned god, now must undertake this daunting journey in unfamiliar lands. The pouch, and what it holds, acts as a symbol of Kratos’s attempt to change and to fulfill his promises, a stark contrast to the vengeful figure of his past. His determination to honor Laufey demonstrates a shift in his character, from the rage-fueled god of war to a father grappling with grief and responsibility.
A Physical Reminder of Loss
Beyond the promise, the pouch is a constant physical reminder of their loss. It hangs on Kratos’s side, always present. The weight of the ashes and the mission are not just physical; they represent the emotional burdens that Kratos carries, the sadness of losing the woman he loved, and the responsibility of raising their son, Atreus. It serves as a poignant reminder that this journey isn’t just about Kratos; it’s deeply rooted in his past and the loss he has experienced.
The Seed of Future Conflicts
The ashes and the quest to spread them also become entangled in the larger narrative of Norse mythology. The fact that Laufey was a Giant, and their wish was to spread the ashes at Jötunheim, places Kratos and Atreus on a collision course with the Aesir gods, setting up the central conflict of God of War Ragnarök. Laufey’s true nature and connections within the Giant community become key elements in understanding the grander plot. The bag is more than just a container of ashes; it is the catalyst for the events that are to unfold.
More Than Just Ashes
It is crucial to realize that these aren’t ordinary ashes. They are the remnants of a powerful Jotunn (Giant), and therefore, they carry an underlying significance. Their journey becomes intertwined with the prophecies of Ragnarok and the secrets that the Giants hold. The ashes, therefore, embody not just the life of Laufey but also the secrets and power that she possessed as a Giant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Atreus holding at the beginning of God of War Ragnarök?
At the start of God of War Ragnarök, Atreus is not holding the pouch containing Laufey’s ashes. Instead, he’s frequently seen with a blue orb. This orb is revealed to contain the souls of giants, a vital plot point in understanding their history and Odin’s attempts to wipe them out.
What is the Brísingamen mentioned in the article, and how does it relate?
The Brísingamen, described as either a magic stone or a necklace, is a treasured object of the goddess Freya. Though not directly related to the pouch Kratos carries, it is part of the Norse lore that weaves into the larger narrative alongside Laufey’s Giant heritage and the events that unfold because of her ashes being carried.
Why is Kratos seemingly holding back his power?
Throughout both games, Kratos appears to hold back his full power. This isn’t a sign of weakness; it stems from his fear of losing control and reverting to his younger, rage-filled self. He worries about unintentionally harming Atreus and aims to be a more measured and controlled figure in his son’s life.
What are the stone balls that Atreus discovers, and what is their significance?
These stone balls are found in secret areas of old giant murals. They contain the souls of giants, transferred into these vessels as a means of escaping Odin’s rampage. They are a crucial part of the overall narrative of the games.
Why is Kratos holding back Ragnarok?
Kratos isn’t necessarily holding back Ragnarok. His cautious approach and reluctance to unleash his full power stem from his fear of reverting to his destructive past and a desire to protect Atreus, influencing his actions throughout the events of the games.
Is Kratos actually getting weaker in the Norse saga?
The developers have confirmed that Kratos in the Norse saga is intentionally portrayed as weaker. This is partially due to him losing his Greek magic upon leaving his homeland. This explanation helps understand the character’s evolution and why he relies on new fighting techniques in the new setting.
Does Kratos have a weakness?
Kratos’ primary weakness is his nightmares, stemming from his violent past and the trauma he has experienced. These nightmares often leave him vulnerable to illusions and mind tricks, a significant flaw which his enemies have exploited in the past.
What is the curse that Atreus is associated with?
The article mentioned that Atreus’ family line is associated with a hereditary curse involving murder and revenge, but this actually refers to the lineage of Atreus in Greek mythology and not the character in the games. It is a common confusion based on the character’s name. The Atreus in God of War is not cursed in the same manner.
Does Atreus have a crush on someone?
Yes, Mimir implies that Atreus has a crush on Angrboda in God of War Ragnarök, adding a layer of teenage emotion to the boy’s complex life.
Is Loki inside Atreus?
Loki is Atreus’ Jötnar name. This revelation is a significant plot point in God of War Ragnarök, explaining his deeper connection to the story. Despite being his Jötnar name, he is still Kratos and Faye’s son.
Why is Kratos’ physique so muscular?
Kratos’s ripped physique stems from his origins as a Greek god, where the emphasis on a muscular physique was the beauty standard. It represents the stark difference between the aesthetics of the Greek and Norse gods in the context of the game setting.
Is Kratos weaker in GoW 4?
While Kratos may seem weaker in God of War (2018), this is primarily due to the new graphics, gameplay changes, and his intentional control. He is still a tremendously powerful being.
Why does Kratos cry at the end of the game?
Kratos’s tears at the end symbolize his acceptance and growth. He cries because he has finally become someone who is seen as worthy of worship, a dramatic contrast to his past where he was only feared and hated. This moment highlights his character arc.
Why does Sindri distance himself from Atreus?
Sindri distances himself from Atreus after the bear attack, finding it difficult to forgive Atreus for his role in the event. This showcases the complexity of their relationship and the deep emotional wounds left by Atreus’ actions.
Is Atreus half-giant?
Yes, Atreus is half-giant because his mother, Laufey, was a Giant, and his father, Kratos, is a god. This makes him a hybrid being, possessing the power and qualities of both pantheons, a crucial element to his role in the story.
These questions and answers offer a deeper understanding of the complexities of the narrative and the subtle nuances that make the God of War series so captivating. The pouch holding Laufey’s ashes, and the journey it inspires, is a core part of this intricate tapestry.