What Would Happen If Atreus Wore the Mask?
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The question of what would transpire if Atreus were to wear the mask in God of War: Ragnarök is a complex one with potentially devastating consequences, thankfully avoided within the game’s narrative. The short answer is: if Atreus had succumbed to his fear and used the mask as Odin desired, it would have empowered Odin, granting him the ability to defeat Kratos and fulfill the prophecy from God of War (2018). This scenario, thankfully, does not come to pass.
The Mask’s Destructive Potential
The mask is not merely an artifact; it’s a conduit for immense power, designed to unlock secrets and, crucially, bend reality to one’s will. Odin seeks to harness this power to avert his own doom, but his methods are based on fear and control. If Atreus had completed the mask, as Odin ultimately demands, it would have provided Odin with the very key to manipulating fate. The mask, in Odin’s hands and with its knowledge, would enable him to manipulate the threads of destiny and become the all-powerful ruler he craves. This outcome is explicitly linked to the prophecy that Kratos and Atreus are actively trying to prevent. The idea here is that the mask’s power, once fully unlocked and in the wrong hands, could have catastrophic consequences for everyone.
Odin’s Deception
Odin’s manipulation of Atreus is insidious. He plays on Atreus’s inner turmoil, his identity struggles, and his desire to belong. Odin appears to be offering guidance and a solution to Atreus’s internal conflicts, whereas his real goal is to use Atreus to complete the mask. If Atreus wore the mask willingly, it would signify his allegiance to Odin’s plans, essentially handing over the power necessary to cement Odin’s control. The completion of the mask is a turning point, where control can be claimed by either Odin or those fighting against him, such as Kratos and Atreus. If Atreus succumbs to his fears and completes the mask, Odin will have successfully secured his desired outcome.
Consequences for Kratos
The most immediate consequence of Atreus completing the mask and submitting to Odin’s will is that Kratos would likely be defeated. Odin craves the power of the mask to solidify his victory over those who oppose him, particularly the threat posed by Kratos. The prophecy itself was centered around the death of a god, and should Odin have gained the power necessary through the mask, Kratos may have been the target of that prophecy. The relationship between Atreus and Kratos would have been shattered. Kratos’s primary objective is to protect Atreus, and in this alternate scenario, he would not only be failing in that endeavor, he would have been betrayed by his own son.
A Broken Prophecy, and a Broken Atreus
By not wearing the mask, Atreus actively changes the course of fate, forging a new path. The original prophecy, tied to the completion of the mask for Odin’s benefit, is no longer a certainty. Furthermore, had Atreus worn the mask, his internal struggle for identity would likely worsen, leaving him a puppet of Odin’s ambition. He would be in a position where he was ultimately used as a tool by Odin to achieve his own sinister aims. The act of wearing the mask in service to Odin is a violation of Atreus’ own growth and will, a surrender to fear and control that he ultimately avoids.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Atreus complete the mask?
No, Atreus does not complete the mask. While he does retrieve the missing pieces, his decision to reject Odin’s control and choose his own path is central to the plot. He resists the allure of the mask, ensuring Odin does not achieve his goals through it.
2. What happens when Odin arrives after Atreus retrieves the mask?
In a significant cutscene, Odin arrives after Atreus has gathered the pieces. Instead of congratulating him on completing it and having him wear it, Odin attempts to manipulate and coerce Atreus into surrendering it. However, Atreus refuses to comply, rejecting Odin’s control and challenging him instead.
3. What other forms can Atreus transform into?
Atreus discovers he can transform into a bear and a wolf in God of War Ragnarok. This ability has both narrative and mythological significance, reflecting his dual nature as both god and giant.
4. What illness does Atreus have in God of War (2018)?
Atreus becomes sick due to the overwhelming power he cannot control. His inner turmoil, combined with his lack of understanding of his own nature and abilities as a god, triggers uncontrollable surges in power that manifest as a debilitating illness. His rage also exacerbates his sickness.
5. What does the red sky when Atreus was sick signify?
The red sky was explained by the developers to signify the world reacting to Atreus‘ illness and near-death state. It’s a manifestation of the turmoil and imbalance caused by his uncontrolled powers.
6. What will eventually happen to Atreus at the end of Ragnarok?
Atreus does not die, however, his ending is poignant. After learning of Faye’s plans, he tells Kratos that he must embark on his own journey to restore the giants and reunite with his people, choosing his own destiny away from his father.
7. Why does Sindri distance himself from Atreus?
Sindri considers Atreus family until the bear attack. Distancing himself from the boy, he refuses to forgive him. For Sindri, regardless of the anger, attacking family is a line that should never be crossed.
8. What is the true nature of Atreus?
Atreus learns he is part god and part giant, and that his true name is Loki. His dual nature is a source of internal conflict throughout the game but also a source of his power.
9. Why was Kratos not sick like Atreus?
Kratos was trained as a Spartan from a young age, teaching him to control his powers, including his rage. This contrasts with Atreus’ lack of training and thus his inability to control his powers which resulted in his sickness.
10. Why does Atreus have scars on his face?
The reason for Atreus‘s scars remains unconfirmed. Theories suggest they may be genetic, related to Deimos’s birthmark, or a result of self-scarification. Alternatively, they might just be from accidents or fights.
11. How old is Atreus in God of War Ragnarok?
Atreus is 14 years old in God of War Ragnarok. He is still young and has a lot to learn.
12. What are Atreus’s main powers?
Atreus has a multitude of abilities, including mastery over languages, Spartan Rage, precognition, and the ability to transform into a bear and a wolf.
13. Is Atreus immortal?
While giants are said to live long lives, they are still considered mortal. Although Atreus’s god blood could grant him immortality similar to Kratos, he still might die.
14. Does Atreus have a crush in God of War Ragnarok?
Yes, it’s implied that Atreus has a crush on Angrboda.
15. Why does Kratos fear for Atreus?
Kratos fears that his violent past will affect Atreus. He is worried about others finding out about his past deeds and how that will influence Atreus, and he also fears Atreus will hate him if he knew his true nature.