The Fate of Garm: Tracking the Hellhound Through God of War
Garm, the fearsome Helhound, plays a significant role in the God of War universe, particularly in God of War Ragnarök. His journey is intertwined with those of Kratos, Atreus, and the unfolding events of the Norse apocalypse. The question of where Garm goes is multifaceted, evolving as the story progresses and his fate becomes increasingly complex. Initially found in Helheim, Garm’s story culminates in a dramatic transformation and ultimate sacrifice.
Garm begins as a wild beast, bound by magical cuffs. He is encountered by Atreus and Kratos who are tracking him down for causing trouble. Later, his soulless body becomes a vessel for Fenrir’s spirit. While this grants Garm immense power and a new identity, it also seals his fate, leading to his eventual demise and a crucial plot point in the game. To put it simply, Garm begins in Helheim, travels through Asgard, and ends up dead, but transformed.
Garm’s Initial Appearance and Capture
Finding Garm in Helheim
At the outset, Garm is found within Helheim. Atreus and Kratos are tasked with finding the giant wolf, following a trail of scattered binding cuffs. They discover him hiding, whining in a cave. This encounter is crucial for the narrative as it marks the beginning of the many challenges to come. It’s clear from his initial behaviour that Garm is both powerful and vulnerable, needing direction and purpose, even though he’s initially just seen as a threat. This lays the groundwork for the events that transform him and his involvement with Atreus.
The Importance of Atreus
Atreus is pivotal in the story of Garm. After receiving a warning from Ratatoskr about damage he caused, Atreus travels to Helheim. The game highlights Atreus’s connection to beasts as a recurring theme. Initially, his intentions are to tame Garm. However, it becomes apparent that this will not be possible, and a difficult battle must follow. The interaction between Atreus and Garm is a precursor to the larger, mythological elements of the story.
The Transformation of Garm into Fenrir
The Transplantation of Fenrir’s Soul
One of the pivotal moments in Garm’s story is the transplantation of Fenrir’s soul into his soulless body. Fenrir, in Norse mythology, is a child of Loki and Angrboda. However, in God of War lore, Fenrir begins as a regular wolf. Garm essentially becomes Fenrir, with Atreus, also known as Loki, inadvertently acting as his “creator”. This transforms Garm into something more than just a wild beast; it gives him a soul and an identity linked directly to the Norse prophecy.
Garm’s Fate and Sacrifice
The transformation is not a simple power-up. Instead, it becomes a sacrifice. While Fenrir gains a powerful form and his presence is tied to the events of Ragnarök, Garm dies in the process. This exchange is a critical point in the game’s narrative. Garm’s lifeless husk transforms into a conduit for Fenrir, which is crucial for the unfolding of the story’s events. This sacrifice underscores the complex themes of fate and identity that permeate God of War Ragnarök.
Garm in Ragnarok and Beyond
The Role in the Final Battles
Fenrir, in Garm’s body, becomes a key figure in the battle of Ragnarök. He eventually joins forces with Angrboda to rescue Kratos, Atreus, and their allies. He plays a pivotal role in the destruction of Asgard, fulfilling his destiny in the Norse mythology. In short, Garm transformed into Fenrir goes from being an obstacle in Helheim to being a pivotal part of the war in Asgard. His final act ties together several threads of the story and culminates in the fulfillment of prophecies.
Garm’s Legacy and the Aftermath
Following the destruction of Asgard, Fenrir, in Garm’s body, journeys to Ironwood with Angrboda, the Jotnar’s hideaway. Here, Fenrir, in his new form, seems to find some peace as the world begins anew after the destruction. The journey of Garm, through Fenrir, underscores the themes of change and the cyclical nature of life and death. Even though Garm himself doesn’t survive the transformation, his impact is significant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Garm
1. Is Garm dead in God of War?
Yes, in a manner of speaking. The original, soulless Garm dies when Fenrir’s soul is placed into his body. This allows Fenrir to exist in a physical form.
2. Does Garm turn into Fenrir?
Yes, technically. Fenrir’s soul is transferred into the body of Garm. This gives Garm a new identity and form, which is that of Fenrir.
3. Why is Garm so hard to beat?
Garm has ten segmented health bars, making his boss fight long and challenging. He is a formidable foe that requires time, patience, and strategic planning to defeat.
4. Does Atreus tame Garm?
No, Atreus is not able to tame Garm. Despite his best efforts, Atreus ultimately has to battle and defeat the beast. He is key to the transformation though.
5. How did Fimbulwinter happen in God of War?
Fimbulwinter was prophesized to start upon the death of Baldur, which occurred at the hands of Kratos. Atreus comes to believe that Baldur’s death was the direct cause of the long winter.
6. Why does Atreus get sick when angry?
Atreus experiences sickness when enraged due to his inner turmoil and inability to control his powers. He believes he is mortal and despises the gods, not realizing he is one of them.
7. What happens when Garm dies?
When the original soulless Garm dies, he has no afterlife. Because he is soulless he is capable of regeneration and even resurrection from death. He is immortal and essentially unable to permanently die until he becomes Fenrir.
8. Who kills Garm?
Garm is ultimately killed by Tyr in the final battle. Tyr gives Garm a mortal wound. This happens after Garm bites off Tyr’s hand and he bleeds out.
9. What happens to Fenrir after you put him in Garm?
Fenrir, in Garm’s body, goes to Asgard with Angrboda. From there, he assists in the events of Ragnarök and eventually goes to Ironwood.
10. Is Garm in Thor Ragnarok?
The character of Garm in the God of War series has different roles than his counterpart in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the game he is a creature with no soul. In the MCU he dies alongside Asgard.
11. Why is Atreus called Loki?
Loki was the name Faye wanted to give Atreus when he was born. The name has greater significance to the audience than to Atreus and Kratos.
12. Why is Kratos so weak in God of War 4?
Kratos’s weakened state in the Norse saga is due to the fact that he lost his Greek magic upon leaving his homeland. This loss of power is fundamental to his character development in the new setting.
13. Can Atreus still use Spartan Rage?
Yes. In God of War Ragnarök, Atreus learns to harness his Spartan Rage, ultimately transforming into a bear form. He then gains control of the power.
14. Is Zeus dead in Gow?
Yes. Zeus is dead in God of War. He is killed by Kratos in God of War III after a lengthy battle and an encounter with Pandora.
15. Why can’t they revive Brok?
Brok cannot be revived because his soul was already incomplete from a previous resurrection. Sindri could only retrieve three of the four parts of his soul, so his second death is permanent.
Garm’s journey from a troubled beast in Helheim to a pivotal figure in Ragnarök exemplifies the intricate storytelling and character development that define God of War. His transformation, sacrifice, and ultimate role in the fate of the world highlight the game’s focus on complex themes and impactful narrative choices. The tale of Garm, and the legacy of Fenrir, continues to be a significant part of the God of War saga.