Who Does Freya Hate? A Deep Dive into Norse Mythology and God of War
Freya, a complex and powerful figure in Norse mythology, is characterized by a range of intense emotions, including profound love and, consequently, deep-seated hatred. The primary objects of her animosity stem from betrayal, loss, and perceived injustices inflicted upon her and her loved ones. Therefore, Freya’s hatred is primarily directed towards Odin for his abusive treatment and manipulation, and Kratos for killing her son Baldur. While other characters may incur her temporary displeasure, these two figures are the focal points of her lasting resentment and desire for vengeance. This hatred is a driving force in the God of War series, shaping her actions and motivations.
The Roots of Freya’s Hatred
Freya’s hatred is not a simple, one-dimensional emotion. It is a complex tapestry woven from threads of personal trauma, political machinations, and maternal love. To understand the depth of her animosity, it is essential to examine the key relationships and events that fuel it.
Freya’s Hatred for Odin
Freya’s hatred for Odin stems from their abusive and manipulative marriage. This union was initially intended to end the war between the Aesir and Vanir, but it ultimately became a source of profound suffering for Freya. Odin, driven by his relentless pursuit of knowledge and power, subjected Freya to various forms of abuse, including using her Vanir magic for his own gain. He ultimately banished her to Midgard, stripping her of her Valkyrie status and trapping her in a realm she did not wish to inhabit. This betrayal and imprisonment fueled a deep-seated resentment toward Odin, culminating in her seeking revenge for his treatment of her and the role he played in Baldur’s fate. Freya uses her Valkyrie powers to force him to kneel before her.
Freya’s Hatred for Kratos
Freya’s hatred for Kratos is arguably the most potent and visible expression of her anger. This animosity is directly rooted in Kratos’s act of killing her beloved son, Baldur. While Kratos killed Baldur to end the cycle of familial violence and save Freya from her son’s murderous rage, Freya views it as a senseless and unforgivable act. Blinded by her maternal love and grief, she sees Kratos as the sole responsible party for Baldur’s death, ignoring the circumstances that led to the tragic event. Freya swears vengeance against Kratos for taking away the one thing she had left to live for, transforming her into a formidable antagonist in God of War Ragnarök.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Freya’s Hatred
Why does Freya hate Mimir?
While Freya doesn’t harbor the same level of intense hatred for Mimir as she does for Odin and Kratos, she does harbor resentment towards him. This resentment is largely due to her (mistaken) belief that Mimir brokered her marriage to Odin, thinking it would end the war between the Aesir and Vanir. She also spat on Mimir because she hated his guts, but thought it would save her people from Aesir. She felt betrayed and used by Mimir, leading to a strained relationship.
Why is Freya so obsessed with Baldur?
Freya’s obsession with Baldur is rooted in her profound maternal love and her past experiences. After facing numerous hardships and betrayals, Baldur was the one thing that she had left to live for. Her love for him was so intense that she was willing to do anything to protect him, even at the cost of his own well-being. Her grief over his death is thus amplified by her deep-seated fear of loss and her desire to shield him from the world’s harsh realities.
Why won’t Baldur forgive Freya?
Baldur’s inability to forgive Freya stems from her decision to cast a spell of invincibility on him. This spell, intended to protect him from harm, came at the cost of his ability to feel any physical sensations or emotions. He can’t taste, smell, feel heat or cold. Baldur felt that Freya robbed him of a full and meaningful life, turning him into a living statue trapped in a state of perpetual numbness. His hatred towards her is fueled by the resentment of a son who believes his mother stole his humanity.
Does Freya become an enemy in the God of War series?
Yes, Freya becomes a major antagonist in God of War Ragnarök, driven by her desire to avenge Baldur’s death. While she initially serves as an ally to Kratos and Atreus in God of War (2018), her role shifts dramatically after Baldur’s demise. She is no longer an ally of Kratos but rather a mother filled with grief and ready to avenge her son’s death.
Was Odin abusive to Freya?
Yes, Odin was indeed abusive to Freya. Their marriage was far from a loving partnership. Odin manipulated and exploited Freya, using her Vanir magic for his own purposes and ultimately banishing her to Midgard against her will. This abusive treatment is a significant factor in Freya’s deep-seated hatred for Odin.
What does Freya hate about Kratos?
Freya hates Kratos for killing Baldur. In her eyes, Kratos robbed her of her son and brought unimaginable grief into her life. She is unable to see the complexities of the situation or understand Kratos’s motivations, focusing solely on the fact that he was the one who ultimately ended Baldur’s life.
Does Freya hate Loki/Atreus?
There is no indication that she hates Loki/Atreus. She initially hated Loki for ignoring her and not reciprocating her feelings for him, and that she was lonely because of it. However, she learned to accept it and still refuses to give up on him. While she may initially harbor resentment or anger towards Atreus for his role in the events leading to Baldur’s death, this is secondary to her hatred for Kratos. Over time, it’s possible for her to feel anger again, seeing his association with the events.
Why do Freya’s tattoos get darker?
The reason for this is unknown, but it is speculated that this is because of her magic. At the beginning of the game, Freya says that she has not used the Old magic in a while. The darkening of Freya’s tattoos may be a visual representation of her increasing use of magic and her growing emotional turmoil. As she embraces her powers and seeks revenge, her inner darkness manifests outwardly. It is not a fully confirmed reason, but it is the most plausible.
Why did Freya spit on Mimir’s face?
She did so because she hated his guts. And she agreed despite the fact that she hated his guts, she thought (again convinced by Mimir) she would save her poeple from Aesir with that action.
Why does Baldur say snow when he dies?
Baldur’s final word, “snow”, might have a dual meaning. It can either mean that Baldur has one last happiness by feeling the snow once more or that Baldur is happy to know that, despise his death, Kratos, Atreus and Freya will all suffer during Ragnarok.
What is Freya to Thor?
Freyja, like all Asgardian gods, is near immortal and resistant to disease and illness. She has superhuman strength, endurance, durability and can speak in the languages of the Ten Realms.
Does Freya forgive Kratos?
Yes, Freya ‘forgives’ Kratos for killing Baldur. Forgives as in, she moves on, and chooses to be better.
What is Freya scared of?
Freya fears Ragnarok just like the other, gods but choose to stay out of the . f Shet sh e maybe the goddess of war and ,death but she is also the deity of love and b, auty so instead she chooses as more peaceful . war. Freya’s father is one of the few gods who doesn’t .
Why is Freya always crying?
Freya weeps for her lost lover, something you to have likely experienced. Perhaps that is the core of it, one of the most human experiences is love and loss, and if we could only cry golden tears as the Norse goddess Freya does, then perhaps we would feel more justified.
Who wanted to marry Freya?
Thrym wanted to marry Freya in return for the hammer, but the goddess Freya loathed the idea. So it was decided that Thor would go to Thrym’s hall disguised as Freya.
Is Freya stronger than Atreus?
For those wishing to master Ragnarok’s combat, it’s arguable that Freya outmatches Atreus in her abilities.
The Significance of Freya’s Hatred
Freya’s hatred is not merely a plot device in the God of War narrative. It serves as a powerful exploration of grief, loss, and the destructive nature of vengeance. Her story highlights the complexities of morality and the consequences of making difficult choices. Furthermore, Freya’s journey resonates with players on a deeply emotional level, prompting them to consider the nuances of love, hate, and forgiveness. By grappling with these themes, the God of War series offers a compelling and thought-provoking experience. To learn more about educational games and their impact on society, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.