The Legacy of the Leviathan Axe: Who Wields This Legendary Weapon?
The Leviathan Axe, a weapon of immense power and significance, is primarily wielded by Kratos in the God of War series. This isn’t just any weapon; it’s a narrative centerpiece, a symbol of change, and a powerful tool against the gods of Norse mythology. However, Kratos isn’t the axe’s only owner, adding layers of depth and intrigue to its history.
A History Forged in Frost and Purpose
Laufey the Just: The First Wielder
Before gracing Kratos’ hands, the Leviathan Axe belonged to Laufey, also known as Faye, Kratos’ wife and Atreus’ mother. Laufey was a giantess and a formidable warrior. The axe was forged specifically to counter the power of Mjölnir, Thor’s hammer. This makes Laufey a key figure in the events of the game, as her ownership and eventual passing of the axe to Kratos sets the stage for the entire Norse saga. Laufey never used the axe to directly avenge the giants, choosing instead to pass it on to someone she deemed worthy – Kratos.
Kratos: The God of War Turned Guardian
Kratos inherits the Leviathan Axe from Faye upon her death. This marks a significant turning point in his character arc. He transitions from a god of war fueled by rage to a more measured and protective father figure. The axe becomes both a weapon and a reminder of his commitment to Faye and Atreus. Its frost powers are instrumental in his battles against Norse gods and monsters, making it far more than just a replacement for the Blades of Chaos.
A Weapon of Redemption and Change
The Leviathan Axe isn’t merely a tool for combat; it’s intrinsically tied to Kratos’ personal journey. His proficiency with the axe reflects his growth as a character and his efforts to distance himself from his past. While the Blades of Chaos represent his vengeful past as the God of War, the Leviathan Axe stands for a new beginning – a life built on love, family, and protection. This is where the themes of redemption, learning, and adaptation from the Games Learning Society come into play. The story underscores that change is possible through dedication, experience, and acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Leviathan Axe
1. What is the origin of the Leviathan Axe?
The Leviathan Axe was forged by the Huldra brothers, Brok and Sindri. They were renowned dwarven blacksmiths, also responsible for creating Mjolnir, for Odin. The dwarves forged the Leviathan Axe to oppose the power of Mjolnir. This act of defiance, forging a weapon capable of challenging the Allfather’s power, showcases the dwarves’ skill and independence.
2. Is the Leviathan Axe more powerful than Mjölnir?
The game leans towards suggesting that the Leviathan Axe is canonically more powerful than Mjölnir. While both are incredibly powerful weapons, the axe’s ability to freeze lightning and its specific design as a counter to Mjölnir implies a slight edge in raw power. During their battles, the axe consistently holds its own, suggesting a fundamental parity, if not superiority.
3. What are the powers of the Leviathan Axe?
The axe is imbued with the power of Norse frost. This allows Kratos to freeze enemies, environments, and even projectiles. The axe can also be thrown and recalled at will, a feature essential to combat and puzzle-solving. Upgrading the axe allows Kratos to unlock new moves and further enhance its frost abilities.
4. How did the Leviathan Axe get its name?
The Leviathan Axe’s name is inspired by the World Serpent (Jörmungandr) in Norse mythology, an enormous sea serpent. The name is a nod to the scale and power associated with both the axe and the mythical creature.
5. Why couldn’t Kratos lift Mjölnir?
Kratos cannot lift Mjölnir due to Odin’s enchantment upon the hammer, which states that only those who are worthy can wield it. God of War: Ragnarök emphasizes the rivalry between Kratos and Thor, representing the clash between good and evil. Allowing Kratos to wield Mjolnir would have undermined his character arc.
6. Does the Leviathan Axe exist in Norse mythology?
No, the Leviathan Axe is an original creation for the God of War series and does not appear in traditional Norse mythology. The designers drew inspiration from Norse concepts and themes, but the axe itself is unique to the game’s narrative. While the name “Leviathan” does appear in biblical texts as a sea monster, it’s connection to this axe is unique to the game franchise.
7. Why did Faye choose Kratos as the wielder of the Leviathan Axe?
Faye saw in Kratos a potential for change and a capacity for love, despite his violent past. She understood that he needed a purpose beyond destruction, and the axe, combined with the responsibility of protecting Atreus, could guide him towards a more balanced path.
8. What happened to the Leviathan Axe after Faye’s death?
Upon Faye’s death, Kratos fulfills her wish and takes the Leviathan Axe. He uses it as his primary weapon throughout the Norse saga, honoring her memory and continuing her purpose. The axe becomes a conduit for his connection to Faye and a symbol of their shared values.
9. How does the Leviathan Axe affect Kratos’ fighting style?
The Leviathan Axe encourages a more strategic and methodical fighting style compared to the aggressive and brutal approach associated with the Blades of Chaos. Kratos relies on precision, timing, and utilizing the axe’s frost abilities to control the battlefield and exploit enemy weaknesses.
10. Can the Leviathan Axe be destroyed?
The game does not explicitly state that the Leviathan Axe is indestructible. However, its ability to withstand clashes with Mjölnir suggests it’s incredibly durable. Furthermore, the Huldra brothers were masterful smiths, so it’s unlikely that they would create a weapon easily destroyed.
11. How is the Leviathan Axe upgraded?
The Leviathan Axe is upgraded using Frozen Flames and other resources found throughout the game world. These upgrades unlock new abilities, increase its damage output, and enhance its frost powers. Upgrading requires visiting Brok and Sindri in their shops.
12. Is the Leviathan Axe a good thrown weapon?
Yes, the Leviathan Axe is an excellent thrown weapon. Its ability to return to Kratos’ hand after being thrown allows for dynamic combat. The player can use ranged attacks to weaken enemies, freeze them in place, or solve environmental puzzles.
13. What is the significance of the Leviathan Axe in Atreus’ journey?
While Atreus doesn’t directly wield the Leviathan Axe, it represents his father’s transformation and the new path Kratos is forging for their family. The axe serves as a constant reminder of their shared history and the responsibilities they carry.
14. Why did Thor get poisoned by the Leviathan Axe?
The reason behind Thor’s incurable wound is due to the Eitr imbued in the Leviathan Axe. In God of War, Kratos throws the weapon into the Lake of Nine and awakens the World Serpent, who rises out of the water. Jormungandr returns the Axe to Kratos by spitting it out and, in the process, covering it with his venom.
15. Does the Leviathan Axe Learn new tricks in God Of War Ragnarok?
Yes, The Leviathan Axe Learns New Tricks In God Of War Ragnarok, through a variety of upgrades to allow players to improve how the axe performs in combat.