Why Does Freya Burn the Green Arrows in God of War?
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Freya burns the green arrows, specifically those crafted with Soundstone, because Odin can track them. These arrows aren’t inherently evil or dangerous in themselves; their danger lies in the tracking magic woven into them by Odin. Freya, fiercely protective of Atreus and Kratos, and deeply distrustful of Odin’s manipulative nature, realizes the arrows pose a significant threat to their safety. Destroying them prevents Odin from using them to locate and potentially harm or control them. The arrows themselves are not inherently bad, but the purpose for which Odin created them is malicious.
The Context of Freya’s Actions
To fully understand Freya’s decision, it’s crucial to consider the broader context of her relationship with Odin and the power dynamics at play. Freya and Odin were once married in an attempt to bring peace between the Aesir and Vanir. However, their relationship was fraught with control and manipulation. Freya eventually left Odin, incurring his wrath and being banished to Midgard, stripped of her Valkyrie wings and powers. This history makes her acutely aware of Odin’s scheming and his willingness to use any means necessary to achieve his goals.
The green arrows, in this instance, are simply another tool in Odin’s arsenal. They represent his constant surveillance and desire to control those around him. By destroying them, Freya is taking a stand against Odin’s influence and protecting those she cares about from his insidious reach.
The Danger of the Green Arrows
The game explicitly reveals that Odin can track individuals through the Soundstone embedded in the green arrows. This is a serious threat, as it nullifies Atreus and Kratos’s ability to operate covertly. Every shot, every destroyed Soundstone wall, becomes a potential beacon for Odin’s attention.
Considering Odin’s immense power and his desire to control or eliminate anyone who poses a threat to his reign, the risk of being tracked is considerable. Freya understands this implicitly, making her action of destroying the arrows a pragmatic and necessary one. She is acting out of a need to protect and safeguard her new allies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Freya say the mistletoe arrows are wicked?
The original statement in the article about Freya saying mistletoe arrows are “wicked” is somewhat misleading. While Freya is deeply concerned about mistletoe, it’s not because it’s inherently wicked. In Norse mythology, Freya made everything swear an oath not to harm Baldur, except mistletoe, deeming it too insignificant. Baldur’s eventual death at the hands of mistletoe weapons highlights the irony and Freya’s grief. She doesn’t call them wicked but sees them as a grave threat due to their potential to harm Baldur. In God of War, Freya becomes distraught when Atreus finds mistletoe, not because they are green but because she knows their devastating potential, and wants to protect her son at any cost.
2. What are the green arrows in God of War Ragnarok actually used for?
In God of War Ragnarok, the green arrows are called Sonic Arrows. They are used to detonate Soundstone, a shimmering green mineral found throughout the realms. When a Sonic Arrow hits Soundstone, it creates a powerful explosion that can clear obstacles, solve puzzles, and damage enemies.
3. Why did Freya become “evil” after Baldur’s death?
Freya doesn’t necessarily become “evil,” but her actions are driven by immense grief and a thirst for revenge after Kratos kills Baldur. She holds Kratos responsible for her son’s death, fueling a desire for retribution that leads her to take actions that could be considered antagonistic. She isn’t evil, but deeply traumatized by loss and focused on avenging her son.
4. Was Odin abusive to Freya?
Yes, the game portrays Odin as an abusive and manipulative husband to Freya. Their marriage was initially a political arrangement to end the war between the Aesir and Vanir, but it quickly became a relationship defined by Odin’s control and Freya’s confinement. He eventually banished her to Midgard, stripping her of her powers and preventing her from returning to her homeland.
5. Why did Odin hate Freya?
Odin’s hatred for Freya stemmed from her refusal to submit to his control. While they were initially in love, Freya eventually left Odin because of his unjust ways and tyrannical nature. This rejection, coupled with her inherent power and independence, fueled Odin’s resentment.
6. What are the other arrow types besides Sonic Arrows (green arrows) in God of War Ragnarok?
Besides Sonic Arrows, the other main type of arrow in God of War Ragnarok is the Sigil Arrow.
7. What do Sigil Arrows (pink/purple arrows) do in God of War Ragnarok?
Sigil Arrows apply a Hex to enemies and create elemental combos. Firing multiple Sigil Arrows at a location will create a Sigil, and if you apply an element, you can create area of effect elemental explosions.
8. What does Atreus say when shooting arrows in Norse?
Atreus shouts Norse words like “Nista” (to strike), “Ljósta” (to hit), and “Þruma” (thunderclap) when firing arrows.
9. Who is the Green Arrow’s (comic book character) worst enemy?
In DC Comics, Merlyn/Dark Archer is typically considered Green Arrow’s archenemy.
10. Does Sindri hate Atreus now?
Yes, Sindri is bitter towards Atreus and Kratos due to Brok’s death, which he blames on Atreus’ actions and Odin’s manipulation.
11. Was Freya a Valkyrie?
Yes, Freya is associated with the Valkyries and is sometimes considered their commander or to hold the role of Valkyrie herself. This connection reinforces her status as a powerful warrior and goddess.
12. Why couldn’t Freya save Brok?
Freya couldn’t save Brok because his soul was already fractured by Odin’s tampering. While she possessed powerful healing abilities, they were insufficient to repair the damage inflicted upon Brok’s essence. Additionally, Brok had lost the will to live.
13. Why didn’t Freya break Baldur’s curse herself?
Freya was unable to break Baldur’s curse because of the nature of the curse itself. It was invulnerable to all blades and spells. The only way to free him was through the weakness of mistletoe, something she could not bring herself to do and did not suspect would ever happen.
14. Can Kratos use lightning?
Yes, Kratos can wield lightning. This ability is a remnant of his past as the God of War in the Greek pantheon, where he possessed various elemental powers.
15. What are the 4 symbols surrounding Tyr?
The four symbols surrounding Tyr are Omega (Greek), the Eye of Ra (Egyptian), the Triskelion (Celtic), and a Hidari Gomon (Japanese Shinto). They represent the idea of unity among multiple religions.
The nuances of the God of War universe, like the motivations behind Freya’s actions and the significance of the green arrows, show how deeply intertwined mythology is with the narrative’s core. Understanding the relationship between gameplay, lore, and cultural elements opens the door to deeper engagement with the game as an interactive form of art. Resources for learning more about games and their place in society are available at the Games Learning Society, GamesLearningSociety.org.