Why Does Kratos Flip the Temple in God of War (2018)?
The pivotal moment where Kratos flips the Lake of Nine’s central temple in God of War (2018) isn’t just a spectacle; it’s a strategically crucial act dictated by the necessity to access Jotunheim. The temple acts as a central hub and a locking mechanism, and flipping it reveals the hidden passage required to ascend the highest mountain in all the realms, the one in Jotunheim, where Kratos and Atreus intend to scatter Faye’s ashes.
Understanding the Temple’s Purpose
The Temple as a Hub and a Lock
The Temple of Tyr, situated at the heart of the Lake of Nine, is far more than just a beautiful structure. It serves as a nexus point connecting various realms through the Bifrost. Each side of the temple is attuned to a specific realm, and the entire structure can be rotated to align with the pathway to the desired realm. However, Jotunheim isn’t directly accessible through these standard rotations.
The Dwarven Mechanisms
The Dwarven brothers, Brok and Sindri, played a significant role in the temple’s design and operation. They crafted the complex mechanisms that allow the temple to rise and rotate. This highlights the advanced craftsmanship and understanding of the realms necessary to even attempt such a feat as realm travel.
Why Jotunheim is Locked Away
The reason Jotunheim is inaccessible through the standard temple rotations is due to Odin’s machinations. Odin, fearing the Giants’ prophetic abilities and potential threat to his rule, took measures to isolate them and prevent anyone from reaching Jotunheim. This isolation wasn’t just physical; it involved magical safeguards interwoven into the fabric of the realms themselves.
The Flipping Mechanism and the Realm Travel Room
Discovering the Hidden Room
The key to unlocking the path to Jotunheim lies within a hidden room beneath the temple, known as the Realm Travel Room. This room contains the missing unity stone that is required to access the Jotnar Shrine. Kratos and Atreus discover the existence of this room and the flipping mechanism through careful exploration and guidance from the knowledge passed down from Faye.
The Act of Flipping
The act of flipping the temple is not just a simple rotation. It involves triggering a complex sequence of mechanical movements that essentially turn the entire temple upside down. This realignment is what reveals the path to the Realm Travel Room.
Gaining Access to Jotunheim
Once Kratos and Atreus navigate the Realm Travel Room, they are able to uncover the Jotnar Shrine. This shrine provides the means necessary to access the realm of Jotunheim and fulfill Faye’s final wish.
The Importance of Faye’s Foresight
Faye’s Knowledge of the Temple
Faye, Kratos’ wife and Atreus’ mother, possessed a deep understanding of the realms and the secrets hidden within Midgard. Her foresight and planning were crucial in guiding Kratos and Atreus on their journey. She knew that flipping the temple was the only way to reach Jotunheim.
Setting Events in Motion
Faye’s death and the subsequent journey to Jotunheim were not random events. They were part of a meticulously planned sequence designed to set certain events in motion, including revealing the truth about Atreus’ identity and his role in the larger cosmic narrative.
Challenging Odin’s Authority
By flipping the temple and accessing Jotunheim, Kratos and Atreus directly challenge Odin’s authority and his attempts to control the realms. This act of defiance sets the stage for future conflicts and underscores the themes of free will and challenging fate that are central to the God of War narrative.
FAQs About Flipping the Temple
1. What is the significance of the Lake of Nine?
The Lake of Nine is the central body of water in Midgard and houses the Temple of Tyr. It serves as a hub connecting various realms and is a strategically important location.
2. Who is Tyr, and what is his connection to the temple?
Tyr was the Norse God of War, known for his diplomacy and wisdom. The temple was built in his honor and designed to facilitate travel between realms, a testament to his role as a bridge-builder.
3. How do Brok and Sindri contribute to the temple’s functionality?
Brok and Sindri are the dwarven brothers responsible for crafting and maintaining the temple’s complex mechanisms. Their expertise is essential for its operation.
4. Why does Odin want to keep Jotunheim isolated?
Odin fears the Giants of Jotunheim due to their prophetic abilities and potential to challenge his rule. Isolating them is a means of maintaining his power and preventing future threats.
5. What role does the Bifrost play in realm travel?
The Bifrost is a bridge that connects the various realms, allowing for travel between them. The Temple of Tyr uses the Bifrost to facilitate this travel.
6. What exactly is the Realm Travel Room?
The Realm Travel Room is a hidden chamber beneath the Temple of Tyr. It contains mechanisms and knowledge necessary to access realms not directly connected through the standard rotations.
7. What is a Unity Stone, and why is it important?
The Unity Stone is a key artifact required to activate the Jotnar Shrine and unlock the path to Jotunheim. It represents the convergence of different powers necessary for realm travel.
8. How does Kratos learn about the flipping mechanism?
Kratos learns about the flipping mechanism through Faye’s knowledge and the information he and Atreus uncover through exploration and puzzle-solving.
9. What are the immediate consequences of flipping the temple?
The immediate consequence is access to the Realm Travel Room, allowing Kratos and Atreus to continue their journey toward Jotunheim.
10. How does Faye know so much about the temple’s secrets?
Faye possessed deep knowledge of the realms, likely gained through her own travels and research. Her understanding of the temple was crucial to her plan.
11. What does flipping the temple symbolize?
Flipping the temple symbolizes defiance against Odin’s control and a willingness to challenge the established order. It’s a turning point in Kratos and Atreus’ journey.
12. How does Atreus contribute to the process of flipping the temple?
Atreus’ linguistic abilities and knowledge of Norse mythology are essential in deciphering clues and solving puzzles required to activate the flipping mechanism.
13. What challenges do Kratos and Atreus face inside the Realm Travel Room?
Inside the Realm Travel Room, Kratos and Atreus face various environmental puzzles and combat encounters as they navigate the complex mechanisms and traps.
14. How does this event impact the overall story of God of War?
The event kickstarts the latter half of the game’s story, and it is essential to accessing Jotunheim, fulfilling Faye’s last wish, and revealing the truth about Atreus’ destiny.
15. What does this flipping of the temple say about Kratos and Atreus’ relationship?
The process of flipping the temple requires teamwork and trust, which are key components of Kratos and Atreus’ evolving relationship. They learn to rely on each other’s strengths to overcome obstacles.