Why Does Atreus Become Loki in God of War?
Atreus’s transformation into Loki in the God of War series is a pivotal plot point, deeply rooted in Norse mythology and masterfully reinterpreted by Santa Monica Studio. The core reason Atreus becomes Loki is tied to his true heritage and the prophecies surrounding him. He is not merely a boy; he is the son of a Jötunn (Faye, who is revealed to be Laufey) and a god (Kratos). This dual nature predestines him for a unique path, one that intertwines with the very fabric of Ragnarök itself. His birth name, Loki, given by his mother, is not just a name but a destiny. Atreus’s journey is about understanding and grappling with this destiny, which ultimately leads him to embrace his role as Loki, but not in the traditional, villainous sense of the mythos. He is a refreshing take on the character, driven by his own choices and the desire to protect his loved ones, rather than pure chaotic intent. His journey is about navigating the complex web of prophecies, family bonds, and personal identity, ultimately leading to his transformation.
Understanding Atreus’s Heritage
The Jötunn Reveal
The revelation that Faye was a Jötunn is fundamental to understanding Atreus’s transformation. This discovery, made during their journey to Jötunheim to scatter Faye’s ashes, dramatically alters the perception of Atreus’s lineage. He is not just the son of a god but also of a giant, a race often depicted as enemies of the gods in Norse mythos. This lineage gives Atreus unique powers and predisposes him to a certain fate. His understanding of his Jötunn heritage becomes a crucial element in how he navigates his destiny. He is no longer just Kratos’ son; he’s also Laufey’s son, making him a complex individual caught between two worlds.
The Birth Name: Loki
The moment Atreus learns his birth name is Loki, the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place. This revelation confirms his deeper connection to the Norse prophecies and the figure of Loki as the trickster god. It is a significant emotional and narrative moment that serves as a turning point for his character, making him question his identity and purpose. This is not just a name but a burden of destiny, and Atreus struggles with how this revelation will affect him. The name “Loki” sets him on a different path, away from just following his father’s footsteps and into the complicated world of the prophecies that bind them all.
The Path to Embracing Loki
Prophecy and Choices
The prophecy surrounding Atreus is clear—he is destined to play a key role in Ragnarök, often depicted as working with Odin and against Kratos. This prophecy initially pushes Atreus to understand and eventually deviate from this destiny. He journeys to Asgard in an attempt to prevent the fulfillment of this prophecy. It is his attempt to control his fate that ironically leads him closer to embracing his identity as Loki. His choices, fueled by his desire to protect his family and understand his heritage, lead him into direct conflict with pre-written fates. Atreus is not just a passive participant; he actively makes decisions that propel his character development and his embrace of the Loki identity.
Navigating Identity and Growth
Atreus’s journey is also a coming-of-age story. He grapples with his powers, his role in the world, and the expectations placed upon him. The tension between his desire to please Kratos and his need to forge his own path is central to his character arc. It’s this desire for independence, coupled with his powers, that further establishes his transition into a version of Loki that is not solely chaotic or evil. He is on a journey of self-discovery, where he learns to accept his dual heritage and use his powers for the greater good, or at least what he perceives as good. His growth showcases that he is more than just a mythical figure; he is a young man dealing with the complexities of his destiny.
Independence and the Giants
At the end of God of War Ragnarök, Atreus understands that he cannot remain in Kratos’s shadow. He needs to restore the giants and return to his own people. This decision is a crucial step in his transition into becoming Loki. It reflects a sense of independence and responsibility that is central to the character. His decision is not a rejection of his family bond with Kratos but rather an acknowledgment of his path as Loki. He understands he has responsibilities beyond those of Kratos’ son and that he must embrace his heritage to fulfil his role.
Loki’s Unique Interpretation
Not the Traditional Villain
The depiction of Loki in God of War is a significant departure from the traditional trickster god of Norse mythology. While the original Loki is often seen as a chaotic villain, Atreus’s Loki is driven by a desire to protect and a pursuit of truth. His version is more nuanced and empathetic. He isn’t evil for the sake of being evil; he is, in many ways, a hero trying to avert tragedy, even if his methods are not always straightforward. This fresh take on Loki highlights that characters can evolve and not be bound by their mythical predecessors.
The Complexity of Choices
The moral gray areas that Atreus encounters reflect the complex nature of the God of War narratives. Atreus’s choices, while sometimes questionable, are never based on outright malice. He seeks solutions that will ultimately benefit the greater good, even if they go against the expectations of the gods or prophecies. His journey showcases that choices have lasting consequences and it is not always easy to see the right path. He learns that his decisions affect not just himself but also those around him, and this responsibility makes him a different kind of Loki.
The Emotional Impact
Atreus’s story is deeply emotional. His bond with Kratos, his struggles with his identity, and his eventual separation all contribute to a compelling narrative. This emotional resonance makes his transformation into Loki all the more impactful. It is not simply about a change of name or power, but also a personal journey filled with both joy and sorrow. His arc is a testament to the power of storytelling and how characters can deeply resonate with the audience if there is an emotional core to the narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Atreus always meant to be Loki?
Yes, it is strongly implied that Faye knew of Atreus’s destiny and named him Loki at birth, setting him on a predetermined path. This was a hidden truth that only came to light as the events in the game unfolded.
2. Why does Atreus leave Kratos after Ragnarök?
Atreus leaves to find and help the remaining giants. He understands that his destiny is tied to them and that he must journey out on his own.
3. Is Atreus’s Loki the same as the Loki in traditional Norse myths?
Not entirely. While inspired by the Norse Loki, Atreus’s version is more nuanced, with a focus on protection and doing what he perceives to be right, rather than chaotic mischief.
4. Does Kratos know Atreus is Loki?
Yes, Kratos learns about Atreus’s true name and heritage at the end of the 2018 God of War game, in Jötunheim, and accepts it.
5. Why is Atreus so weak in God of War Ragnarök?
Atreus is still young and learning to control his powers. He’s also in the process of discovering the full extent of his abilities.
6. What does Atreus do to Odin at the end of Ragnarök?
Atreus traps Odin’s spirit in a marble, which is then destroyed by Sindri.
7. Will Sindri forgive Atreus?
At present, Sindri has not forgiven Atreus for the events that led to Brok’s death. The possibility of him forgiving Atreus in the future is still open, but for now he has refused to do so.
8. Who is stronger, Kratos or Atreus?
It is implied that Atreus will surpass Kratos in strength due to his hereditary powers, but at the present time, Kratos is still stronger.
9. Can Atreus defeat Freya?
Freya’s magical abilities make her a formidable foe, and it’s debatable whether Atreus, at his current level, could beat her in a straight fight.
10. What is the significance of Atreus’s Jötunn heritage?
His Jötunn heritage makes him unique and predisposes him to a specific role in Norse prophecy. It also grants him unique powers, like the ability to see into the future, that others in the Norse world can’t.
11. Is there a secret ending in God of War Ragnarök?
Yes, there is a secret ending after the main story, which can be accessed by going back to Sindri’s house.
12. Why did Kratos cry at the end of Ragnarök?
Kratos cried because his actions have led to him being seen as a hero and a god worthy of worship instead of a fearful tyrant, something he had never experienced before.
13. How is Atreus related to Thor?
In the God of War lore, Atreus and Thor are considered half-brothers.
14. How old is Kratos in Ragnarök?
It is speculated that Kratos is around 1,055 years old in God of War Ragnarök.
15. What is Kratos’s final prophecy?
Kratos’s prophecy is that he will die during Ragnarök, and Atreus will work with Odin in Asgard. However, through the events of the game, Atreus tries to defy this prophecy and forge his own path, showing the agency of choice even when faced with a set fate.