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Why is God of War Not Greek Anymore? A Deep Dive into Pantheon Shifts

The God of War franchise underwent a significant transformation, shifting its setting and mythology from Greek to Norse. The primary reason is narrative progression and the desire to explore new storytelling avenues. Following the cataclysmic events of God of War III, where Kratos effectively dismantled the Greek pantheon, the creative team at Santa Monica Studio sought to rejuvenate the series. They felt the Greek well had been thoroughly explored and wanted to present players with a fresh, engaging world steeped in a new mythology. This decision allowed for a reinvention of Kratos as a character, placing him in a setting where he could confront new challenges and explore themes of fatherhood and redemption within the rich tapestry of Norse mythology. This shift provided a new landscape for gameplay, enemy design, and narrative possibilities, moving beyond the vengeful rampage of the original trilogy.

The Seeds of Change: From Olympus to Midgard

Beyond Vengeance: A Need for a New Narrative

After the explosive conclusion of God of War III, the landscape of the Greek world was decimated. Kratos, driven by vengeance, had effectively dismantled the Olympian pantheon. Continuing the narrative in the ruined Greek setting presented several challenges. The writers needed a fresh start, a new canvas upon which to paint Kratos’ story. The Norse mythology offered this opportunity. It provided a vast and complex world filled with compelling characters, intricate lore, and diverse environments that were vastly different from the sun-drenched landscapes of Greece.

Geography and the Coexistence of Mythologies

The game developers needed to rationalize why Kratos was now in a different region. Game director Cory Barlog explained that different cultures’ belief systems coexisted but were “separated by geography.” This concept allowed Kratos to travel from Greece to Scandinavia after the events of God of War III. This separation paved the way for a seamless transition, explaining how Kratos could find himself in a new mythological landscape. This concept suggests that Kratos likely took a trip from Greece to Norway, where new gods and mythology thrived.

Reinventing Kratos: A Father’s Journey

The shift to Norse mythology wasn’t just about a new setting; it was also about reinventing Kratos as a character. The developers wanted to explore his potential for growth beyond his role as a vengeful warrior. Introducing Atreus, Kratos’ son, became a pivotal element in this transformation. The Norse setting allowed for a narrative centered around fatherhood, responsibility, and protecting one’s family. This departure from the unbridled rage of the Greek games gave Kratos depth and complexity, making him a more relatable and nuanced character.

Exploring the Norse Realm: A World of New Possibilities

Fresh Gameplay and Combat Mechanics

The Norse setting facilitated the introduction of new gameplay mechanics and combat styles. The Leviathan Axe, for example, offered a stark contrast to the Blades of Chaos, changing the way players approached combat encounters. New enemy types, inspired by Norse mythology, presented unique challenges and required players to adapt their strategies. The Midgard environment also offered a different sense of exploration, with sprawling landscapes and intricate puzzles that enhanced the gameplay experience.

A Rich Tapestry of Lore and Mythology

The Norse mythology is rife with compelling stories, characters, and themes. From the Allfather Odin to the mighty Thor, the Norse pantheon provided a wealth of material for the game’s narrative. The exploration of Norse concepts like Ragnarok, the World Tree Yggdrasil, and the various realms added depth and intrigue to the God of War world. This rich lore captivated players and encouraged them to delve deeper into the game’s story and explore its many secrets.

Maintaining the Essence of God of War

Despite the significant changes, the developers were careful to preserve the core elements that defined the God of War franchise. Brutal combat, epic boss battles, and a focus on mythology remained central to the experience. The shift to Norse mythology wasn’t about abandoning the series’ roots but about evolving and expanding upon them. By blending familiar elements with new ideas, the developers created a God of War experience that was both fresh and familiar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do the Greek gods still exist in God of War?

The article states that Kratos did not kill all the gods, and there are close to a dozen Olympians that managed to survive Kratos’ path of destruction. So, yes, some Greek gods likely still exist, although their status and influence are unknown.
Could God of War return to Greece?

It’s possible, but currently unlikely. While the narrative could theoretically revisit Greece, the focus has shifted to other mythologies. The article mentions that with a renewed outlook and a completely different personality, Kratos could return to his homeland to make things right by helping the Greeks.
Why is Kratos suddenly in Norse mythology?

The move to Norse mythology was a deliberate choice to refresh the franchise and explore new storytelling possibilities. Barlog talked about how each culture’s mythological belief system coexisted with one another and were all “separated by geography.” That suggests Kratos likely took a trip from Greece to Norway, where new gods and mythology thrived.
Will Kratos go to Egypt?

The God of War: Fallen God comic hints at Kratos’ travels to Egypt after leaving Greece, but the game series hasn’t explored this in detail yet. The article mentions, during his exile, Kratos travels to Egypt. During his travel, he would constantly try to get rid of the Blades of Chaos only for them to return to him, which drove Kratos insane.
How many Greek gods survived God of War?

The article states that there were a total of 11 gods that were smart enough to survive the original God of War games.
Where will Kratos go after Norse?

Santa Monica Studio hasn’t confirmed the next setting, but fan speculation heavily points toward Egypt or other mythologies. The article states that According to Santa Monica Studio, God of War Ragnarok was the last entry in the franchise’s Norse Era.
Where did Atreus go after Ragnarok?

After the cataclysm ends, Atreus wakes up in Midgard. He walks along a spiral path, passing by all the friends he met in God of War: Ragnarok, until he gets to the top, where Angrboda is waiting.
Who killed Kratos?

The first time was Zeus. Zeus weakens Kratos and tricks him into abandoning his godly powers into the Blade of Olympus, which Zeus uses to kill him.
What god is Kratos now?

While he wouldn’t know it for most of his life, Kratos was a demigod as he is the son of Zeus, but he would later become a full-on god, the God of War to be precise, after killing Ares.
Will old Kratos return?

God of War Ragnarok sees the return of Kratos, once a Spartan soldier who now travels the nine realms of Norse mythology. His son Atreus accompanies him. The old Kratos has been replaced by a much more measured and thoughtful god.
Will there be a God of War 9?

The latest installment in the God of War franchise is God of War Ragnarok, which is the ninth installment in the series, the ninth chronologically, and the sequel to 2018’s God of War. Whether there will be a God of War 9 is unknown.
What pantheon will God of War go to next?

Two possibilities would be Celtic gods and Egyptian gods if Atreus’ search for the Giants takes him far from the reaches of the Norse realm. The article mentions that the next God of War Will Likely Explore New Pantheons.
Is Kratos still a God after killing Zeus?

Later, Kratos would become a god himself as the God of War, but after he was (apparently) stripped of his godly powers and killed by Zeus, there was no one else to take the title of God of War.
Why is Apollo not in God of War?

It is unknown what happened to the Greek god. Now that the series is focused on Norse mythology, this mystery may never be solved. The article mentions, Apollo is also referenced heavily in God of War: Ascension in different levels of the game but again makes no actual appearance.
Is Kratos a full god now?

While he wouldn’t know it for most of his life, Kratos was a demigod as he is the son of Zeus, but he would later become a full-on god, the God of War to be precise, after killing Ares.

The shift from Greek to Norse mythology in the God of War franchise represents a bold and successful creative decision. It allowed for a reinvention of the series, introducing new characters, gameplay mechanics, and narrative possibilities while retaining the core elements that made God of War a beloved franchise. As the series continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see where Kratos’ journey takes him next.

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Why is God of War not Greek anymore?