God of War introduced brand new mythology into the world of the series as Kratos left the Greek Pantheon after putting it in shambles and retreated into the icy forests of Norse myth. This soft reboot of the series gave fans brand new magic and deities to learn about and discover. In the first trailer of the highly-anticipated sequel, God of War Ragnarök, some interesting new enemies and characters were shown off, hinting at the kind of Norse magic the game will feature.
[Warning: Spoilers for 2018’s God of War are below.]
In God of War, Atreus was revealed to be the Norse god of Mischief, Loki. His powers grew throughout the story of the game, with his abilities mimicking that of Loki’s more and more. Kratos, meanwhile, utilized the power of the frost giants and the infinite wisdom of his severed-head companion, Mimir. Mimir was known in Norse mythology as the smartest man in all the Nine Realms. As Kratos and Atreus continued their journey they met Freyja, who used Vanir magic to heal Atreus. God of War also introduced mistletoe arrows, which were special enchanted arrows made by the dwarf Sindri to kill the main antagonist, Baldur. Seidr magic was also featured in the game, as it was used as “dark magic” that powered most of the enemies.
A key item used in the first game that will most likely be used in God of War Ragnarok is the Bifrost, which is the key needed to use the Rainbow Bridge, which is used to cross through the Nine Realms. Seeing that realms the first game has not explored yet are in Ragnarok, like Vanaheim, it seems certain that Kratos and Atreus will be using the Bifrost sometime in the sequel.
God of War: Ragnarok Introduces New Norse Enemies
The trailer for God of War Ragnarok showcased loads of new enemies. From Satyrs to giant lizards, it seems like this sequel is going to have a multitude of unique foes. In 2018’s God of War, draugr and dark elves formed a good majority of the enemies Kratos and Atreus fought. Based on the trailer, it seems like the draugr will be returning.
As for the dark elves, it does not seem like Alfheim will be explored again. Some enemies who looked like smaller trolls were seen in the trailer, being pummeled by Kratos’ Spartan Rage. Of all the new enemies introduced in the trailer, arguably one of the most notable were Satyrs. These half-horse, half-human hybrids are interestingly from Greek mythology, which means Ragnarok may feature the return of Greek mythology to God of War. Either way, Ragnarok definitely seems to be focusing on providing a myriad of unique magical enemies for the god of war to conquer.
New Norse Gods Like Tyr and Angrboda Bring More Magic To God Of War
God of War Ragnarok is introducing some famous Norse gods into the story, notably Angrboda and Tyr. Tyr especially seems to be a fairly important character in the sequel’s story, with Kratos and Atreus rescuing him from his Aesir prison to help them stop Ragnarok, the end of the world. Tyr has a violent story during Ragnarok in Norse mythology, involving Fenrir, the giant wolf who also happens to be Loki and Angrboda’s son. Tyr loses his right hand to Fenrir in the mythos. Seeing that he has both of his hands in the trailer, Ragnarok may showcase that pinnacle scene from the myths.
Angrboda was also shown at the end of the trailer. In God of War Ragnarok, Angrboda is depicted as a young girl, which may be hinting at a possible romance between her and Atreus, who is confirmed to be Loki. In Norse mythology, Angrboda and Loki form a romantic relationship and birth three children: Fenrir, the giant wolf; Jormungandr, the World Serpent; and Hel, the Goddess of Death. Jormungandr was featured in 2018’s God of War, being a key character who helped Kratos and Atreus on their journey. Considering how Fenrir is a key player in Ragnarok, the sequel may show Atreus and Angrboda’s relationship grow and somehow birth their three children.
Kratos & Atreus’ Abilities Point At New Norse Magic In God Of War Ragnarok
The trailer for God of War Ragnarok also showed some brand new, exciting abilities for Kratos and Atreus, specifically Atreus. Kratos is shown charging up his frost ax for a powerful ground attack and Atreus uses some more mischievous magic. In one of the final shots in the trailer, Atreus is riding a deer that he conjures to attack his enemies. The deer is ghostly looking, glowing mystically blue similar to the runes he used in the first game. This could be the first look into Atreus’ god powers forming.
Fan Favorites Brok and Sindri Set To Return In God Of War Ragnarok
Dwarf brothers Brok and Sindri are set to make a return in God of War Ragnarok, this time having (mostly) resolved their differences. The two brothers are known as expert craftsmen in both the game and Norse mythology, creating many iconic items for the Aesir like Mjollnir, Thor’s hammer. The brothers created Kratos’ Leviathan Axe in the game, originally intended as a gift for Kratos’ late wife, Faye.
Through 2018’s God of War game, these dwarf brothers help Kratos and Atreus by upgrading their weapons and armor. They also provide some extra side quests. These two will most likely be doing the same in Ragnarok, this time sticking together as brothers (hopefully). It will interesting to see what kind of magical items from Norse mythology the two will craft.
God Of War’s Version Of Ragnarok May Be Different Than In Norse Myth
Big things are coming to the world of God of War, and it’s not just Tyr. Ragnarok, also known as the end of days, is set to be a key player in the story of the sequel, and Kratos and Atreus will be attempting to stop it from happening. Ragnarok is a massive event in Norse mythology, involving the deaths of many gods and creatures. Tyr is set to lose his right hand and Thor engages in an epic battle with Jormungandr for the fate of the world in Norse mythology. These events are likely to come into play in Ragnarok since Thor has already been shown.
God of War: Ragnarok intends to bring many new and familiar faces together into the narrative, with enemies both new and old attempting to stop Kratos and Atreus from achieving their goals throughout the story. New gods, new enemies, and new prophecies are set to be introduced in this highly anticipated sequel. In the meantime, fans can anticipate the new kinds of magic from Norse myth that the game may use.
