Although players’ anticipation of God of War: Ragnarok high since the franchise’s last installment in 2018, there’s still a notable uptick in hype in recent months. With the game’s November 9 release on PS4 and PS5 fast approaching, it’s no surprise that Santa Monica Studio has become more comfortable to lean into this atmosphere. September’s State of Play presentation and the game’s show-stealing cinematic story trailer demonstrate this perfectly.
During what was only the second in-game cinematic trailer for God of War: Ragnarok, Santa Monica Studio has teased several plot threads of the sequel. While it makes sense that the full experience will contain more, players now have a solid understanding of the adventure that awaits Kratos and Atreus. The latter’s fame in the video, in particular, could even be taken as a sign that a fan’s theory about Kratos’ demise is about to come true.
The Death Theory of Kratos
Since the closing moments of God of War 2018Fans of the story worry about the future of the titular gods. It’s fair to say that these concerns are justified for several compelling reasons. After valiantly fighting to carry Faye’s ashes to the peaks of Jotunheim, Kratos was rewarded with a face of his own apparent doom. Along one of the walls of the empire was painted a mural of a man who appeared to be the Greek god of war, seemingly dying in the arms of a young archer.
While the images were presented intentionally vaguely, it has led some fans to speculate that Atreus could play a part in his father’s eventual demise. Santa Monica Studio’s decision to reveal that the young demigod was named Loki by the giants immediately after the mural reinforced this theory for many fans. Despite the fact that the stories of Norse mythology are often open to interpretation, modern adaptations have portrayed the god of mischief as something of an antagonist.
Aside from the apparent prophesying that Atreus would end Kratos’ life, there have been subtle hints in other aspects of the series. Now, for example, it has been confirmed that God of War: Ragnarok will end the franchise’s Norwegian saga, some fans have speculated that the main character could be put out to pasture so the younger hero can take the lead instead. This would also make sense, given that the journey of rehabilitation and redemption that Kratos is currently on has ended in tragedy for countless other characters.
Atreus the team leader
While it could all turn out to be deliberate attempts at deception by Santa Monica Studio, portions of the recent State of Play trailer reinforce the theories fans have had about Kratos’ demise. Throughout the video, it is clear that Atreus has become fixated by his Loki alter-ego, and that he will be the one leading the attack to prevent Ragnarok from happening. From the lines of the dialogue, it appears that the plans he and Kratos have become involved in largely come from his own mind.
There are also other indications that this dynamic would emerge. For example, the trailer the studio shared on Sony’s latest PlayStation Showcase also revealed that the idea of freeing Tyr apparently came from Atreus. Based on Loki’s family ties to Fenrir in Norse mythology, it makes sense that the giant wolf scenes in the State of Play trailer also came about because of Atreus’ plans.
Though Kratos has expressed his disapproval of his son’s plans and motivations in both cases, God of War Ragnarok‘s trailers, crucially he states in the most recent that he will still be following him no matter what. Going along with every whim Atreus has is, in his opinion, the easiest way to keep the boy safe. However, this unwilling desire to follow Atreus without question may be what the Jotunheim mural foretold all along.
While much has been made of Atreus physically murdering his father, from a mythological perspective it would be more appropriate if the act was a little more symbolic. Blindly following the boy and all his whims may be the act that leaves Kratos vulnerable to an outside attack or a plot to destroy him. Even though Atreus wouldn’t be the one to deal the decisive blow in this scenario, he would still be partly responsible for his father’s downfall.
Atreus’ relationship with Odin
God of War: RagnarokThe State of Play trailer also offers a possible way for this to happen. The video clearly shows that Atreus has started to keep secrets from his father. Possibly fueled by Kratos’ reluctance to reveal his divinity in the 2018 episode, the young boy has apparently begun to work single-handedly toward the couple’s goals. While it hasn’t been concretely confirmed, it sounds like Odin somehow got involved in those plans as well.
Based on the opening line of Atreus’s dialogue in God of War: Ragnarok‘s story trailer, it is clear that he is keeping secrets due to a misguided but well-intentioned attempt to protect his father. It is also said that one of these secrets is so great that Kratos will simply have to trust him without a doubt. When it comes to possible information that Atreus could be hiding in this way, it’s hard to imagine him hiding anything unless it comes from a source that he knew his father would automatically decline. This is where Odin and his famous cheating skills come into the picture.
It is no exaggeration to believe that Odin would make a deal with Atreus, specifically in an attempt to manipulate him. After all, both parties technically have what the other wants. Atreus is destined to cause the deaths of Ragnarok and Odin, and is therefore the one most likely to break this fate. Likewise, the Allfather is the only one who can give him answers about his past and Loki persona. If it turns out that the couple met in secret, that would open the door wide for Kratos’ eventual demise.
The Downfall of Kratos
In almost all adaptations and depictions of Norse mythology, Asgard’s guiding god has been shown to be a master tactician and manipulator. Atreus giving Odin anything he wants, even accidentally, would likely make Kratos more vulnerable to attack. While the latter has often cheated death and the afterlife, a fortified Odin could be the toughest battle the Greek god of war has ever faced. Which in turn could make his next death final.
What could be said about the prophetic mural of? god of war 2018 is the fact that Atreus is not portrayed as a direct murder of Kratos. Instead, a snake appears to have left his body before wrapping itself in a knot and attacking Kratos. It is clearly open to interpretation, but the serpent could be a symbolic depiction of Odin’s theoretical lies and manipulations. After opening himself up to the god’s deception, Atreus would therefore be partially responsible. This would also include other fan theories that have suggested the boy in the mural is crying in grief.
Based on other hints Santa Monica Studio has thrown in God of War: RagnarokIn the recent Kratos story trailer, it’s clear that Kratos’ mortality will play a part in the game anyway. His popularity may have become the unofficial catchphrase for the sequel, but the line where Kratos says death can have him when it’s earned it is ominous to say the least. Not only was the line uttered as a threat, it sounded a lot like an invitation for someone like Odin to manipulate Atreus into making it happen.
God of War: Ragnarok will be released on November 9, 2022 for PS4 and PS5.
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