PLEASE NOTE: This article contains MAJOR Spoilers for God of War Ragnarok. Proceed at your own risk.The pursuit of truth and the acceptance of death are two significant motifs throughoutGod of War Ragnarok. After having lived a reclusive life with his new wife and newborn son, Kratos has now been flung into the throes of a war raged between the nine realms. Secrets are withheld from many characters and only shades of the truth are ever admitted beforeGod of War Ragnarok’s narrativereaches its end, and even after that point, there are many questions that the game asks without offering any further clarification.
One such question is what will become ofGod of War’s Kratos.God of War Ragnarokbears the weight of needing to be acts two and three in the Norse saga, since it was previously claimed that this installment would conclude it. That makesGod of War2018 an expository act one, withGod of War Ragnarokhurrying it to the finish line. Through that adventure, there are many teases suggesting that the titular god of war’s time in the franchise could also be coming to an end.
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God of War Ragnarok Alludes to Death Around Every Corner
One of the first lessons that Atreus learns inGod of War Ragnarokis preparing for a loved one’s death. This is expressed throughthe imminent passing of their beloved wolf Fenrirat the beginning of the game, and as Kratos says that Atreus must prepare himself, this alludes to something far greater.
It seems that by starting the game this way,God of War Ragnaroksuggests that players, too, must prepare themselves for a death later on in the game that they will have difficulty reconciling with. This is reinforced furtherafter players freeGod of War Ragnarok’s Hafgufa from Alfheim, where Kratos explains that he was happy to do that with Atreus since it meant he could spend more time with him before Ragnarok.
The previousGod of Wargame instills the potential of Kratos’ death into fans already, having depicted a mural with him dying in it. Atreus and Kratos both know of this prophecy though they do not know that the other knows, which makes it even more foreboding for the player. Atreus’ goal inGod of War Ragnarok’s narrative then is trying to prevent his father’s death from happening. As it turns out, he is successful, and Odin is the one lying in his arms instead, fulfilling the prophecy in a newly written way. This also reflects how Kratos was able to defy destiny in his past.
God of War Ragnarok Makes the Safe Choice by Sparing Kratos
God of War Ragnaroknot killing Kratos was a safe, yet smart choice for the franchise. If he was no longer a part of the franchise in some way, the franchise would be fundamentally different. It appears as though the nextGod of Warentry will be a standalone Atreus installment that takes place in another mythology, butGod of War Ragnarok’s ending is also left ambiguously opento the possibility of another Norse entry.
There is a secret mural Kratos sees depicting him as a beloved god, and another sequel could potentially follow that narrative as well. Either way, besides how much death is alluded to,God of War Ragnarok’s main characters are all spared. The game’s most harrowing loss, then, falls to Sindri, who is devastated following the death of Brok. This is an unexpected death to be sure, but many fans are likely relieved that Kratos lives regardless.
God of War Ragnarokis available now for PS4 and PS5.
