The gaming community was caught off guard when Sony Interactive Entertainment revealed the sequel which can be considered a soft reboot of the God of War franchise in 2016. Fans did not know what to expect when the developers would take the Ghost of Sparta to the Norse world, and it brought them to the verge of tears once the credits rolled on both games.
Directors Cory Barlog and Eric Williams have delivered a satisfying continuation to the beloved franchise. Here are five powerful moments that stood out to the gaming community and will be forever remembered as the highlights of the Norse Saga.
Spoilers ahead for God of War (2018) and Ragnarok (2022).
A New Beginning for the Retired God of War
Santa Monica Studio had a clear vision for this new and exciting chapter in the chapter of Kratos’ life. The retired god left his homeland of Greece and stumbled to the Norse lands after laying waste to his fellow gods. He started anew with Faye, also known as the Guardian, and had a son named Atreus.
The story kicks off with an emotional introduction with a funeral pyre and a quest to fulfill the dying wish of Faye that establishes the typical father-son relationship the main characters have and how it evolves throughout their journey as they encounter new threats like the Aesir gods.
Atreus wanted his father’s love and approval and went to great lengths. The two gods learned from each other and despite their differences, the love they shared was there and both felt whole in each other’s presence.
Facing the Past to Save the Future
Kratos was a killing machine designed by the gods and was bestowed with the Blades of Chaos. No amount of cleansing would remove the bloodstains away from the blades and he made sure to leave it behind. Unfortunately, these accursed weapons are the only things that could save his son and eventually cause Ragnarok.
The Blades of Chaos will remain a part of the retired god and the choice is up to him on how he chooses to use them. It originated from the Greek Saga as a weapon of mass destruction and murder then was carried over to the Norse Saga and became a weapon to save lives.
The Night Before Ragnarok
Kratos fondly remembers his last moments with his late wife and was left to raise their son alone. The retired god often feels shame and doubt about being a good father figure for Atreus given his past transgressions, and Faye made him realize that change is possible.
Before launching the assault on Asgard, Kratos fondly reminisces about the last advice imparted to him by Faye, which revolved around the principles of love and compassion.
These teachings served as a turning point, altering the course of destiny for these formidable beings. Kratos embarks on a redemptive journey as the God of War, dedicated to protecting and preserving lives, rather than succumbing to his previous penchant for destruction.
The Promise Made in Helheim
After venturing off on his own to find a way to save Kratos from an impending death, Atreus accidentally unleashed Garm, the Hound of Hel on his mission to recover a piece of Odin’s mask. Despite driving a wedge between him and his father, Kratos did not hesitate to aid his son.
It is arguably one of the best sections in the Norse Saga, the father-son duo took on a massive wolf and succeeded by working together. On their way home, Kratos realized his faults and apologized to Atreus who then gave him a similar response of choosing to be better.
A Journey’s End
Kratos and his friends ended Odin’s reign of tyranny. Atreus embarks on a mission to restore the Giants scattered beyond the Nine Realms and it meant leaving his father alone which was his greatest fear.
Regardless of how hard Kratos was on his son, he meant well and only wished to protect him.
These characters endured enough hardships and learned to love despite everything that has transpired. The bond between Kratos and Atreus is unlike any other and it is time for them to go their separate ways.
What is your favorite moment in the Norse Saga? Let us know in the comments section below!
