The sudden appearance of Zeus in front of Kratos in Helheim in the 2018 God of War game, shrouded in the black smoke that symbolized his fear during his final battle left fans puzzled. This was puzzling for many as Zeus has no apparent connection to Norse mythology or Helheim. Moreover, only the unworthy travel to Hel and Zeus was worthy in every aspect.
God of War invites us to unleash our inner Spartan warrior alongside Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta himself. This action-adventure saga throws us into a world where brutal combat blends with a gripping story of vengeance, fatherhood, and redemption. And it offers more than just hack-and-slash mayhem, as the gameplay keeps us engaged, constantly presenting new challenges and rewarding exploration.
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Zeus in Helheim?: A Ghost of Fear Haunts the God of War
The first God of War game threw a curveball when it potentially threw Zeus, the Greek God of Thunder, into the frosty depths of Helheim, the Norse underworld. This unexpected cameo left players scratching their heads, as Zeus seemed entirely out of place in the realm reserved for the unworthy Norse souls. However, the God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla DLC presented a prime opportunity to address this lingering plothole and enrich the game’s lore.
Several intriguing possibilities arose as Kratos encountered an illusion of Zeus calling out to him during his journey to Helheim. This significant event could unveil a deeper connection between the Greek and Norse pantheons, hinting at shared origins or a cosmic event that entangled Zeus with Helheim. Or, it could also delve into Kratos’s past, with Zeus’s appearance indicating the confronting of the unresolved trauma of his past.
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Although the event remains a mystery, acknowledging Zeus’s presence as an anomaly hints at the vast complexities of the divine and their realms. Whatever the explanation, exploring this plothole can add significant depth to the universe and offer fans a satisfying closure or a thought-provoking enigma. However, the fact that only the unworthy dead travel to Helheim, while the worthy dead are escorted to Valhalla by the Valkyries proves that Zeus couldn’t have been in Helheim.
Helheim is especially known for torturing its inhabitants with their past, showing them the worst part or time of their lives. And, as Kratos was present there, it is highly likely that he merely witnessed an illusion of his father, whom he killed in God of War III, after a lengthy battle and an enlightening encounter with Pandora in his psyche. But if Zeus was really present at Helheim, then God of War fans are in for a run.
God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla DLC Gets Mixed Reviews
God of War Ragnarök‘s free DLC, Valhalla, takes us on a brand new adventure after the main story’s ending. It throws us into Valhalla, the Norse warrior heaven, where Kratos faces a fresh challenge: battling his way through its halls to a mysterious foe at the peak. This expansion is all about a roguelike experience. Expect new enemies, brutal boss fights, and exciting weapons to conquer each floor.
But it’s not just about combat. The DLC unravels further secrets from the main game, offering closure for some lingering questions. Critics and players alike have embraced Valhalla. Its challenging gameplay, engaging new content, and story tie-ins make it a fantastic addition to Ragnarök. Valhalla is an absolute must-play for the action and the deeper look into Kratos’ journey.
However, Valhalla isn’t universally adored. While many celebrate its fresh roguelike adventure in the Norse afterlife, others find it less than divine. The crazy twists kept things spicy, but some find the repetition and grind off-putting. Pacing can be a sticking point. The random nature of the roguelike elements can make progress feel like a slog. And while free, some argue the content doesn’t quite justify its existence.
