A former god of war trying to become a better father while facing the consequences of his past.
The Norse saga of God of War focuses on a small group of characters whose choices shape the fate of the realms. At the center is Kratos, a former Greek god trying to leave his violent past behind, and his son Atreus, who is just beginning to understand who he is and what he is capable of.
Around them are powerful figures from Norse mythology, such as Freya, Odin, and the World Serpent. Each character carries their own history, secrets, and motivations. Together, they create a story that is not only about gods and monsters, but also about family, trust, and the consequences of past decisions.
Kratos is the main protagonist and a former god of war from Greek mythology. In the Norse realms, he tries to live a quieter life as a father. He teaches Atreus how to hunt, fight, and survive, but struggles to express his emotions and share the truth about his past. His journey is about more than defeating enemies; it is about learning how to be open and honest with his son.
Armed with the Leviathan Axe and later the Blades of Chaos, Kratos is still a fearsome warrior. However, his greatest challenge is not a monster or a god, but his own anger and guilt. Throughout the story, he works to break the cycle of violence he was trapped in for so long, hoping that Atreus will not repeat his mistakes.
Atreus is Kratos’ son and the second main character in the story. Curious and intelligent, he often asks questions about the world, the gods, and the people they meet on their journey. He is skilled with a bow and can read runes, helping to interpret the many carvings and shrines they discover.
As the journey continues, Atreus struggles with the truth about his identity and the expectations placed on him. There are moments where his confidence turns into arrogance, and he must learn from the consequences of his actions. His growth is a major part of the story, and his relationship with Kratos is what gives the game much of its emotional impact.
Freya is introduced as the Witch of the Woods, a mysterious and powerful figure who helps Kratos and Atreus early in their journey. Over time, it is revealed that she is a Vanir goddess and once the queen of the Valkyries. She has a deep connection to nature and powerful magic, but also carries a great deal of pain from her past relationships and choices.
Freya’s story is closely tied to her son Baldur and to Odin, the All-Father. The decisions she has made to protect the people she loves have serious consequences, and her relationship with Kratos and Atreus changes as more of the truth is revealed. She represents both the kindness and the danger that can exist in the world of the gods.
Odin, the All-Father, is the ruler of the Aesir gods and one of the most feared figures in the Norse realms. Even when he is not directly present, his influence can be seen everywhere. Many characters have been affected by his need for control, his hunger for knowledge, and his attempts to avoid the prophecies that speak of his downfall.
Through stories told by Mimir and clues found across the realms, Kratos and Atreus learn how deeply Odin’s actions have shaped the world they are traveling through. Odin represents the dangers of unchecked power and fear, serving as a contrast to the more hopeful path that Kratos and Atreus are trying to create.