Kratos must balance his violent past with his desire to be a better father to Atreus as they travel the realms together.
The Story of God of War
The Norse chapter of God of War begins with loss. Kratos and his young son Atreus are mourning the death of Faye, Kratos’ wife and Atreus’ mother. Her final wish is simple but powerful: that her ashes be carried to the highest peak in all the realms. Honoring this request becomes the mission that brings father and son closer together, even as secrets about their past threaten to pull them apart.
At first, their journey feels small and personal. Kratos is trying to teach Atreus how to hunt, how to survive, and how to control his emotions. Atreus wants to prove he is ready, even though he does not fully understand who he really is. As they travel across Midgard and beyond, they encounter gods, monsters, and allies that slowly reveal how important their quest truly is to the future of the Norse realms.
Key Story Moments
Early in their journey, Kratos and Atreus are attacked by a mysterious stranger who feels no pain. This enemy, later revealed as Baldur, is connected to the Norse gods and becomes a constant threat. Their path leads them through dangerous forests, ancient ruins, and the Lake of Nine, where they meet new allies and uncover pieces of Faye’s hidden past.
As the story continues, Kratos is forced to confront the parts of himself he tried to leave behind. The return of the Blades of Chaos represents a turning point where he stops running from his history and instead accepts it, not for himself, but to protect Atreus. Their bond is tested many times, especially once Atreus learns that he is more than just a normal boy and that both of them are tied to the fate of the gods.
Odin and the Norse Gods
Although Odin, the All-Father, does not constantly appear in person, his presence is felt throughout the story. Many of the characters Kratos and Atreus meet have been shaped by Odin’s deals, betrayals, or attempts at control. Stories from Mimir, the talking head who becomes their guide, reveal how deeply Odin fears prophecy and how far he is willing to go to change his destiny.
The family conflicts of the Norse gods mirror the challenges that Kratos and Atreus face. Broken relationships between Odin, Thor, Baldur, and Freya show what happens when power, fear, and pride go unchecked. In contrast, Kratos and Atreus are trying to build something better, even if they do not always agree on how to get there. Their choices show that the cycle of violence and revenge does not have to continue forever.
Jörmungandr, the World Serpent
One of the most memorable moments in God of War is the first encounter with Jörmungandr, the World Serpent. This enormous creature rises from the depths of the Lake of Nine, surrounding Kratos and Atreus with his massive body. Despite his intimidating size, Jörmungandr is not an enemy. He speaks an ancient tongue that only a few can understand and becomes an unexpected ally in their journey.
The World Serpent adds mystery to the story, especially when hints appear that he may be connected to future events that have not yet taken place. His presence reminds players that the story of God of War goes beyond just one game or one timeline. The more Kratos and Atreus learn about the World Serpent and the prophecies written on the walls around them, the clearer it becomes that their choices will shape the fate of the entire world.
