What Did Kratos See at the End of Ragnarok?
The ending of God of War Ragnarok has left many questions unanswered, but one thing is certain: Kratos witnessed something that changed the course of his life forever. As the God of War and the protagonist of the game, Kratos is known for his incredible feats and battles, but his experience at the end of Ragnarok was a journey of self-discovery, and this article aims to uncover what he saw during this pivotal moment.
Kratos’ Final Act
As the battle for the realms reaches its climax, Kratos faces his greatest challenge yet. Standing tall against the All-Father, Odin, he finds himself torn between his rage and his determination. The scene unfolds like a tragic drama, with Kratos’ backstory, his legacy, and the weight of his decisions swirling around him.
Mural of the Faye
Kratos and his son, Atreus, come across a series of murals that chronicle the events leading to Ragnarok. Bolded are the critical points:
• Kratos is depicted dying in Atreus’ lap, with his last breath escaping as Asgardian energy
• Thor, once the greatest warrior, has lost his power, rendered helpless
• Odin remains seated, with an uncertain future ahead
This is the first time we witness the aftermath of the wars, where Kratos reflects on his journey, confronting his worst fear: being found out for his deeds and fearing for Atreus’ potential response.
Why does Kratos’ mural of the Faye have these symbols?
According to Game Informer’s interview with the director J.M. Barlog, the mural was added to highlight Kratos’ background, showing him standing on the shoulders of gods and goddesses. Kratos is shown being torn between different legacies: God of War and Atreus’ sister’s death, hinting at his mixed identity and conflicting motivations.
Kratos’ final stand shows the duality of his nature – as a God and as a mortal. In these last moments, Odin’s Vanir magic may be what explains Odin’s sudden malaise, reflecting on how Kratos himself gained immense power** during the past years.
Did Thor Know about Kratos?
During their last stand, Kratos finds Thor, whose expression indicates hesitation rather than hatred. He recognizes Kratos and does not attack him immediately. It’s clear that Thor has some understanding or familiarity with Kratos, likely from the ancient past or the tales told. Kratos, with an understanding of the larger implications, takes the chance to address the issue bypassing Thor, indicating the respect and humility before a worthy foe.
Table 1: Important Clues
| Character/Event | Implications/Interpretations |
|---|---|
| Odin’s magic | Odin’s energy/ strength might be dependent on the power source used by Kratos, Kratos gained strength after receiving Vanir magic from Heimdall. Odin used his Vanir powers earlier. |
| Faye’s Mural | Faye was always in love with Kratos and respected him for the god he became; after Faye’s passing, Kratos wanted her in a more god-like way by elevating her. This scene connects with Atreus seeing Faye fighting back demons |
| Atreus’ Connection | Kratos wants Atreus to learn and have the strength he lacks due to his past life: becoming a God-like and finding peace in knowing they’re strong and important. This might show growth as a character as it reveals the fears about identity. |
A Tale of Legacy and Love
As Kratos walks the final stretch of his road, the world changes once more around him. With Atreus, Kratos accepts responsibility for his past deeds knowing Atreus has become self-assured. They realize they can work better together, reflecting Kratos’ acceptance of duality. By ending Odin’s rule, they close this chapter and allow another tale to unfold, revealing that the cycle continues without interruption.
Kratos leaves Ragnarok behind, bearing scars, both emotional and physical. As director Barlog mentioned after the game’s release:
‘Kratos isn’t about revenge, but redemption.’
Though there are no explicit guarantees about the future of their paths, one clear outcome is: at the end of Ragnarok, Kratos gained redemption through understanding, empathy, and acceptance of the burdens carried.