What does the ending of God of War mean?

What Does the Ending of God of War Mean?

The 2018 God of War game has sparked a lot of discussion about its ending, and gamers are still trying to piece together the puzzle. At the core of the conversation is Kratos’ ultimate fate, as well as the fate of his son, Atreus, and the future of Midgard. Let’s delve into the various interpretations of the ending and what they might mean.

A Prophecy Unfulfilled

One of the main plot threads in God of War is the prophecy spoken by Fafnir, a dragon who says that Kratos will die during Ragnarok. At the end of the game, it appears that the prophecy is fulfilled when Kratos sees his own dying moment in the mural he discovers. However, fans have pointed out that evading prophecy is a surefire way to make it come true. This theory suggests that Kratos is actually fulfilling his own prophecy by embracing his mortality.

Kratos’ Sacrifice

Kratos’ decision to return to his home and continue his existence as the God of War implies a desire to prolong his life and protect those around him. By doing so, he is essentially giving up his own mortality to ensure the survival of Atreus and the realm. This could be seen as a selfless act of love, with Kratos willing to give up his own life for the benefit of others.

The Future of Midgard

The ending also leaves fans wondering about the future of Midgard, as Kratos’ departure seems to leave a power vacuum in the realm. The Norse gods are now in shambles, and Atreus has been sent off on his own path. It’s possible that this signals the dawn of a new era in Midgard, with new characters emerging to take the stage. Alternatively, Atreus’ journey could lead him to uncover secrets that reshape the fate of the gods and the world.

Atreus’ Departure

Atreus’ decision to leave Kratos and forge his own path is a poignant moment in the game. As fans, we see Kratos as a flawed but well-intentioned character who has been through a lifetime of trauma and struggle. Atreus, on the other hand, represents a new generation, born from the ashes of his father’s destruction. This departure marks the beginning of Atreus’ journey as a god in his own right, with all the trials and tribulations that come with it.

Kratos’ Current Age

In an interesting conversation on the official God of War forums, fans attempted to calculate Kratos’ current age. Based on the timeline established in the game, Kratos is roughly 1,055 years old, making him ancient by mortal standards. His immortality has granted him a lifespan that is hard to comprehend, and this has significant implications for the story moving forward.

The Future of the Gods

The God of War series has always been interested in exploring the nature of the gods and their interactions with mortals. At the end of the game, it’s unclear what the future holds for the gods of Midgard, as Kratos has walked away from his godly duties. Will new deities emerge, or will the realm enter a dark age without its guiding gods? These questions leave a lot of room for exploration in future games.

Conclusion

The ending of God of War is open to interpretation, leaving fans to draw their own conclusions about the fate of Kratos, Atreus, and Midgard. With its rich narrative and thematic depth, the game raises important questions about mortality, sacrifice, and the power of the gods. Whether you’re a fan of the original God of War series or a newcomer to the world of Kratos, the ending of the 2018 game has left a lasting impact and sets the stage for what’s to come in future installments.