What if Kratos Didn’t Save Freya?
In the God of War (2018) game, Kratos and his son Atreus embark on a perilous journey to spread their wife and mother’s ashes from the highest peak in the realms. Along the way, they encounter various gods, giants, and monsters, including the enigmatic Freya, the Goddess of War. In the story, Kratos saves Freya from Baldur’s clutches, but what if he hadn’t intervened? Let’s explore the potential consequences of this scenario.
Kratos’ Motivation
Kratos’ motivations for saving Freya can be attributed to his maternal instincts, as he feels a deep connection to Freya due to her kind treatment towards him and Atreus. Additionally, Kratos is driven by a sense of justice and a desire to protect those who are innocent and helpless. By saving Freya, Kratos is ensuring that she can continue to live and potentially find redemption for her past actions.
Consequences of Not Saving Freya
If Kratos hadn’t saved Freya, the following consequences could have unfolded:
- Baldur’s Victory: With Freya in his grasp, Baldur would have undoubtedly used her as leverage to further his own agenda. This could have led to catastrophic consequences for the Nine Realms, as Baldur’s power and influence would have grown exponentially.
- Freya’s Demise: Without Kratos’ intervention, Freya would have likely perished at the hands of Baldur, which would have deprived the world of her unique abilities and insights. Her death would have also had a profound impact on Kratos and Atreus, who have come to respect and appreciate her.
- Shift in the Balance of Power: The absence of Freya would have altered the balance of power in the Nine Realms, potentially leading to a more favorable outcome for the gods. However, this would also have created a power vacuum, which could have been exploited by other powerful beings, such as Odin and the Jötnar.
- Kratos’ Guilt and Regret: Kratos’ failure to save Freya would have left him wracked with guilt and regret, potentially leading to internal conflict and self-doubt. This could have affected his relationships with Atreus and other characters, as well as his overall mental well-being.
Alternative Scenarios
If Kratos hadn’t saved Freya, other scenarios could have unfolded:
- Freya Becomes a Vessel: Without Kratos’ intervention, Freya could have become a vessel for Baldur’s power, allowing him to tap into her immense strength and abilities. This would have made her a formidable ally for Baldur, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences for the Nine Realms.
- Atreus Takes the Initiative: In the absence of Kratos, Atreus could have taken the initiative to save Freya, potentially leading to a more personal and emotional bond between the two characters. This could have also highlighted Atreus’ growing maturity and sense of responsibility.
- Odin’s Involvement: Odin, being the cunning and manipulative god that he is, could have taken advantage of the situation to further his own interests. He might have seen an opportunity to use Freya’s abilities for his own gain, potentially leading to a more complex web of alliances and rivalries.
Conclusion
The scenario of Kratos not saving Freya presents a fascinating alternative to the events of the game. It highlights the complexities of Kratos’ character, his motivations, and the potential consequences of his actions. While the game’s narrative unfolds in a specific way, exploring alternative scenarios can deepen our understanding of the characters and their motivations. By considering the what-ifs, we can gain a more nuanced appreciation for the world of God of War and its richly drawn characters.