Why is God of War Norse Now?
In 2018, the world was introduced to a new direction for the iconic God of War franchise. After 12 years of Greek mythology, the game took a drastic turn, exploring Norse mythology. This change left many fans wondering, "Why is God of War Norse now?" In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this bold shift and explore the implications it has on the series.
A New Direction for the Franchise
After the events of God of War (2005), Kratos, the legendary protagonist, had killed all the Olympian gods and was left to wander the land, seeking redemption. Fast forward to God of War III (2010), and Kratos’ thirst for revenge against the Olympian gods had been quenched, but his story seemed to have reached its conclusion.
In an interview, Cory Barlog, the creative director of the original God of War trilogy, stated that different cultures’ belief systems coexisted, but were "separated by geography," suggesting that Kratos had traveled from Greece to Norway, exploring Norse mythology. This new setting would become the foundation for the 2018 reboot.
The Inspiration Behind the Switch
The decision to switch from Greek to Norse mythology was largely driven by the desire to explore new mythologies and themes. Barlog wanted to create a more grounded and mature game, focusing on character development and storytelling. Norse mythology offered a rich tapestry of stories, characters, and themes to draw from, allowing the team to craft a fresh and unique experience.
The Power of Norse Mythology
Norse mythology is steeped in dark, gritty, and epic storytelling, making it an ideal fit for the God of War franchise. The Nine Realms, with their varied landscapes and gods, provided a breathtaking backdrop for the game’s narrative. The Norse gods, particularly Odin, Thor, and Freya, offered complex characters with their own motivations and conflicts, allowing for rich character development.
Why Norse Mythology over Other Mythologies?
While the God of War team could have explored other mythologies, such as Egyptian or Roman, they chose Norse for several reasons:
• Unexplored Territory: Norse mythology is less explored in video games, offering a fresh canvas for the team to work with.
• Dark and Gritty: Norse mythology’s focus on the end of the world and the gods’ struggles makes for a dark and gritty narrative, aligning with the God of War franchise’s tone.
• Symbolism and Themes: Norse mythology’s emphasis on fate, mortality, and the struggle between gods and giants resonated with the game’s themes of redemption and sacrifice.
The Implications of God of War’s New Direction
The switch to Norse mythology has had significant implications for the franchise:
• New Cast of Characters: The introduction of new characters, such as Atreus, Baldur, and Freya, has added fresh perspectives to the story.
• New Storytelling Opportunities: The Norse mythology setting has allowed the team to explore new themes and narrative beats, such as the concept of Ragnarok.
• A Fresh Start: The reboot has provided an opportunity for the franchise to reinvigorate its identity, attracting both new and old fans.
In conclusion, the decision to switch from Greek to Norse mythology was driven by a desire to explore new themes, characters, and stories. The power of Norse mythology, its dark and gritty tone, and the opportunities for rich character development made it an ideal fit for the God of War franchise. As the series continues to evolve, it’s clear that the future of God of War lies in the Nine Realms.