God of War Ragnarok was announced as the end of the Norse saga of the God of War franchise, and its ending may be a conclusion that encapsulates the entire franchise in the best way possible. Kratos’ journey from the original God of War titles to the current games has seen a dramatic shift in his character and presentation while still remaining the same Kratos underneath it all. These aspects frame his interactions with the world around him predominantly, and the finale of Ragnarok showcases his full growth as a character.
[Warning: This article contains spoilers for God of War Ragnarok.]
While God of War Ragnarok’s main story takes Kratos and Atreus through the Nine Realms, the exploration of each character’s own personal journey during the events of the game is a key point of what makes the game’s finale the most compelling of the franchise. As Kratos pushes against the predictions of his fate made in the previous game, Odin acts as the game’s primary antagonist, seeking knowledge of his own destiny before the impending Ragnarok brings an end to all things. It is this dynamic that creates an opening for Kratos’ journey to be his most compelling from start to finish.
Ragnarök's Ending Shows Kratos' Character Growth
It is Odin’s selfish quest for knowledge that differentiates not only God of War Ragnarok from Norse mythology, but Odin from Kratos, as the All-Father's pursuits extended his malevolent nature even to his immediate family. This runs in direct parallel to Kratos’ own journey against fate, seeking to not only prevent Ragnarok but also believing that they can “make their own fate.” Kratos’ continued efforts to shirk fate culminate after Odin’s defeat at the hands of Kratos, Atreus, and Freya.
The ending of God of War Ragnarok sees Kratos make two of the largest decisions he would ever make as a character. Firstly, he sees Atreus off, letting Atreus leave with Angrboda on a journey to find the other Giants in Midgard, trusting that he is ready. Secondly, Kratos stands alongside Freya with the goal of rebuilding what was destroyed during the coming of Ragnarok. It is that moment that brings Kratos’ story from Greek to Norse mythology to its culmination, as the man who became the god of war can finally find the peace that he has yearned for since his journey began by creating instead of destroying.
God of War Ragnarok's Odin had, at one point, asked Kratos about his knowledge and understanding of godhood, throwing Kratos’ history in his face in direct defiance of Kratos’ threat of unleashing the “god he once was.” Odin spoke of being worshiped and prayed to, calling Kratos a “monster who kills without cause.” Prior to the fight with Odin, Kratos had spared Thor, citing their children as the reason they “must be better.” From a Spartan general and, later, a god of war killing other gods as vengeance for betraying him, to the exile struggling with coming to with his past, God of War Ragnarok finally shows Kratos’ evolution and growth, bringing the Norse Saga to an end with Kratos on the path to a new beginning.