A recent God of War Ragnarok trailer was unveiled during a recent PlayStation State of Play, and now fans can dive deep into the video's intricate lore.
2018's God of War saw Kratos and Atreus journey to the highest peak in the Nine Realms to scatter the ashes of Atreus' mother Faye. The franchise's soft reboot had extremely personal stakes, but God of War Ragnarok will up the ante considerably by putting the entire Norse world on the brink of utter destruction. In an attempt to stop the cataclysmic event Ragnarok, Kratos and Atreus will hunt down the legendary Norse god Tyr for aid. The trailer also seems to give players an early glimpse at Odin in God of War Ragnarok, who is expected to be a central antagonist alongside his unstoppable son Thor.
A video posted to YouTube by IGN sees Norse mythology expert Jackson Crawford analyze the various characters and creatures featured in the newest God of War Ragnarok trailer. The trailer sees Kratos free Tyr from mystical binds, which Crawford suggests is a reveral of Tyr's role in binding the mythic wolf Fenrir. While 2018's God of War emphasizes Tyr's role as the Norse God of War, Crawford points out that this has no actual basis in historical myth. The trailer's shadowy glimpse at Odin reminds Crawford of the All-Father's famous wanderer guise, though it is unclear whether he lacks an eye as Odin typically does. Throughout the video Crawford also discusses mistletoe, mermaids and the wolves Skol and Hati.
God of War Ragnarok Stays True To Norse Myth
As suggested by Crawford, God of War Ragnarok's story of Tyr may put an interesting twist on accepted Norse canon to craft a surprising story. Tyr is almost universally depicted missing a hand, which is bitten off by Fenrir after Tyr plays a role in his imprisonment. The God of War Ragnarok story trailer depicts the Norse god with both hands, however, suggesting that Fenrir has yet to maim him. These events could be depicted in the game itself, or an alternate timeline may explain why Tyr is already bound but yet to lose his hand.
God of War has always reinterpreted and retold myths, and God of War Ragnarok is set to do the same with key Norse figures. Odin's shadowy wanderer guise seems accurate to Jackson Crawford, but the scholar also draws attention to Tyr's lack of a missing arm. By remaining faithful to classic myth while also changing details, God of War Ragnarok can deliver both an authentic and surprising Norse adventure.
Source: IGN/YouTube