The world of God of War is steeped in mythology, intrigue, and secrets. At the heart of the narrative lies Kratos, a Spartan warrior burdened by his past as the God of War from the Greek pantheon. He desperately seeks to leave that life behind, but his divine nature refuses to stay buried. One of the key characters who unravels Kratos’s carefully constructed facade is Freya, the Norse goddess and former queen of the Valkyries. The question then becomes: how did Freya, with her extensive knowledge of magic and the realms, discover that Kratos was a god? The answer isn’t a single, definitive revelation but rather a gradual accumulation of evidence, observations, and her innate understanding of the supernatural.
The Initial Encounters and Freya’s Suspicions
Freya’s initial interactions with Kratos and Atreus are marked by a cautious curiosity. She is a powerful Vanir goddess, deeply connected to the land and sensitive to the energies that flow through it. When she first encounters them in the woods, she immediately senses that they are not ordinary mortals.
The Healing Abilities
One of the earliest clues lies in Freya’s exceptional healing abilities. When Atreus falls ill, it is Freya who possesses the knowledge and skills to cure him. During this process, she comes into direct contact with both Kratos and Atreus. While tending to Atreus, she observes Kratos’s demeanor, his strength, and the strange tattoos that mark his skin. While she might not immediately recognize him as the Ghost of Sparta, she knows he is something more than human. The speed and effectiveness of her healing on Atreus, who is also part god, likely further solidified her suspicion about their true nature. Gods possess a different constitution than mortals, and healing them requires a unique understanding of their divine physiology.
Freya’s Knowledge of Different Realms
Freya’s vast knowledge of the Nine Realms is another crucial element. She has traveled extensively and encountered countless beings, both mortal and divine. This experience allows her to recognize characteristics and abilities that are distinctly godlike. While she might not be able to place Kratos within the Norse pantheon, she understands the signs of a powerful, otherworldly being. The energy signature Kratos emits, his physical prowess, and his stoic resistance to pain all contribute to Freya’s growing conviction.
The Confrontation with Baldur and the Undeniable Truth
The turning point in Freya’s understanding comes during the confrontations with her son, Baldur. Baldur’s invulnerability, a consequence of Freya’s desperate attempt to protect him from all harm, becomes a central conflict in the game.
Baldur’s Pursuit of Faye
Baldur’s relentless pursuit of Faye, Atreus’s mother, and his connection to the Jotnar (giants) reveals deeper secrets about the world and the roles of Kratos and Atreus within it. Baldur’s inability to feel anything, a direct consequence of Freya’s magic, drives him to extreme measures in his quest for sensation. This desperation brings him into direct conflict with Kratos. The battles between Kratos and Baldur become pivotal moments, showcasing Kratos’s extraordinary strength and resilience.
Kratos’s Godly Strength and Baldur’s Vulnerability
During the intense battles, Freya witnesses Kratos’s godlike strength firsthand. She sees him withstand blows that would obliterate any mortal and unleash devastating attacks. More importantly, she witnesses Baldur’s vulnerability to mistletoe, the very weakness she desperately tried to prevent. In the Norse mythology, mistletoe is fabled to be the only thing that can harm Baldur. Kratos using mistletoe against Baldur confirms two things to Freya: firstly, that Kratos is strong enough to even fight with Baldur and secondly, Kratos is able to somehow wound Baldur despite his invulnerability.
This knowledge, combined with Kratos’s ability to harm Baldur, solidifies Freya’s understanding that Kratos is not merely a strong warrior; he is a being of immense power, a god from another realm. She also comes to realize Kratos’s role in fulfilling the prophecy of Ragnarok.
Freya’s Investigation and Confirmation
After the encounters with Baldur, Freya actively seeks to confirm her suspicions about Kratos. She uses her magic and knowledge of the realms to piece together the fragments of his past.
Freya’s Connection to Magic and the Realms
Freya’s magic allows her to perceive the residual energies and echoes of past events. She is able to sense the divine presence that clings to Kratos, even if he tries to suppress it. Her ability to communicate with spirits and delve into the memories of the land grants her access to information that would be unavailable to others.
Unraveling Kratos’s Past
Through her investigations, Freya likely uncovers fragments of Kratos’s history as the God of War in Greece. She might glimpse visions of his battles, his betrayal by the Olympian gods, and his subsequent journey to Midgard. The pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, revealing the truth about Kratos’s identity and the reasons for his self-imposed exile.
The Dwarves and the Crafted Weapons
The involvement of Brok and Sindri, the dwarven blacksmiths, further confirms Freya’s suspicions. These skilled craftsmen are capable of forging weapons and armor of exceptional power, using materials from across the realms. When they craft the Leviathan Axe for Kratos, they inadvertently imbue it with a power that resonates with his divine nature. Freya, with her understanding of magic and craftsmanship, recognizes the significance of this weapon and its connection to Kratos’s true identity.
The Broader Implications for Freya
Freya’s realization that Kratos is a god has profound implications for her own story and her relationship with him and Atreus.
Freya’s Changing Perspective
Initially, Freya’s interest in Kratos and Atreus is driven by a desire to help and protect them. She sees them as vulnerable individuals navigating a dangerous world. However, as she uncovers Kratos’s true identity, her perspective shifts. She begins to understand the magnitude of their presence in Midgard and the potential consequences for the Norse realms. The introduction of a foreign god disrupts the established order and sets in motion a chain of events that could lead to Ragnarok.
Freya’s Complex Relationship with Kratos
Freya’s relationship with Kratos becomes increasingly complex. She is torn between her desire to protect Atreus, her own personal vendetta against Kratos for his role in Baldur’s death, and her growing understanding of the forces at play. She recognizes that Kratos is not inherently evil but rather a being shaped by a tragic past. This realization leads to a reluctant respect and even a degree of empathy.
The Future and the Looming Ragnarok
Ultimately, Freya’s knowledge of Kratos’s divine identity positions her as a key player in the events leading up to Ragnarok. She understands the stakes and the potential for destruction. She must navigate a treacherous path, balancing her personal desires with the fate of the realms. Her understanding of Kratos, both as a god and as a flawed individual, will be crucial in shaping the future of the Norse world. She knows that the arrival of a god from another pantheon has irrevocably changed the balance of power, and she must adapt to this new reality to ensure her own survival and the survival of those she cares about.
How did Freya initially perceive Kratos before uncovering his divine identity?
Freya, initially introduced as a benevolent and knowledgeable witch in Midgard, saw Kratos as a powerful but troubled warrior burdened by a mysterious past. She was drawn to his strength and paternal devotion to Atreus, offering them guidance and assistance in navigating the dangers of the Norse realm. Her understanding of Kratos was primarily based on his actions and interactions, focusing on his immediate needs and struggles without delving into his past or questioning his origins.
Her perception shifted drastically upon learning the truth. Before the revelation, she treated Kratos as a mortal man with extraordinary abilities, attributing his power to his combat skills and experience. The idea of him being a god was completely foreign to her initial understanding, as she was preoccupied with her own exile and the protection of her son, Baldur. This ignorance, however, didn’t diminish her compassion or willingness to help, but it framed their relationship on a level of perceived equality that was soon to be shattered.
What specific events or clues led Freya to suspect Kratos’s true nature?
The event that truly sparked Freya’s suspicion was Kratos’s resilience and ability to withstand injuries that would be fatal to any mortal. Witnessing his survival after near-death experiences, particularly those involving divine powers and weapons, made her question the limits of his mortality. His incredible strength and combat prowess, surpassing even the most skilled Norse warriors, further fueled her doubts.
Furthermore, the stories and cryptic hints provided by Mimir, a source of knowledge about the Norse gods and mythology, also contributed to Freya’s growing suspicion. Mimir’s subtle references to Kratos’s past and his evasiveness when directly questioned about his origins painted a picture of a being with a history far more profound than he let on. These combined observations and information pieces began to form a cohesive image, ultimately leading Freya to actively seek the truth about Kratos.
How did Freya confirm Kratos’s identity as a god from another pantheon?
Freya confirmed Kratos’s identity through a combination of research and a direct confrontation. She delved into ancient lore and prophecies, searching for clues that aligned with Kratos’s characteristics and abilities. Her knowledge of magic and her connection to the natural world allowed her to access hidden truths and unravel mysteries that were concealed from ordinary mortals.
Ultimately, she confronted Kratos directly, using her magic to probe his past and uncover his true origins. This involved using her mystical abilities to delve into his memories, witnessing firsthand his battles in Greece and his connection to the Greek pantheon. This act of magical intrusion revealed the truth she had been suspecting, solidifying her understanding of Kratos as a god from a foreign land.
What was Freya’s initial reaction upon learning Kratos was a god, especially one who killed gods?
Freya’s initial reaction was a mixture of shock, disbelief, and a profound sense of betrayal. As a Vanir goddess herself, the concept of a god killing other gods was abhorrent to her. She felt a deep sense of anger and resentment towards Kratos for concealing his true nature and the violent acts he had committed in his past, especially considering her own history with the Aesir and her resentment towards Odin.
The revelation also brought forth a wave of fear and uncertainty. Knowing that Kratos had destroyed an entire pantheon made her question his motives and intentions. She wondered if he posed a threat to the Norse gods and to her own existence, leading to a period of distrust and strained relations. The knowledge of his past fundamentally altered her perception of him, casting a shadow over their previously amicable relationship.
How did Freya’s knowledge of Kratos’s past influence her relationship with him and Atreus?
Freya’s knowledge of Kratos’s past significantly impacted her relationship with both him and Atreus, introducing a new layer of complexity and tension. While she still acknowledged Kratos’s desire to protect Atreus, she harbored a deep-seated distrust stemming from his history of violence and the potential consequences of his actions in the Norse realm. This distrust made her more cautious in her interactions with him, questioning his motives and keeping a watchful eye on his influence over Atreus.
Despite her reservations, Freya’s maternal instincts and her understanding of the dangers facing Atreus ultimately prevented her from completely severing ties with them. She recognized the importance of Kratos’s guidance in preparing Atreus for his destiny, even if she disagreed with his methods. This created a complex dynamic where she acted as both an ally and a wary observer, balancing her concern for Atreus with her apprehension about Kratos’s past and future actions.
Did Freya’s knowledge of Kratos’s identity change her opinion of the Aesir gods?
Freya’s knowledge of Kratos’s identity and his past actions, particularly his battles against the Greek gods, didn’t fundamentally change her opinion of the Aesir gods, but it did offer a new perspective on their own potential for cruelty and destruction. She was already deeply resentful of Odin and the Aesir due to her forced marriage and exile, so Kratos’s story served more as a confirmation of the destructive tendencies that gods, regardless of pantheon, can possess.
Instead of altering her pre-existing disdain for the Aesir, Kratos’s past reinforced her belief that unchecked power, whether wielded by Greek or Norse gods, could lead to devastating consequences. This understanding further solidified her commitment to protecting Atreus from becoming another pawn in the gods’ machinations, regardless of their origin. The knowledge also contributed to her growing disillusionment with the nature of divinity itself.
Ultimately, how did Freya use her knowledge of Kratos’s past to her advantage?
Freya strategically used her knowledge of Kratos’s past to manipulate and influence him when their goals aligned. She understood his deep-seated guilt and his desire to protect Atreus, leveraging these vulnerabilities to persuade him to cooperate with her. She expertly reminded him of the potential consequences of his actions and the threat he posed to the Norse realm, compelling him to consider her perspective and often aligning their interests.
Beyond manipulation, Freya utilized her knowledge of Kratos’s past to better understand his motivations and anticipate his actions. This allowed her to strategically plan and react to his decisions, ensuring her own survival and the protection of those she cared about. She used her understanding of his character, forged through witnessing his past and knowing his true identity, to navigate their complex relationship and ultimately, work towards common goals, even if driven by different motivations.