Chances are, you’ve probably reached the end of your journey in God of War Ragnarok. While the ending isn’t exactly what everyone expected, the conclusion is great, considering it’s heavy meaning. However, we could understand if there’s a bit of confusion behind it. Luckily, the game’s Narrative Director offered a God of War Ragnarok enduing explanation and additional details behind one of the final scenes.
This goes without saying that this article has spoilers. Read at your own risk.
God of War Ragnarok Ending Explanation:
After defeating Odin and escaping Asgard (now destroyed), Kratos and company find themselves back in Midgard. With all nine realms now entirely free of Odin’s grasp, there is peace amongst them; a good, happy ending. However, we soon learn that Atreus is planning to part ways, venturing off on his journey to look for the remaining giants.
It’s here where we’re shown one last and final mural. It’s revealed that Faye, Krato’s wife, knew where the journey would end and had planned everything from the start. With this mystery now being answered, both Kratos and Atreus part ways. However, there is but one final surprise as Kratos notices another mural hiding behind the one he just saw; this one specific to him.
A set of three paintings detailing the Norse journey he had just undergone, with the third being of the future. A future where Kratos is finally worshipped, not as the violent God of War, but as a god that people look to for hope. He’s finally going to be worshipped with love, not out of fear.
With this revelation, Kratos sets out to take care of some unfinished business.
Kratos, The Rebuilder
The ending and its meaning are fairly obvious, but it’s one open to interpretation. To help clear the air, Ragnarok’s Narrative Director Matt Sophos took the time to answer some burning questions from YouTuber Jon Ford. Here’s what he had to say about the ending, including who that giant figure standing alongside the Kratos statue was.
The larger figure behind Kratos is actually Thor standing over the dead Kratos (which was in the original mural). But since Kratos changed his fate,. all of that was painted over with the new prediction of his future — where people revere Kratos. As he says to Freya/Mimir soon after… there is “much to do much to rebuild.’ So this new future is a statue dedicated to Kratos “the rebuilder” rather than his past as “the destroyer.”
There is truth to this (not that it needed proof) as looking at the original painting of Kratos dying, and comparing it side by side with the new one, you can see it’s the very same Thor carving in each of them.
Kratos The Rebuilder. Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? We think so, and were pretty happy with how the game ended. What do you think? Is this a good send off for our God of War? Or do you think there are more adventures that await Kratos as he rebuilds?
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