This article contains spoilers for God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok (2022).
In 2017, God of War animation director Bruno Velasquez implied that every mythology exists at the same time in the in-game universe, just like how all of the real world’s myths exist together. Shortly after, Velasquez implied that even the Abrahamic religions exist in-game, sharing a screenshot from God of War 2 of Kratos in front of a mural of the Three Wise Men from the Bible. It was a clever way to open up the PlayStation’s landmark franchise to endless possibilities. Whether or not Kratos is a part of these future adventures is an open question, but one thing is certain: players are hungry for more God of War.
The franchise turned 20 this year, and with the conclusion of Ragnarok and the advent of a God of War Amazon TV series, fan theories are churning about where God of War will next embark. The inclusion of objects and symbols of yet-unseen mythologies in God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok (2022) have provided plenty of fodder for these fan theories. There are a handful of settings that were teased in the games and could provide epic adventures for Kratos and Atreus for years to come. In a perfect world, they would go on these adventures together and make some new allies along the way in their ultimate quest to kill the gods.
Egyptian, Shinto, and Mayan Gods: The God of War TV Series Needs To Focus On More Than Just One Pantheon
The God of War TV show should not limit itself, when Kratos could potentially fight gods from a wide variety of Earth's civilizations.
Future Settings Teased in God of War and God of War Ragnarok
- Celtic
- Egyptian
- Japanese
- Mayan
Celtic/Arthurian Mythology
Celtic mythology shares many similarities to the Arthurian Legends, the major difference being that Arthur is typically viewed through a Christian lens. In God of War, several references to Celtic myths spring up. One is the Triskele, a three-pronged symbol of spirals with similarities to Norse mythology. Another is that Mimir directly references the Celtic myths when he opines about his past. He tells Kratos about his time on the mythical island of Avalon, home of the faeries, including Oberon and Titania, best known from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Mimir states that he used to go by the names “Puck” and “Robin of the Goodfellows”. This would also help explain why Mimir speaks with a distinct Scottish accent.
Ancient Egyptian Mythology
One of the most prevalent fan theories is that the next God of War will take place in Ancient Egypt. Several references to the myths appear in God of War and God of War Ragnarok. A tapestry in God of War depicts the Great Pyramids, and another depicts the Eye of Ra; an ankh appears as a bonus discoverable in God of War Ragnarok. Notably, a prequel comic, titled God of War: Fallen God, shows Kratos in a desert region with several indirect references to Ancient Egypt. Last but certainly not least, the early concept art of God of War (2018) depicts Kratos and Atreus battling against Ancient Egyptian myths. This all suggests that Ancient Egypt is heavy on the minds of the developers.
Japanese (AKA Shinto) Mythology
The same mural that depicts Tyr’s travels in Ancient Egypt also depicts two figures standing beside a torii gate with a kanji symbol on it. Another mural of Tyr shows the Japanese Tomoe, a symbol sometimes associated with the Shinto God of War and Archery. Most notably, in the fight against Tyr in God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla, Tyr uses a nodachi – a samurai sword – against Kratos, physically confirming his travels to the region.
Mayan/Mesoamerican Mythology
On that same tapestry depicting Tyr’s travels to Ancient Egypt and Japan is an image of the stepped pyramids of Mesoamerica. This is not the only reference to the Mayan myths. Much like with the Shinto references, Tyr also uses the macuahuitl – the obsidian-toothed clubs of the Mayans – in his fight against Kratos. Not to be overlooked, God of War game designer Cory Barlog once stated outright that future God of War titles could tackle the Mayan myths. This all but confirms that there is a spot for the Mayans in the future of the series.
God of War Ragnarok
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- November 9, 2022
- ESRB
- M For Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Santa Monica Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
