Summary
Kratos isn’t much of a comedian in theGod of Warfranchise. He’s famously stoic in the recent Norse entries given his penchant for monosyllabic answers and frowns, but the games could be much more heavy in their tone if not for the side characters that provide levity and comic relief. InGod of War Ragnarok, theYggdrasil-dwelling squirrel Ratatoskrprovides much-needed laughs during Kratos' and Atreus' journey across the Nine Realms.
Ratatoskr was almost excluded from the game entirely, but his inclusion has set an important precedent for future games: fun, comedic characters can be a part of theGod of Warformula. In fact, Ratatoskr opens the door for the more absurd aspects of mythology to be welcomed into the franchise. Norse mythology especially has some odd, even silly stories that could come into play thanks to Ratatoskr clearing the way.
God of War Ragnarok: Why Ratatoskr Was Almost Not Included
According toRagnarokdirector Eric Williams, there was some pushback on the inclusion of Ratatoskr. The game’s music director was utterly thrown as to how to approach this sassy, talking squirrel meeting the dour Kratos. But Williams insisted on Ratatoskr’s inclusion and him being voiced by YouTube personality SungWon “ProZD” Cho. Though certain scenes, including a rap battle in the style of Norse flyting, were cut for being too contrary toGod of War’s usual tone, Ratatoskr was ultimately accepted and enjoyed by many players.
Despite there being a lot of death and destruction throughout,God of War Ragnarok’s Ratatoskrhelps to prevent some of this chaos and clean up after it inevitably happens. His friendly, comedic nature helps to soften otherwise devastating blows that the narrative deals. In the end, knowing that Ratatoskr is around to care for and guard Yggdrasil, players don’t have to worry about the World Tree falling and taking the Nine Realms with it.
Weird Norse Stories Are Fair Game in God of War
There are some comedies amid all the tragic stories described throughout Norse mythology. Some of them are even stranger than a gossiping squirrel running up and down the World Tree. In the original Norse myths, Ratatoskr was something of a troublemaker. He would ferry insults from the eagles at the top of the Yggdrasil to the roots wherethe dragon Nidhoggdwells. He would encourage this rivalry, even to the point that Nidhogg began to chew on the World Tree’s roots out of anger.
Now that Ratatoskr is included in the lore of the games, he opens up the way to even stranger stories, like Thor’s brief time as a blushing bride. In the ancient stories,Thor’s hammer Mjolnirwas stolen by a giant who demanded to marry the beautiful and powerful Freya. Loki dressed Thor up in Freya’s best dress and took him to the wedding in Freya’s place, where they nearly went through with the ceremony before Thor revealed himself, retrieved Mjolnir, and proceeded to slaughter the whole of the wedding party.
Other cultures' myths are just as rife with weird, but ancient tales. Since the series departed from the world of Greek mythology and entered the Nine Realms of Norse mythology, fans have speculated thatKratos could one day move on to yet another culture’s mythological world.
The fact that theGod of Warfranchise has embraced some of the stranger parts of Norse mythos, namely Ratatoskr, paves the way for Kratos to encounter the oddities found elsewhere.
There is no word as to what is next for Kratos and Atreus. There have been rumors of a third game in the modern series anda possible half-sequel, but until Santa Monica gives the official word, fans aren’t yet sure when, if ever, they will again enjoy Ratatoskr’s banter and the new tone he brings to the games.
God of War Ragnarok
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting goFrom Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
