The last few weeks have been turbulent for God of War fans. After a deluge of rumors claiming that a God of War: Ragnarok announcement was planned for June, it never happened. Although a few gamers were left incensed, cries for more God of War news were quashed when Santa Monica dropped a short and sweet trailer revealing the game's release date, as well as a second video outlining all the editions, including one featuring Thor's Mjolnir hammer. With gamers finally given confirmation that the next title is coming this year, excitement is at an all-time high.
There is plenty that fans expect from God of War: Ragnarok, including Freya's wrath, Mimir's return, and the appearance of a large dog that is likely the mythological wolf Fenrir. The previous game heavily referenced Odin, and though he does not show up, his actions heavily influence the course of events. In the next Ragnarok trailer, Santa Monica should finally uncloak Odin and let gamers see who the mysterious god truly is.
Who is Odin?
Odin is one of the gods of the Nine Realms, and he has quite an interesting family tree. Freya is his ex-wife, and they have a son named Baldur. He also married Fjorgyn, and Thor is the product of that relationship. Tyr is also his son, though it is unclear who his mother is. Odin appointed Mimir as his advisor, and Odin values Mimir for his knowledge. According to Mimir, Odin is very clever, and he is obsessed with acquiring knowledge. Odin collects prophecies, and they help him to be all-seeing and all-knowing, but Mimir believes Odin is mainly concerned about control.
Initially, Mimir enables Odin's more megalomaniacal impulses, but he eventually learns to instead attempt to direct Odin toward peace instead of war, though Odin does not always listen to him. Mimir betrays Odin by befriending the Giants who Odin is warring against, and Odin punishes him by binding him to a tree on Midgard's highest peak where he is tortured daily. Fortunately, he is rescued by Kratos and Atreus, and it is through Mimir that they learn more about Odin.
Odin's presence is felt throughout 2018's God of War, and not just through Mimir's narration. There are also ravens that Odin sends out to spy throughout the Nine Realms, though Kratos can eliminate them. His presence is also felt through Baldur, who frequently battles Kratos. Baldur is sent by Odin to kill Kratos and his son because he believes that they will bring about Ragnarok.
What Could Odin's Role Be in God of War Ragnarok?
In many ways, God of War's Odin mirrors the Odin of Norse mythology, who is associated with wisdom and knowledge. However, he does diverge from his mythological counterpart, as God of War's Odin is cruel and malignant, or at least all second-hand accounts claim that he is. In contrast, Norse mythology's Odin is the protector of heroes, and it is believed that warriors who die in battle meet Odin in Valhalla. He is a far more avuncular figure than God of War's Odin, which suggests that although Santa Monica takes inspiration from Norse mythology, it will ultimately be telling its own story.
In Norse mythology, Ragnarok is a series of events that brings about the end of times, and it features terrible natural disasters, as well as wars between the gods. Odin is foretold to be part of those wars, and it is said that he will battle against Fenrir, who is a gigantic wolf born of Loki and Angrboda. Fenrir defeats Odin and consumes him, causing Odin's son, Vidarr, to avenge his death by killing the wolf. Many of the elements of the Ragnarok myth are present in God of War Ragnarok. The latest trailer depicted a large wolf that fits the description of Fenrir, and 2018's God of War reveals that Atreus was once named Loki. The game ends with Mimir commenting that the sudden blizzard is Fimbulwinter, which marks the sudden arrival of Ragnarok, letting gamers know that the stakes will be higher than ever in the upcoming game.
The Stage Is Set For Odin's Reveal
With Loki and Fenrir on the board, Odin is one of the few characters left who has yet to be revealed in the epic Ragnarok story. The next trailer would be the perfect time to reveal him, along with a bit more information regarding the game's story. With the release date mere months away, allowing gamers to catch a glimpse of the villain could get gamers excited for what epic battles may ensue, and it would serve to remind gamers that though Thor and Freya will be on their tail, they may not be their worst problems.
A reveal of Odin would also be an opportunity to show off what weapons the god may be wielding. If Santa Monica borrows from Norse mythology, it would most likely be Gungnir, which is a powerful spear. Typically, Odin is depicted wearing a black hat and a cloak, and he is a one-eyed figure with a long beard. However, Santa Monica is likely to take liberties with his appearance to have him better fit his role in the game. It may also be a good idea for the studio to save Odin's reveal for the game release, though there are downsides to this because following such a big build-up, it may become impossible for Odin to live up to his hype. Furthermore, with the frequency of leaks in gaming, the studio can control how Odin is revealed with a trailer, as opposed to waiting for the game's release and potentially falling victim to leakers who reveal the god to gamers on their own terms.
In Ragnarok, Odin will be voiced by Richard Schiff, so it has been confirmed that the god will make an appearance. However, plenty of questions still surround Odin. While Santa Monica does not need to answer all those questions in the next trailer, it would be nice if it would, at the very least, let gamers see who the feared god who has been pulling the strings is.
God of War: Ragnarok is scheduled to release on November 9, 2022 on PS4 and PS5.