The reboot of God of War was celebrated by many as a return to form for the series and an excellent modernization of the franchise itself and everything in it... including Kratos. The angry Spartan has been humanized to a substantial extent without making him lose his edge, making for a deep and intriguing character whose responsibilities of fatherhood have helped him mature as a person.
Of course, the fact that the reboot was set in a fresh Norse setting certainly helped things, with the advent of new and iconic figures from this mythology helping elevate the brilliance of God of War even more. With the announcement of a sequel, fans can only hope that the following legendary figures from Norse mythology will be featured as bombastic boss fights in this title.
Updated December 22, 2021 by John Hitchcock: As God of War Ragnarok inches closer to a release date, the hype surrounding the game is threatening to reach fever pitch. 2018's title only scratched the surface of the potential Norse mythology figures who could appear in Santa Monica Studio's franchise, and Ragnarok has dozens upon dozens of figures to pick from. Who will be included in the upcoming sequel? Will they appear as bosses or allies? This article has been expanded to include a few more figures from Norse mythology who could appear in God of War Ragnarok.
12 Tyr
What better way to start this list off than to talk about the God of War from Norse mythology, Tyr. A powerful figure whose battle scars hide a number of amazing stories — mainly centered around fights, battles, wars, and the like — one has to wonder about Tyr's place in the God of War interpretation of Norse mythology.
Regardless of how he may be introduced, there's no denying the fact that a battle between two Gods of War will prove to be an incredible experience to behold if it happens to appear in God Of War: Ragnarok.
11 Hel
Also known as Hela, the Goddess of the Underworld is one of the most important figures in Norse Mythology. Hela's ties to Odin cement her as one of the most powerful diving beings in this mythos.
One can easily imagine a level where Kratos has to escape the depths of the Underworld, only to find himself face-to-face with this powerful god who simply won't let him go. The resulting battle will be nothing short of an absolute spectacle.
10 Nidhogg
Depending on the version, Nidhogg is either a serpent or a dragon. But either way, he is imprisoned at the bottom of the Tree of Yggdrasil, which in Norse Mythology contains the universe. Nidhogg chews at the roots of existence, thereby causing chaos in the world. He was said to be a terrifying force, so much so that to be devoured by him was a punishment reserved for the worst souls. He is supposed to break free and play a role during Ragnorak, although the specifics of how are unclear.
Considering his very existence is a threat to the world, Nidhogg would probably be an enemy of everyone, including Kratos. Encounters with giant monsters are already a staple of the God of War series and, if the onset of Ragnorak is the problem, it would make sense to do something about the creature that only lives to topple the cosmos.
9 Heimdall
Given how it may be easy to portray Kratos as a threat to Asgard, it only goes without saying that Heimdall — the guardian of this realm — would step into the picture and try to stop Kratos before he becomes a threat.
Heimdall is a powerful figure in Norse mythology who's fiercely loyal to Asgard. He would definitely summon all his strength in a fight against Kratos; provided this battle ends up materializing, that is.
8 Fenrir
The events of Ragnorak include some key players that have not yet appeared yet. God of War already introduced one of those players in Jormungandr, also known as the Midgard Serpent, a creature so large it encircles the entire world. Another major participant is his brother, the great wolf Fenrir.
In Norse mythology, both were children of Loki that were prophesized to bring about Odin's downfall. While Jormungandr, at that point a tiny and harmless snake, was thrown into the ocean, Fenrir would be faced with a crueler punishment. Odin made a special unbreakable chain that was used to bind Fenrir and leave him tied down until Ragnorak, during which Fenrir was expected to slay Odin himself.
Oding was cast as the main antagonist in God of War, and Fenrir has every reason to despise him. This would make him a logical choice for an ally to Kratos, possibly having a similar role to Jormungandr.
7 Vidar
After Ragnarok, one of Odin's sons — Vidar — ended up swearing vengeance against the giant wolf, Fenrir. His vow of defeating the giant wolf and avenging his father's death was no joke, and Vidar actually managed to hunt the wolf down before defeating it in an epic battle.
It's no wonder why Vidar is considered to be the God of Vengeance, and a battle against him in God of War: Ragnarok will definitely be one of the highlights of the game by a country mile.
6 Skadi
One of the lesser-known of the Norse pantheon, Skadi is the goddess of, among other things, hunting, winter, and skiing. These are all aspects that would be consistent with the environment seen in God of War. Her story is actually told by Mimir at one point; according to him, Skadi was an expert huntress who Odin wanted to marry. When she refused, he sought revenge by tricking her into killing her own father. Skadi remained with the body as she was buried in the snow. Atreus also reflects on the story in his journal and wonders if she is still alive.
Based on Mimir's account, Skadi would have a very good incentive to help Kratos take down Odin as revenge for her father's death and the humiliation she experienced as a result. A burning desire for vengeance would make her a good foil to the more compassionate Freya and maybe offer some parallels to Kratos's own experiences.
5 Surtr
Another major player in the events of Ragnarok is Surtr, one of the first fire giants to emerge from the fires of Musphelheim who waged war against the Aesir in a dramatic showdown for the ages.
The idea of fighting a boss whose flames can consume the entire world is exciting and could lead to quite an intimidating affair. Given the epic nature of battles in God of War — coupled with Kratos' monstrous strength — a fight between both these prominent figures will be incredibly satisfying to play through from start to end.
4 Freya
Given the events of God of War and the anger that Freya harbors towards Kratos after he killed her beloved son, it seems a given that these two powerful entities will clash at some point or the other in God of War: Ragnarok.
Players got a taste of Freya's powers near the end of God of War during the climactic showdown against Baldur, and her strength was quite palpable during these events. So, a showdown against Freya could be one of the highlights of the God of War sequel if the legendary Goddess fights Kratos at full strength.
3 Odin
One of the most reputed and legendary figures in Norse history, pretty much everyone even remotely familiar with mythology will have heard of the name Odin at some point or the other.
Given the stories that Ymir has told in God of War, it's clear that Odin is not a god to be sympathized with. His actions are brutal and without mercy, and it's clear that the player and Kratos will not hesitate in giving this legendary God a taste of his own medicine if they happen to fight with him.
2 Thor
Given the teaser featured at the end of God of War, it's pretty much confirmed that Kratos will clash with the God of Thunder at some point during the events of God of War: Ragnarok. With the exception of Odin, Thor is the most famous Norse god, and he is also one of the most powerful warriors.
This is bound to be an incredible encounter — Thor is one of the most popular gods in Norse mythology, and fighting this fearsome deity will prove to be one of the most entertaining affairs in the entire game by a country mile.
1 Sif
Marvel fans may remember Lady Sif as Thor's hardened warrior friend, but in the original myths, she was actually the wife of Thor, who has already been set up as a major antagonist in Ragnorak. If Thor is going to appear then there is a possibility of his wife showing up as well. But Thor's characterization sets up a few different possible routes Sif could go.
One option would be to make her an antagonist who is cruel and vindictive in her own right. She might even fight alongside her husband or, at the very least, try to avenge him after he is slain. Another possibility could be that Sif has her own issues with Thor and is willing to aid Kratos in dealing with him. Maybe she is fed up with him as a husband or sick of his warmongering personality. Sif is the goddess of fertility, something which would be prevented by the onset of Ragnorak, which would be another incentive to want to prevent it.
God of War's sequel is in development.