It’s been a while since I playedGod Of War Ragnarokin its entirety, yet it continues to resonate with me. What makes this game’s narrative so compelling is its foundation in a profoundly human story. Behind the epic clashes of gods, there lies a tale of family drama, complete with all the intricate messiness that accompanies it. Similar to acclaimed television dramas such as This Is Us or Succession, God Of War Ragnarok stands out as a paragon of family-centric storytelling within contemporary gaming culture.
Kratos As A Father
The unexpected twists of life often lead us down paths we never imagined, unraveling emotions we never thought we’d confront. Such was the case for me a couple of years ago when I was faced with a loss in the family. In March, I bid farewell to my non-biological father, a figure with whom I’d shared a complicated relationship. Though our connection was far from perfect, his presence provided a sense of familiarity, and his departure left an unexpected void.
Even as the story occasionally shifts perspective to follow Atreus on his own journey, Kratos remains a constant presence, ensuring a focused narrative.
As I grappled with the complexities of a profound loss, a revelation emerged—my attachment to someone I hadn’t anticipated holding dear. This realization, accompanied by a mix of conflicting emotions, stung deeply. Regrettably, my inability to foresee the impact of this loss was compounded by the bitterness of our tumultuous history.
These poignant reflections resurfaced during my odyssey through the realms of God of War Ragnarok. The echoes of my personal struggles resonated unexpectedly as Kratos and Atreus, the central characters in this gripping drama, became conduits for my introspection. The game’s exploration of familial bonds, generational trauma, and the quest for redemption served as a mirror reflecting the intricacies of my own experiences.
Through Kratos’s Eyes
Video games are a transformative art form, seamlessly blending the finest elements of literature and media into an engaging, interactive experience. Holding that controller, I cease to be a passive observer of Kratos’s story; instead, I step into his well-trodden shoes. The opening scenes of God of War Ragnarok remain vivid in my memory, where Kratos, almost helplessly, witnesses Atreus mourning a profound loss.
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The narrative unfolds with Kratos and Atreus navigating the unforgiving Midgard, now veiled in snow and ice during the onset of Fimbulwinter. To brave the blizzard-ridden conditions, the father-son duo command a sled pulled by trained wolves. On their journey, conversations between Atreus and his father form a poignant backdrop to their shared experience. The absence of a wolf, Fenrir, sparks a discussion about life and loss, foreshadowing the emotional turmoil to come.
Kratos, marked by a history of profound losses, counsels Atreus to brace for the worst. Despite this, Atreus, resilient and determined, refuses to succumb to pessimism. Upon returning to their camp, the discovery of Fenrir in dire straits leads to a heartbreaking conclusion. This scene compelled me to momentarily set the controller down, reflecting on my non-biological dad’s passing, contemplating if my presence crossed his thoughts during his last breaths. From the beginning, I knew Ragnarok was something special.
God of War Ragnarok employs a familiar storytelling formula to the televised family drama This Is Us. The show centers around the Pearson family, exploring their interconnected lives across different time periods, delving into themes of family, love, and personal struggles.
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At the narrative core of “This Is Us” is Jack - or rather his memory - the father of the Pearson triplets, whose life ends tragically as he saves his family and their dog from a house fire. The triplets, now in their 30s, grapple with echoes of their father’s influence on their lives, showcasing the enduring impact of death for decades. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes increasingly intricate, with various threads interwoven into the main storyline. However, Jack remains the anchor, providing focus amid the complexities.
Similarly, the complexities of God Of War Ragnarok play out in a grander narrative, encompassing characters like Kratos, Atreus, Freya coping with her son’s death, Thor’s toxic relationship with his father Odin, and the secrets between the dwarven brothers Sindri and Brok. While the game introduces numerous interconnected elements, it avoids potential narrative overload by keeping Kratos at its heart. Even as the story occasionally shifts perspective to follow Atreus on his own journey, Kratos remains a constant presence, ensuring a cohesive and focused narrative.
The Future Is Open
One aspect that is particularly effectively executed is the conclusion of Ragnarok. In the final moments, Kratos and Atreus find their respective paths in life, a natural progression as Atreus comes of age. He no longer requires his father to be a constant presence in his journey, at least not in the literal sense of being by his side at every step. This was evident in Atreus sneaking away from Kratos multiple times, signaling his readiness to forge ahead. Atreus’s quest delved into unraveling the mysteries surrounding the giants, while Kratos grappled with coming to terms with his traumatic past, seeking acceptance to move forward.
As the credits rolled, I found myself contemplating what to do with the memories of my nonbiological father. Havingmet my biological father,he somehow completed a proverbial puzzle I thought was lost forever. A calm settled in my mind, and the question arose: What should I do with the memory of my nonbiological father? The answer was simple: accept what life had bestowed upon me. Bitterness and sadness would always linger around his death, as I couldn’t bring myself to visit him in his final hours.
Despite the unsettling truth, being too sick to go provided a strange relief, as I feared witnessing his dying form would add a horrifying layer to my memories of him. Instead, I chose to focus on the singular moment we shared as father and son, watching the movie Pearl Harbor together in theaters. The receipt and ticket stubs from that day still find a place in my scrapbook.
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