The Next God of War Should Give Atreus His Own Death and the Logger Scene

by

As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming experiences under my belt, I can confidently say that the evolution of the God of War franchise from its hack-and-slash origins to its current introspective and emotional journey is nothing short of breathtaking. The 2018 reboot and Ragnarok have taken the series to new heights, with Kratos’ character arc being one of the most compelling narratives I’ve ever encountered in a video game.

In recent iterations, the God of War series has taken on a more thoughtful and melancholic tone. Although the original action-packed God of War games are some of PlayStation’s finest, they primarily emphasize the raw excitement of divine warfare rather than delving into the emotional, familial narratives often found in ancient religious tales.

2018’s reboot of God of War, along with its sequel Ragnarok, charts a new path. Kratos, once a bloodthirsty warrior, has matured and become wise following the tragic loss of his family in past battles. In the 2018 game, he initially appears cold and isolated, but deep down, he yearns for peace for his only surviving son. However, fate has other plans, thrusting him into a perilous new journey that could end his life according to the relentless specter of prophecy. In Ragnarok, Kratos wages war against fate itself, as he isn’t afraid of death but is not prepared to succumb to it. Weary and disillusioned, he no longer desires more conflict. These themes are subtly explored through the Death and the Logger story, one of many allegories within the game that carry profound meaning.

A Future God of War Game Needs an Atreus Version of Death and the Logger

The Death and the Logger Story Carries Heavy Weight in God of War Ragnarok

During a restless night in the tale of Ragnarok, young Atreus struggles to sleep. In an attempt to soothe him, Kratos shares an ancient story about a weary lumberjack who tirelessly hauled logs for his town day after day. Eventually, he could no longer carry on and, symbolically unloading his burden, summoned Death to claim him. Kratos leaves the tale incomplete, yet its relevance to the narrative of God of War Ragnarok is palpable: the entire game leads up to the prophesied moment of Kratos’ demise, as hinted at the conclusion of the previous installment.

Kratos shares similar traits with the Logger, given that both have endured hardships throughout their lives, and undoubtedly, they’ve both been drawn towards the prospect of finding peace.

In the end, the tale takes a heartwarming turn when it’s disclosed towards the finale that the Logger, following his brush with Death, chooses to persist in life. He requests assistance in transporting his logs, thereby reducing his load and enabling him to progress further. This unanticipated conclusion underscores Kratos’ character development throughout these two games, as he defies death and prophecy through the power of community, friendship, and trust. This is just one example of the intricate storytelling found in Ragnarok, and future installments should build upon and expand this narrative technique.

Why Atreus Should Have His Own “Death and the Logger”

The God of War series, both before and after its reboot, revolves around its exploration of mythology. In our world, stories about divine pantheons and celestial conflicts have historically been used to impart lessons or shed light on human nature: For instance, the story of Narcissus chasing his reflection until he drowns serves as a warning against self-absorption, while Sisyphus’ eternal punishment for deceit underscores the perils of betrayal.

In a similar fashion, straightforward tales that align with the complex, contemporary storylines within the God of War series resonate well with its mythological setting, thereby enhancing the plausibility that the game’s events take place in a larger, magical universe.

The way these types of stories might fit into the rumored solo journey of Atreus hinges on his character development and progression. Tales about self-discovery, confronting daunting obstacles, or reckoning with a complex history could all prove impactful in a future God of War game, enriching Atreus as he transitions into young adulthood and presumably encounters more formidable dangers.

Read More

2024-12-11 03:15