Norse Myth Expert Reacts to God of War Ragnarok
IGN・17 minutes read
Loki in Norse mythology is a voluntary shapeshifter, with stories lacking background explanations unlike modern narratives. The game creatively interprets characters and settings in Norse mythology, praised for its originality and artistic vision.
Insights
- In Norse mythology, Loki is distinct as a voluntary shapeshifter, contrasting with other beings who transform involuntarily, adding complexity to his character and actions.
- The game God of War Ragnarok creatively reimagines Norse mythology, deviating from traditional depictions to offer a unique and original perspective that sets it apart from other adaptations, showcasing a fresh artistic vision that diverges from mainstream interpretations.
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Recent questions
How does Norse mythology depict gods' abilities?
Gods like Thor in Norse mythology possess unique powers, such as Thor's ability to wield Mjolnir to revive goats, showcasing his strength without needing wings for flight. Unlike modern superheroes with detailed backstories, Norse gods lack explanations for their abilities, emphasizing their mysterious and powerful nature.
What is the significance of Loki's association with wolves?
In Norse mythology, Loki's thematic association with wolves is symbolic of his cunning and deceptive nature, even though he doesn't transform into one. This connection highlights Loki's role as a trickster figure, aligning with his voluntary shapeshifting abilities and his reputation for causing chaos and mischief among the gods.
How are the Norns depicted in Norse mythology?
The Norns, female beings linked to determining fate in Norse mythology, are traditionally depicted with human faces, unlike the non-human faces portrayed in the game. This deviation from the traditional representation adds a unique artistic interpretation to the game's portrayal of these fate-weaving entities, showcasing a creative twist on established mythological figures.
What is the role of Odin in Norse mythology?
Odin's association with knowledge in Norse mythology stems from his quest to prevent his death at Ragnarok, showcasing his willingness to sacrifice others for his own survival. This aspect of Odin's character adds depth to his portrayal as a complex figure who values wisdom and foresight, even at the expense of others.
How does God of War Ragnarok deviate from traditional depictions of Norse gods?
God of War Ragnarok takes creative liberties with the appearance of characters like Odin and Thor, diverging from traditional interpretations to create a unique visual signature. This departure from conventional portrayals allows the game to offer a fresh perspective on Norse mythology, distinguishing itself from other adaptations and showcasing originality in character design and world-building.
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Summary
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Norse Gods and Myths in Video Games
- Loki is a voluntary shapeshifter, unlike others who involuntarily take on animal forms in Norse mythology.
- Norse literature includes the concept of "field gap," an animal representing a person's personality, often a bear for tough men.
- Stories about gods lack background or explanations, unlike modern narratives that delve into character origins.
- Loki's association with wolves is thematically fitting, even though he doesn't specifically transform into one in the original sources.
- Odin and Thor in God of War Ragnarok have unique appearances, deviating from traditional depictions, with Thor appearing bald.
- Odin's association with knowledge stems from his quest to prevent his death at Ragnarok, willing to sacrifice others for his own survival.
- Mjolnir in the game is depicted well, resembling Viking age amulets of Thor's hammer and having the ability to be summoned back to Thor.
- Flying in Norse mythology is not common among gods like Thor, who doesn't possess wings but wields Mjolnir's unique power to revive goats.
- The character Groa in the game is associated with prophecy, although the prophecy of Ragnarok is not attributed to her in Norse mythology.
- The Norns, female beings linked to determining fate, are depicted with non-human faces in the game, deviating from traditional Norse mythology.
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"Original Norse mythology interpretation in game"
- The mountain wall in the game is depicted as high enough to keep out the Yotnar antagon Giants, resembling a natural formation rather than a constructed wall, aligning with the poetic description of Jotnar. The character Baldur is portrayed as very pale, possibly inspired by being referred to as the "whitest of the Gods" in poetic texts, suggesting his beauty through his pallor. Odin is represented as one-eyed in the game, with this physical trait having consequences like limiting his ability to see, adding depth to the character portrayal.
- The game takes creative liberties with the appearance of characters like Odin, diverging from traditional interpretations to create its own visual signature, distinct from other adaptations like Marvel's. The game's interpretation of Norse mythology is praised for its originality and artistic creativity, offering a unique perspective that stands on its own. The language used in the game is critiqued for not being consistently based on modern Icelandic or Swedish, which could have enhanced the authenticity of the narrative.
- The game's portrayal of characters and settings is commended for being an independent interpretation of Norse mythology, not heavily influenced by other popular adaptations. The attention to detail, like the Raven shoulder detail on Odin, showcases a level of originality and artistic vision that sets the game apart from other interpretations, earning respect for its unique approach to the source material.
