Introduction
The conflict between Baldur and Kratos is one of the most significant and emotionally charged moments in the God of War franchise. Fans were left wondering why Baldur, a seemingly benevolent character in Norse mythology, would attack Kratos, the main protagonist of the series. The game explores the reasons behind the attack and its impact on Kratos, Baldur, and the larger world of Norse mythology. In this article, we will investigate the causes behind Baldur’s attack on Kratos and its significance, examining the mythology, the character development, archetypes of masculinity, game mechanics, and insights from the creators of the game.
The Roots of Baldur and Kratos’ Conflict in Norse Mythology
The conflict between Baldur and Kratos has its roots in Norse mythology, where Baldur is a beloved god and Kratos is an infamous god-slayer. In Norse mythology, Baldur is the son of Odin and Frigg and is known for his physical beauty, wisdom, and kindness. However, he is also fated to die, and his mother Frigg tries to prevent this by making every object in the world take an oath to not harm Baldur. She overlooks the mistletoe, and Loki, the trickster god, uses mistletoe to kill Baldur.
In God of War, Baldur is portrayed as a frustrated and enraged character, seeking revenge against Kratos. The motive behind his attack on Kratos is his mother, Freya, who is also a former lover of Kratos and mother to his son Atreus. Freya is cursed to never be able to take a life or cause harm, so she asks Kratos to kill Baldur to break the curse. Kratos agrees reluctantly, and Baldur becomes obsessed with seeking revenge against Kratos. He sees Kratos as the one who ruined his life and betrayed his trust, leading to his fate and suffering.
The conflict between Baldur and Kratos highlights the themes of betrayal, revenge, and inevitable fate in Norse mythology. Baldur’s fate is tragic, and he cannot escape it, no matter what he does. His character is an epitome of the idea of “tragic heroism,” a quality highly valued in Norse mythology, where a hero’s actions are guided by destiny and honor, and not personal gain.
Evolution of Kratos and Baldur’s Character Development in God of War
Kratos’ character development throughout the God of War series is one of the most significant aspects of the franchise. In the previous games, Kratos is portrayed as an almost God-like figure, driven solely by his desire for revenge against the gods who betrayed him. In the latest God of War game, Kratos’ character illustrates a more nuanced, empathetic figure, genuinely trying to connect with his son Atreus and repenting for his violent past.
Baldur’s character, on the other hand, undergoes a transformation from a benign and kind character to a vengeful and spiteful one. His character reflects the concept of “wilderness” in Norse mythology, a space of lawlessness, violence, and chaos that is outside the structured and orderly world of gods and mortals. He acts as a foil to Kratos, who transforms from a character full of rage and vengeance to one of empathy and compassion.
Their characters are distinct and different: Kratos represents growth and personal development that can come from confrontation with one’s past actions, whereas Baldur represents the perils of unchecked ego, leading to a delusional and tragic end.
Baldur and Kratos as Archetypes of Different Forms of Masculinity
Baldur and Kratos embody different ideals of masculinity, representing opposite ends of the spectrum. Baldur represents a sensitive, caring, and emotionally aware man, as seen in his love for his mother and his ability to communicate his emotions. Kratos, on the other hand, represents the archetypal “tough guy,” who buries his emotions deep inside and deals with them through violent action.
Both characters reflect larger societal trends and expectations, where men are expected to be strong and dominant. However, Baldur’s character shows that one can be strong while also being emotionally aware and caring. He subverts the traditional expectation that men should be stoic and unfeeling, demonstrating the fluidity and diversity of masculine identities.
Baldur’s death, therefore, serves as a commentary on the fragility of masculinity when it is only built on a foundation of toxic traits. The game challenges the concept of “toxic masculinity,” wherein society promotes rigid expectations of what masculinity should entail, which can affect a man’s mental and emotional well-being.
Revenge and Forgiveness in God of War
The conflict between Baldur and Kratos explores complex themes of revenge and forgiveness, illustrating how revenge can lead to a spiral of violence. Baldur seeks revenge against Kratos for his suffering, but his desire for revenge consumes him, leading to his eventual downfall. This theme is also reflected in the game mechanics, where players are encouraged to not use revenge as a motivator for their actions.
The game also explores forgiveness, demonstrating that it can lead to redemption and healing. Kratos, through his relationship with Atreus, learns the importance of forgiveness and how it can lead to growth and emotional stability. Kratos survives the Gods in order to provide Atreus with the opportunity to grow and become better than he was and break the vicious cycle of revenge.
The themes of revenge and forgiveness are also applicable in contemporary society, with the game demonstrating how forgiveness goes beyond merely eliminating an enemy, promoting a deeper concept with the ability to solve larger issues.
God of War Game Mechanics in Building Up To the Climactic Showdown
God of War is known for its excellent storytelling and game mechanics, which create an emotionally impactful experience for its players. The game builds tension for the final encounter between Baldur and Kratos through several game mechanics and storytelling techniques, such as the exploration of the mythology and complex character development.
The game uses a character-driven narrative to create emotional investment in the main characters, the game promotes the discovery and appreciation of the development of character in a way that prompts empathy from the player, thereby building a sense of urgency to the final conflict.
Interview With The Creators of God of War
The creators of God of War, from Sony Interactive Studio Santa Monica, have been vocal about the design philosophy and the inspiration behind the game’s story and characters.
Cory Barlog, the director of the game, said that the story behind Baldur and Kratos’ conflict was inspired by his relationship with his own father, showing how personal experiences can inspire interesting game narratives. The game’s narrative was created around the idea of deconstructing Kratos’ character and exploring the possibility of empathy and vulnerability in a character like him.
The game’s narrative was also designed to reflect modern societal concerns about toxic masculinity and the value of emotional intelligence and empathy in shaping masculinity. The game’s creators reinforced that the story is about a father and son’s relationship first and foremost and emphasizes the power of forgiveness.
Conclusion
The Baldur and Kratos conflict in God of War serves as an excellent example of how storytelling in video games can explore complex themes and characters, engaging with mythology and representing character transformation. Through exploring themes of masculinity, revenge, forgiveness, and character development, the game offers meaningful insights into contemporary societal trends and expectations as well as larger issues related to narrative truths and player empathy. The game is a testament to the power of storytelling, and it conclusively shows that video games are the future of storytelling and an excellent medium to present complex narratives and symbolism.