The next God of War should give Atreus his own death and lumberjack scene

The God of war the franchise has become increasingly introspective and dark in its modern incarnations. While the original hack and slash God of war games are some of the best on the PlayStation, and still excellent on the writing front, they're definitely more focused on the inherent spectacle of godly warfare than the emotional, family dramas that surround many ancient religions.

God of warReboot 2018 together Ragnaroktakes steps in another direction. Kratos is now wiser and more cunning, having already lost his previous family in a bloody conflict, and although he begins the 2018 game as quite cold and emotionally detached, he wants nothing more than peace for his last son, who remained. Of course, fate has other plans, launching him into new adventures fraught with danger, threatening to end his life according to that ever-present ghoul, the prophecy. What follows from Ragnarok this is a battle with fate itself, because Kratos, not afraid of death, is not ready to submit to it. In addition to all this, he is tired, tired and tired, not wanting any more quarrels. These different characteristics are highlighted in the story of Death and the Logger, one of the many parables in the game's universe that are filled with meaning.

The upcoming God of War game needs Atreus' version of Death and the Logger

The story of Death and the Lumberjack carries a lot of weight in God of War Ragnarok

At some point during Ragnarokwhen Atreus has trouble falling asleep, Kratos regales him with an old story about an aged lumberjack who hauls lumber to his village day after day. Eventually, he grows too tired to go any further and, freeing himself from his timbers, calls upon Death to take him. Here Kratos shortens the story, but it is already obvious how it is related to God of War RagnarokStory: The entire game takes place up until Kratos' death as predicted at the end of the previous entry.

Kratos' temperament also has a lot in common with that of the Woodcutter, as he has lived a life defined by struggle and is certainly tempted by the possibility of respite.

Ultimately, this story has an upbeat ending, as near the end of the game it is revealed that the lumberjack, faced with Death, decides that he wants to go on living. He asks for help carrying his logs to lighten his burden and allow him to move on. This unexpected ending shows the characteristics of Kratos' character in these two games, as he rejects death and prophecy through community, friendship, and trust. This is one of many examples of multi-layered storytelling in the Ragnarokand future games should replicate and develop this storytelling tool.

Why Atreus Should Have His Own Death and the Lumberjack

The God of war franchise, before and after the reboot, depends on its connection to mythology. In the real world, stories about divine pantheons and heavenly battles have long served to teach some lesson or illuminate aspects of the human psyche: Narcissus drowning in pursuit of his own reflection teaches the dangers of self-obsession, the story of Sisyphus' punishment conveys the dangers of betrayal, and so on.

So, the same simple stories that connect with more subtle, modernized narratives God of war the games themselves fit the mythological background of the series, making it easier to believe that the events of the games are indeed part of some larger mystical world.

How such stories might apply to Atreus' rumored solo adventure will depend on his character and path. Stories about finding yourself, dealing with new and terrifying challenges, or coming to terms with a difficult past can all be potentially powerful inclusions for the future. God of war the title, helping to flesh out Atreus as he enters his youth and presumably much greater dangers.