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

THE God of war the franchise has become progressively more introspective and dark in its modern incarnations. While the original hack-and-slash God of war the games are among PlayStation's best and still superb on the writing front, they are certainly more focused on the inherent spectacle of divine warfare than the family and emotional dramas dealt with by many ancient religions.

God of warof the 2018 reboot, together Ragnaroktakes steps in a different direction. Kratos is wiser and more wizened now, having already lost his former family to a bloody conflict, and although he begins the 2018 game as rather cold and emotionally detached, he wants nothing more than peace for his last remaining son. Of course, fate has other plans, launching him into a new adventure full of danger, threatening to end his life in accordance with that ever-present prophecy. What follows from it Ragnarok it is a battle against fate itself, since Kratos, while not fearing death, is not ready to submit to it. On top of all this, he is tired, fatigued and worn out, and does not want further conflict. These various characteristics are highlighted throughout the story of Death and the Logger, one of many parables in the game's universe, loaded with meaning.

A future God of War game needs an Atreus version of Death and the Logger

The story of death and the woodcutter has an important weight in God of War Ragnarok

At some point during Ragnarokwhen Atreus has trouble falling asleep, Kratos entertains him with an old story about an old woodcutter who transported lumber for his village day after day. Eventually, he becomes too tired to carry on and, throwing off his burden, asks Death to take him. Kratos summarizes the story here, but it's already obvious what he's referring to God of war RagnarokThe story of: The entire game develops up to the moment of Kratos' death, as was predicted at the end of the previous article.

Kratos' character also has much in common with that of the Lumberjacks, as he lived a life characterized by struggle and certainly tempted by the possibility of truce.

The story ultimately has an uplifting ending, as towards the end of the game it is revealed that the Woodcutter, after meeting Death, decides that he wants to continue living. He asks for help to carry his logs, lightening his burden and allowing him to move forward. This unexpected ending sets up Kratos' character arc in these two games, as he rejects death and prophecy through community, friendship, and trust. It is one of many examples of multi-layered storytelling in Ragnarokand future games should take up and evolve this narrative tool.

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

THE God of war the franchise, before and after the reboot, depends on its connection to the mythology. In the real world, stories of divine pantheons and celestial battles have long served to teach some kind of lesson or illuminate an aspect of the human psyche: Narcissus drowning while chasing his own reflection teaches the dangers of self-obsession, the story of Sisyphean punishment conveys the risks of betrayal and so on.

So, equally simple stories that connect to the more nuanced and modernized narratives of the God of war the games themselves fit into the mythological backdrop of the series, making it easier to believe that the events of the games are actually part of a larger mystical world.

How such stories could be applied to Atreus' supposed solo adventure would depend on his character's arc and journey. Stories about self-discovery, facing new and terrifying challenges, or coming to terms with a complicated past would all be potentially powerful inclusions in a future. God of war title, helping to flesh out Atreus as he enters young adulthood and presumably much greater dangers.