Summary
TheGod of Warseries is truly propelled forward by its fascinating narrative, but even that is ultimately piloted by its compelling characters. Whether it’sKratos and his struggle to forgive himselfand move on from his past, Atreus and his journey of growth to becoming an independent man, or Freya and her redemptive transformation, there are plenty of emotional character arcs in the rebootedGod of Warseries. One character isn’t a hero or heroine, however, and stands above almost any other antagonist in the franchise – Baldur.
What makes Baldur such a valuable character is his complexity. Of course, this is a trait that many ofGod of War’s characters possess, but Baldur’s rises to an entirely different level – one that should serve as inspiration for futureGod of Warvillains to maintain the series' depth as it places more antagonists in Kratos and Atreus' path.
God of War’s Baldur Shouldn’t Be the Last of His Kind
Baldur Is One of God of War’s Most Complex Antagonists
Whilethe rebootedGod of Warserieshas featured plenty of memorable villains since it began in 2018, very few of them have been as complex as Baldur. Baldur is initially portrayed inGod of Waras a cruel and vengeful antagonist. However, he becomes increasingly complex throughout the story, as players learn that he is cursed with an invulnerability that prevents him from feeling anything, including pain, warmth, and pleasure. While something like that would normally be considered a gift, to Baldur, it is a curse that keeps him trapped in an endless cycle of suffering. This is all due to a spell that his mother, Freya, placed on him, thereby fueling his desire for vengeance.
The spell Freya cast on Baldur was meant to keep him from dying, after a prophecy foretold his unnecessary death.
Despite being a god, the challenges Baldur faces are inherently human. WhenFreya enchanted himwith invulnerability, he believed he lost his agency and humanity in the process. He then allows his obsession with exacting revenge on his mother to overcome him, fueled by a desire to regain his freedom, much like any sheltered child might feel as they grow old enough to be independent. In the end, Baldur’s are less motivated by malice and more so by profound suffering that would be painful for anyone in his situation to endure.
The complexity of Baldur’s character ultimately comes to a head when Kratos has no choice but to kill him. In the end,Kratos' decision to kill Balduris a tragic choice, as it ends his suffering and prevents him from harming Atreus, but it also leaves Freya heartbroken about her son’s death. This is all not to mention, of course, the fact that Kratos has already been trying to divorce his past and become something different from the cold-blooded killer he was in the original series, and killing Baldur certainly doesn’t help that. Ultimately, for Kratos anyway, Baldur serves as a foil, highlighting the dangers of unchecked vengeance and familial discord. As Kratos does everything in his power to overcome his violent past and become a better father to Atreus, Baldur is an example of what would happen to Kratos if he were to let bitterness become deeply rooted in him.
The God of War Franchise Needs More Villains Like Baldur
While it’s almost certain theGod of Warreboot series will continue to feature compelling villains, incorporating more villains like Baldur would be the best route to take.What makes Baldur such an important antagonistin the series is that he shows that a villain doesn’t need to be inherently evil to be compelling. Rather than being a villain that players can hate, Baldur is one that players can understand, even relate to and agree with at times. By crafting characters with similar complex motivations, theGod of Warseries can challenge players to question their own morals and principles, and to reflect on the nature of moral ambiguity and the need for justice. Hopefully,God of War(2018) isn’t the last time the likes of Baldur will make an appearance in the series.
God of War Ragnarok
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting goFrom Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
