Warning: Major spoilers ahead for God of War Ragnarok’s Valhalla DLC.TheGod of Warfranchise has always received praise for its captivating music and sound design, and that trend faithfully continues inGod of War Ragnarok’s freeValhallaDLC.Valhallasees Kratos taken to the Asgardian realm of Valhalla, where he must stare down the shame of his violent past and let go of regret by facing trials inspired by painful memories from his time in Midgard and Greece. The DLC’s narrative thus takes Kratos on a journey through some of the major events of theinstallments that came beforeGod of War’s 2018 reboot, and it uses music to assist in telling that story.
ThroughoutValhalla’s narrative, two musical themes are heard in tandem:the emotional motifs of themodernGod of Wargamesand the dark, boding melody of the original trilogy. The original theme forGod of Warhas become a valuable piece of nostalgia at this point, especially for fans who have been with the series since its humble beginnings. However, the presence of the originalGod of Wartheme in theValhallaDLC accomplishes more than mere fan service, as it is brilliantly utilized as an undercover literary tool of sorts to emphasize the DLC’s themes of introspection and internal conflict.
God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla’s Music Is a Key Part of Its Narrative
Kratos spends the majority of his time in Valhalla fending off an array of foes, including Tyr, who invited Kratos to Valhalla. However, as the story progresses, it becomes increasingly clear who Kratos' true enemy is: himself. Kratos has spent a significant amount of time over the years in utter disgust with his past, and that self-loathing has only become worse asKratos continues to growand learn from his mistakes. He is generally unwilling to receive any sort of praise from others, including his faithful counterpart Mimir, as his shame keeps him bound to the unworthy man he used to be. In the realm of Valhalla, however, he is forced to confront and bury that shame, which inevitably leads to a humbling conclusion for the tormented protagonist as he makes peace with his past to become the god of hope.
AstheValhallaDLC is a roguelike experience, players repeatedly restart their journey into Valhalla, which means Kratos does as well. As he plunges deeper and deeper into the mysteries of the realm and his presence there, the conflict within him grows more apparent. The music then shifts from the themes modern audiences have become accustomed to and instead reflects Kratos' inner conflict by essentially having the original theme creep up every so often, particularly when Kratos becomes more burdened by his past.
The head ofHelios, the Greek God of the Sunwhom Kratos beheaded at the end ofGod of War 3, also occasionally replaces Mimir in the DLC to assist in forcing Kratos to confront his past by bullying him with accusations and threats, and it is not at all an accident that the originalGod of Wartheme is typically heard when Helios appears. While Kratos usually remains silent amid Helios' threats and haughty remarks, the presence of the Greek saga’s theme ultimately betrays Kratos by revealing what can only be assumed are the insecurities he is working so hard to silence.
…the Greek saga’s theme ultimately betrays Kratos by revealing what can only be assumed are the insecurities he is working so hard to silence.
God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla’s musical score is another shining example of the franchise’s clever use of music to convey a message beyond the one clearly being told through the story. Through the incorporation of the theme from the original Greek saga and its occasional interruptions of the new, players can more thoroughly understand what has been a lifelong struggle for Kratos, thus allowing them to connect with his journey on a much deeper level. Thankfully, in the end, Kratos overcomes his anguish and embraces the transformation he has more than earned in his dedication, compassion, and desire to do good.
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.
