After Kratos finally exacted his revenge on Zeus, God of War fans were left to wonder if the series had run its course. If another mythology were to be explored, would it capture the same magic of past Greece? Would Kratos even be involved? However, Kratos' story did continue through two marvelous games, this time in Scandanavia, home of Norse mythology. Kratos and his son Atreus encounter a new set of gods, some destined to be slain.
Thankfully, many players have grown familiar with Norse mythology, to a degree, because of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Thor, Loki, Odin, and other Norse figures have become beloved by many MCU fans, leaving them eager to see how God of War portrays these gods. In some cases, the two interpretations couldn't be any more different.
This list contains some spoilers for God of War Ragnarök.
10 Loki Is Thor's Brother And Kratos' Son
In God of War, Loki didn't initially know he was Loki. Loki, born Atreus, sets off on a mission with his father, Kratos, at the behest of his mother's wishes. She tasked the two to spread her ashes from the highest peak of the Nine Realms in Jötunheim. In Jötunheim, Atreus and Kratos learn that Atreus was a Frost Giant from his mother's side, and referred to as "Loki."
In the MCU, Loki is Thor's adoptive brother. Loki very much lives up to his mischief god moniker, causing havoc throughout the MCU. The self-absorbed Loki has since turned over a new leaf, whether it's his main timeline counterpart or the alternate universe version, which is the subject of Disney+'s Loki.
9 Laufey Is Still A Parent Of Loki
In God of War, "Faye" married Kratos, and together they had Atreus. Unbeknownst to Kratos and Atreus, Faye was short for Laufey. Laufey was a Giant who had previously led rebellions against the Aesir, granting her the nickname "Laufey the Just." Faye's knowledge of the future was the driving force behind her wishes to lead Kratos and Atreus to Jötunheim.
Laufey, rather King Laufey, only makes one appearance in the MCU: the original Thor movie. King Laufey is the king of the Frost Giants, and the father of Loki, who King Laufey left to die for being undersized. Odin adopted Loki in the aftermath of the Asgard-Jötunheim War. Laufey attempts to use Loki as a means to kill Odin; however, Loki betrays and kills Laufey instead.
8 Thor Faces His Own Personal Trials Regardless Of Franchise
God of War's Thor can be seen as a parallel to Kratos' days serving Ares: a god who serves first and thinks later. Thor spends much of God of War Ragnarök as a man who has lost his way. He struggles with alcoholism, which leads to a very difficult conversation with his loving daughter, Thrúd.
MCU's Thor is one of the most popular characters in the MCU. His fish-out-of-water experiences on Earth have endeared fans. Thor provides easy laughs, but that doesn't mean he lacks serious moments. Thor has experienced no shortage of loss, such as his parents, brother, allies, and the love of his life. But love is what will keep Thor going, literally and figuratively.
7 Sif Is Married To Thor In God Of War
God of War's Sif is married to Thor. The two have four children, Magni (her half-son), Modi, Ullr, and Thrúd. Kratos and Atreus killed the former two in God of War (2018), something Sif doesn't forget. Sif desires revenge more than her husband, but she also detests the role her husband plays under Odin.
MCU's Sif is not married to Thor, although she has been known to have feelings for him. Sif and Thor remain incredibly close friends, and Sif won't hesitate to help Thor in times of need, even if it means disobeying orders. Sif is a highly skilled warrior thanks to her determination to prove that a woman could be a fierce and respected warrior.
6 Heimdall's Personality Is Almost The Polar Opposite
God of War's Heimdall is drastically different from his MCU counterpart. Heimdall is cocky and arrogant. Few, if any, in Asgard like him. Heimdall can sense a person's innermost intentions. Not only does this compel him to want to kill Atreus, but it also makes him very difficult to hit in combat.
MCU's Heimdall is much more compassionate. While he initially maintains a loyal and stoic persona, Heimdall is still willing to do what is right and just. Heimdall was the guardian of the Bifrost and gatekeeper of Asgard. Heimdall aided Thor in ensuring travel between realms.
5 Týr Is Anything But A God Of War
Players came to know Týr through his Temple in the Lake of the Nine, which helped Kratos and Atreus journey to each realm. In Ragnarök, Kratos and Atreus meet the Norse God of War. Odin imprisoned Týr out of fear of the prophecy that Týr would lead an army to Asgard. However, the Týr Kratos and Atreus met has become uncharacteristically pacifistic. Definitely not the Týr of legend.
Týr only made one appearance in the MCU: Thor: The Dark World. Týr's role was the lead Asgard's army, the Einherjar. Týr was commanded to protect Jane Foster when the Dark Elves invaded Asgard.
4 Surtr/Surtur Is Ragnarök
Kratos and Atreus meet Surtr near the end of Ragnarök. A prophecy foretold that Surtr would combine with his love, Sinmara, to become Ragnarök itself. Surtr is very protective of Sinmara and refuses to put her at risk, even if it means sacrificing himself.
MCU's Surtur, spelled with a second "U," is a bookend for Thor: Ragnarok. At the start of the film, Thor kills Surtur in Muspelheim. However, with a need to defeat Hela before she could destroy the Nine Realms, Surtur was resurrected with the Eternal Flame bringing about his prophesized destruction of Asgard.
3 The Valkyries Are A Powerful Force
The Valkyries are Odin's trusted group of warriors. In God of War, the Valkyries serve as optional boss fights. Corrupted by Odin, Kratos and Atreus fight to free them. In Ragnarök, the purified Valkyries serve Freya, a former Valkyrie Queen, in her pursuit of Odin.
In the MCU, most of the Valkyries have long died in battle, leaving the burden of survival guilt on Brunnhilde, known more commonly as "Valkyrie." Brunnhilde has since been entrusted as the King of Asgard. While there isn't a Valkyrie named Brunnhilde in God of War, there is a Hildr.
2 Frigga And Freya Were Married To Odin
Freya is one of the most prominent characters in the recent God of War games. The "Witch of the Forest" was Odin's former wife and Baldur's mother. Due to Baldur's death at the hands of Kratos, and Odin binding her to Midgard, Freya is fueled by revenge, much like Kratos was in Greece. As Odin's wife, Freya is often referred to as "Frigg."
MCU's equivalent is Frigga, wife of Odin and mother of Thor and Loki. Thor and Loki loved their mother dearly, and her death altered their lives' trajectory. The comic iteration of Frigga is more aligned with God of War's Freya by being the mother of Balder the Brave, being referred to as Freyja, and her origins of Vanaheim.
1 Odin Lives Up To His Allfather Moniker
It's only natural that the primary antagonist of God of War's Norse duology is Odin. God of War's Odin is cunning, always multiple steps ahead. He is obsessed with knowledge and preventing his demise, leading to death and destruction throughout the Nine Realms and within his family. All roads lead to Ragnarök, and plenty of people long to see Odin die.
MCU's Odin is much more loving and caring, although still strict in nature. A legendary warrior, Odin has since embraced peace. Despite that, Odin won't hesitate to take action to protect his family or his people. At the end of his life, Odin taught Thor and Loki a valuable lesson: "Asgard is not a place," but rather a people.