In God of War Ragnarok, Kratos and Atreus face their biggest challenges yet in the Norse realm. The difficulties before them threaten to destroy their relationship, but fortunately, they meet companions along the way who help them out. Many of the friends they encounter prove their bravery and loyalty, but they often have their own tragic backstories, including the brothers Brok and Sindri who bicker but ultimately love each other. This is especially true for Angrboda, who puts on a hopeful face as she aids Atreus in his important quest but has her own tragedies to deal with.
Being able to paint the future has its benefits, but it is also a great burden, as Angrboda learns in God of War Ragnarok. Though she has a role to play in the larger story, her family along with all its pain and love is ultimately just a forgotten footnote. Sadly, she feels imprisoned by fate and powerless to change it.
Angrboda the Friendly Giant
Angrboda is often seen smiling, but her name means “sorrow,” which hints at her tragic life story. Atreus meets Angrboda when he falls asleep and mysteriously wakes up in a different realm. Though Atreus is confused, Angrboda has been expecting him. She is a giant, and she can make prophecies by painting them. Her paints are also useful during combat, as she can use them to attack foes. Referring to Atreus as Loki, she explains that she already knows her destiny, which is to prepare Atreus for his.
The meeting is a bittersweet one, as Atreus learns a lot more about his giant heritage, but he also learns that it is fated for Kratos to die and for him to pledge allegiance to Odin. The revelation is a tragic one for Atreus, but gamers soon discover that Angrboda has her own sad story. This occurs when Atreus and Angrboda escape from Gristla, her grandmother. After disowning her granddaughter, the giant taunts her by saying she will be forgotten by Loki, just as the prophecy predicts.
Angrboda’s Sad Fate in God of War Ragnarok
In many ways, Angrboda and Atreus are similar, as they are both giants and they are both around the same age. However, Atreus believes that he can defy fate while Angrboda believes her path is set in stone. Despite the prophecy, Angrboda winds up playing a vital role in Ragnarok, as well as in Atreus’ life. Atreus does not forget about her, and instead, she becomes his love interest. She gives Atreus her marble, which will allow him to still have contact with her in his future adventures.
Despite this, Angrboda’s situation is still a sad one. She remains one of the last of her kind, as the giants have been massacred by Thor. Those who aren’t dead have locked their souls within marbles. Though Angrboda has managed to avoid being forgotten by Atreus, the giants still appear to be forgotten by history. Fortunately, Angrboda manages to find a new kind of family with Kratos, Mimir, and Atreus.
The God of War franchise may be done with the Norse saga, but that doesn’t necessarily mean players won’t see Angrboda again. God of War Ragnarok's ending allows for Angrboda's story to unfold in many ways, including by helping Atreus in his adventures or returning the giants to their previous glory. With Ragnarok out of the way, her fate is finally in her own hands.
God of War Ragnarok is available on PS4 and PS5.
