Thor is a character in Mythology that has been adapted and interpreted through many different stories across many different media. God of War: Ragnarok is the latest of this iteration of the mighty Thor, God of Thunder, and he is certainly a character vastly different from his Marvel Comics counterpart, but truly how different is he from the Norse Mythology that inspires God of War: Ragnarok at every turn?
Santa Monica Studios have carefully constructed their version of Thor, whilst also honoring the Norse Mythology from which they have taken the character. However, there are enough differences that Santa Monica Studios can call their God of War: Ragnarok Thor their own.
Spoilers Ahead
7 Thor’s Death
During Ragnarok, Thor has an epic battle with the monstrous World Serpent, Jormungandr. The two battle to the death, and Thor provides a blow so powerful that it kills Jormungandr. However, Thor’s injuries were too great, and he only took a few steps before succumbing to Jormungandr’s venom, and he died.
Thor meets a different end in God of War: Ragnarok. Despite having an epic battle with Jormungandr during Ragnarok, he sends the serpent back through time. Thor survives and meets his end at the hands of his father, Odin. Odin kills Thor after Thor refuses to kill Kratos, and he dies free of his father’s demands.
6 Relationship With Loki
Loki was often bad, but sometimes good. He was the god of mischief after all. Odin and Loki were blood brothers, and Odin invited Loki to join the Aesir in Asgard as one of them. Loki went on many mischievous adventures, sometimes with Thor, even if not all of them ended well. Thor and Loki are not brothers but are often companions.
Thor and Loki’s relationship in God of War: Ragnarok is not exactly on the best of terms. After all, Loki is a half-giant, and giants are the enemy of Thor. Not only that, but Loki played a big part in the death of Thor’s sons, Magni and Modi. They only knew each other briefly, before Thor tried to kill Loki, and was later killed in Ragnarok.
5 Thor Vs Laufey
Laufey is a figure in Norse Mythology who is mainly important for being the mother of Loki. As part of the Jotnar, Laufey is a giant, and at an eternal war with the Aesir. Not much is entirely known about the Jotnar, and Laufey in general, other than the fact that she is Loki’s mother. There is no mention of a battle with Thor.
As Kratos’ wife, Laufey is often referred to as Fey. The games try and flesh out her character more, especially after her death, with Kratos and Atreus learning new things, just like how she had a rageful battle against Thor in Vanaheim, where they clashed and a lightning bolt was frozen. This battle never occurs and is not mentioned in Norse Mythology.
4 Sober Thor
It’s no secret that Thor is a proud drinking man. He has an utterly incredible alcohol tolerance due to being a god, and the fact that he spends most of his days drinking mead. In one instance, Thor meets Utgard-Loki and truly drinks until he drops. Mead has been a favorite pastime of the God of Thunder for his Mythology.
When Kratos meets Thor in God of War: Ragnarok, he is notably more sober and serious. Even Odin states how he is not fun anymore. This is of course, due to the death of his two sons, Magni and Modi. Their deaths have made him swear off alcohol to be a better father and husband.
3 Self-Hatred
Thor’s personality proves him to be a hero of the Vikings. He shared much in common with Midgard, the common people of the realms. He indulged in food and drink, as well as a parchment for comedy. Many were devoted to Thor, and respected and loved him more than they feared him in Norse Mythology, even if he was a tad more selfish than it seemed.
When it comes to Thor in God of War: Ragnarok, he is a lot less happy with himself and those around him. His father treats him like a lapdog, and he acts as such because that is all he knows. Thor is filled with self-doubt about who he is and his place as a god. Doubts that are festered and manipulated by Odin and the death of his sons.
2 The Fate Of Mjolnir
After Thor died during Ragnarok, much was left unknown about the goings of his hammer, Mjolnir. This hammer was the weapon Thor, and one of the most recognizable weapons. It is capable of utter destruction and can decimate anything. However, after Ragnarok, its fate is left undetermined. Many may expect that his sons hold Mjolnir, as no one else seemed to be able to lift it.
With Thor’s death in God of War: Ragnarok, Mjolnir is left missing. Kratos can return to the desert of Alfheim to find Thruid Thorsdottir lifting Mjolnir from the rocks. The fact that the fate of Mjolnir lies in Thor’s only surviving child brings hope to his name, and a bright future for Thruid.
1 Doesn’t Care Much For His Sons
There is not a lot known about Magni or Modi in Norse Mythology. They are noted to have survived Ragnarok, and perhaps they even wield Mjolnir after the death of their father, Thor. The lack of information on Magni and Modi helps Santa Monica Studios to further create their depiction of the Norse characters for their games.
Magni and Modi were killed by Kratos and Atreus in God of War (2018). Both characters were somewhat scared of their abusive father. When players meet Thor in God of War: Ragnarok, he is vengeful of his boys, part of the reason is that he did not care for them in life, as he did in death.
God of War: Ragnarok is available now for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5