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kratioed · 4 months

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GOW | NORSE MYTHOLOGY: “VÁLI & NARFI” It’s clear that “Hel” will one day appear in future installments, as hinted in both GOW (2018) and Ragnarök, but anyone who is a myth enthusiast knows that Loki had other children besides his monstrous offspring in Norse Mythology because interestingly enough, GOW’s wiki community decided to include "Váli & Narfi" despite no evidence of their existence whatsoever throughout the Norse era.

Of course, it’s also a fandom site; while they can be a reliable source, said sources on their encyclopedia are sometimes inaccurate. Knowing the impossibility of their existence, I also thought about how they can coexist throughout the GOWverse (EDIT UPDATE 2/1/2024: Recently, the GOW's wiki community updated Atreus' "uncertain future" category and the links to Váli's & Narfi's wiki pages no longer existed. Doesn't mean it'll stop me from enjoying my fun! 😎). And the more I thought about it, the more apparent it became that they’re essential for the franchise…but it’s more like my personal headcanon rather than my “crack” theory. And so- I thought it would be fun to share my overly long detailed analysis with those who are fixated on Atreus’ other (im)possible children as much as I am because I need this to get it out of my system since they have been living rent-free in my head for almost a year just now.

Not only I'm doing this for shits and giggles- but also because this blog is now officially a Váli & Narfi stan account! Kratos would have LOVED his grandsons if they ever appeared in GOW, but it's very unlikely that would happen. This analysis would be a long one...so bear with me!

I think it would be poetic for God of War to end off including Váli & Narfi (alongside Atreus) for the final conclusion of the franchise. And yes, Hel would be an adult in this timeskip, contrary to popular belief that they were children in Norse Mythology. Despite their unfortunate demise, their backgrounds are nothing like their half-siblings’ in the Norse Mythos, making them the most ordinary of all Loki’s children. But you know what?- The concept of Váli & Narfi being the epitome of normality of all Loki’s offspring gave me an a idea; I’m not sure if anyone has noticed, but Váli & Narfi (from Norse Mythology) exhibit some similarities to Kratos & Deimos. Before the Olympians (Athena and Ares) pursued one of the brothers due to a doomsday prophecy, Kratos & Deimos believed they were mere mortals during childhood as they still fit the epitome of normality as children, similarly to Váli & Narfi. They’re also gods at birth, but the only difference is that Váli & Narfi most likely knew about their divine nature, whereas Kratos (excluding Deimos) only discovered it later in adulthood (a silly parallel, but I still think it counts). Another example would be in the parallel dynamics of Váli & Kratos, as they both had experiences where they succumbed to their primal instincts in different circumstances; Váli unwillingly turned into a wolf and killed his brother driven by primal instincts under the Æsir’s (or presumably Odin’s) influence, almost similar to how Kratos was deceived and unaware, killed his first wife and daughter fueled by his primal desire for blood under Ares’ influence. While Váli’s fate remains unknown after Loki's Punishment, we can infer that both Váli & Kratos are the only survivors other than their brother. While the deaths of Narfi & Deimos are an obvious parallel, they're also linked to Bounds and Punishment in distinct ways; like Váli, Narfi was punished with his entrails used as bounds in retribution against his father, as well as due to his relation with Loki while Deimos, on the other hand, was bound and punished due to his existence as the "Marked Warrior" (same thing goes with Kratos since he too was also bound and punished at one point in Ascension).

Also; they were all subjected to violence as children inflicted by Gods. Consequently, it ultimately led the downfall of both Æsir & Olympians, as predicted by their prophecy. The prophecy of the "Marked Warrior" bringing destruction upon Olympus began the moment they abducted Deimos. The sufferings of Kratos' family (including Sparta and Pandora) at the hands of Gods contributes the downfall of Olympus. Their tragedies are the major cause of Kratos' justified vengeance to destroy the entire pantheon, ultimately leading the devastation of the Greek world.

In Norse Mythology (with my limited knowledge); Odin's and the Æsir's retaliation on Loki's monstrous children, particularly Fenrir, due to prophecies contributes their downfall in Ragnarök, especially with their involvement in Loki's Punishment. However, I believe that the suffering of Váli & Narfi at the hands of Æsir Gods is the primary cause for Loki's justified desire for vengeance- the Æsir's use of Narfi's entrails, his own son, as restraints adds insult to injury, intensifying Loki's anger. Obviously, Loki joined forces with those against Æsir Gods with his army of Hel's people while the events of Ragnarök lead the devastation throughout the lands.

But since this is GOW- I found this YouTube comment, which I've kept for quite some time, that perfectly said my thoughts out loud:

With the absence of Loki's Punishment; not only Kratos saved Váli & Narfi from Æsir's (particularly Odin's) wrath, he also prevented a similar tragedy that would inflict upon his grandsons the same way that Gods once inflicted upon him and Deimos as children (for now...just because Loki's Punishment never happened in Norse era doesn't mean they're safe. It's possible that the fates of Váli & Narfi could still happen in different scenarios- but this is a happy ending I'm talking about, so let's keep it that way 😌).

Now, moving along!- Notice the quotation marks around their names in the title post? There's a reason for that. It would have been so simple for Santa Monica to have Atreus name his sons "Váli & Narfi" as everyone expected from Norse Mythology, but I have to object. For several reasons; from what I've heard, there has been a debate about whether Váli is a son of Odin or Loki, or both Valis existed as sperate characters. Additionally, in GOWR, there's already a boss character named Vali (The Oath Guard), which I assumed it's a cultural practice for parents to name their child after a Norse god in Scandinavian countries (correct me if I'm wrong)- but I find it unlikely for Atreus to name one of his children after an Æsir (or any god in general). Similarly, Narfi shares a name with another Giant unrelated to Loki whatsoever. And given the wide variety of Gods and other mythological figures we've seen from Greek Mythology depicted in GOW, it wouldn't be surprising if other Narfi and (particularly) Váli Odinson were to mentioned or featured in future installments. And lastly, "Loki" is known as Atreus in GOW. "Hel," obviously, will be given a different name in the future. If Santa Monica can give "Loki" & "Hel" alternative names through creative liberties...then they can do the same thing with "Váli & Narfi." HERE'S MY IDEA: If you're not aware or need a reminder, Atreus gets to learn about Deimos during "Animal Instincts" side quest. Whether you choose to bring Atreus or Freya doesn't matter, it doesn't change the fact that Santa Monica had intended for Atreus to know about his uncle. It's still canon either way. And ngl "Death can have me when it earns me" from Kratos' line seems kinda foreshadowing...but I digress. Kratos named his son after Atreus of Sparta, the man who smiled in the darkest times, reminding others of the presence of humanity among war machines. I've also seen some suggestions that Hel's name could be Faye, Laufey, or even Calliope...but for "Váli & Narfi"...imagine how emotional it'll be if Atreus were to name his sons, Kratos (II) & Deimos (II). Váli Kratos II; named after his grandfather, was once a monster with the ability to change and open his heart into a benevolent god, symbolizing as the beacon of hope. And Narfi Deimos II; named after his great uncle, whom Atreus had known but never met, but wishes they had, honored his uncle by naming his son after him. There are hearsay, or statements from Cory Barlog (correct me if I'm wrong), that Kratos couldn't bring himself to name his son after Deimos due to painful memories. Atreus, on the other hand, is open to idea of his own son bearing Deimos' name...

EDIT UPDATE 3/7/2024: Just recently discovered in Greek Culture, it's common for children to be named after their grandparents- in which, aligns with my case for "Váli" to be named after his grandfather! Even though "Narfi" is named after his great uncle, I like to imagine this also apply the same thing in the context of GOW!

And also!- besides Narfi Lokison having a similar name with the other Narfi, it gets a little more confusing that there's a alternate version where Narfi's brother is named "Nari," and this time, Narfi is the one who turned into a wolf and kills Nari.

But Narfi's name later changed to Váli...

I initially assumed this version of Narfi & Nari was created due to speculation about Váli being Odin's son instead of Loki's or error translation. Nevertheless, this gave me another idea... Small reminder that Kratos sees himself and Deimos through Speki & Svanna. How about we merge both versions (Váli & Narfi / Narfi & Nari) together? Both can shapeshift into wolves, establishing their connection to Loki. Not only they mirror Kratos & Demios through Speki & Svanna, but also made them character foils for Kratos & Deimos (and considering the fact that Kratos mistaken Speki & Svanna as boys while foreshadowing his doting relationship with his future grandsons 🥺🥺🥺 lemme be delusion).

Because if you think about it...both his father and uncle are reunited once again, reliving their childhoods together through "Váli & Narfi" that Kratos & Deimos never had as children.

And that's about it! If you managed read through this wall of text, then congratulations!- here's a quick idea of what I envisioned Váli/Kratos II as your award:

He has his grandfather's looks in youth (which I tried to replicate) along with Kratos' amber eyes and Atreus' freckles. Narfi/Deimos II, on the other hand, is difficult to imagine...but it's very obvious he was born with the iconic birthmark like his great uncle. Anywho, hope you guys enjoy this read! It took me months to get this finish.

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