No, the Leviathan Axe is Not in Norse Mythology
Unlike mainstays of Norse legend like Thor‘s hammer Mjölnir or the Midgard Serpent, the Leviathan Axe itself does not appear anywhere in Norse mythology. It is a completely original creation by the developers at Santa Monica Studio for their acclaimed God of War video game franchise.
However, while not actually found in Norse tales, the magical axe cleverly incorporates and plays homage to several key aspects of Norse culture. From its dwarven origins to its connection to iconic Norse objects and figures, the Leviathan Axe fits remarkably well into that pantheon.
Brok and Sindri – The Dwarven Brothers Who Forged It
According to God of War lore, the Leviathan Axe was forged by the dwarf siblings Brok and Sindri. This is a clear reference to how dwarves were respected as legendary craftsmen and blacksmiths in Norse legends. Their race were said to have forged some of the greatest weapons for the Norse gods using their skills at metalwork and smithing.
Brok and Sindri are recurring characters in the God of War series that enchant and upgrade equipment. They also crafted Thor‘s hammer Mjölnir, which makes them creating the Leviathan Axe to oppose it perfectly fitting. In Norse texts, there are references to realms inhabited by dwarves, such as Svartálfaheimr, that contain mines and forges.
| Dwarves in Norse Mythology | Brok and Sindri |
|---|---|
| Skilled smiths & craftsmen | Skilled smiths and craftsmen |
| Created weapons for the gods | Created Mjölnir and the Leviathan Axe |
| Inhabit various realms | Have a shop in Midgard |
| Associated with minerals and mountains | Use mineral and materials in gear |
An Axe to Oppose Mjölnir, Thor‘s Legendary Hammer
In both Norse mythology and the God of War franchise, Mjölnir stands as an icon of incredible power. The mighty hammer of Thor, the Norse god of thunder and fertility, has remnants in texts dating all the way back to the 10th century AD. Legends tell of how only the worthy can lift it, and that it always returns to Thor‘s hand when thrown.
The Leviathan Axe was designed to be equal in strength to Thor‘s signature hammer. When crafted by Brok and Sindri, they imbued it with magic to allow it to oppose Mjölnir.
This essentially positions the axe as one of the most formidable weapons across all the realms, able to go head-to-head with even Mjölnir itself. It represents the guilt that Brok and Sindri feel over forging such a powerful and devastating tool as Thor‘s hammer.
| Mjölnir | Leviathan Axe |
|---|---|
| Forged by Brok and Sindri | Forged by Brok and Sindri |
| Wielded by Thor, god of thunder | Originally made for Laufey the giant |
| Can be summoned back when thrown | Can be summoned back when thrown |
| Grants lightning/electricity powers | Imbued with ice magic |
| Levels mountains with ease | Cuts through nearly any substance |
| Killed countless giants | An "anti-Mjölnir" to atone |
Named After the Legendary Midgard Serpent
The Leviathan Axe gets its name from the Midgard Serpent or Jörmungandr from Norse cosmology. The massive serpent was said to wrap its long body around the entire world, growing so large it could bite its own tail.
As part of the Ragnarök end times prophecy, the Midgard Serpent is foretold to emerge and do battle with Thor himself. When Thor slays the serpent with Mjölnir, he is only able to take nine paces before succumbing to the serpent‘s venom. This mutual destruction reflects the Leviathan Axe‘s role as Mjölnir‘s destined rival.
As a fierce underwater beast associated with threatening Norsedeities, the Midgard Serpent makes for fitting inspiration. Its fated struggle with Thor neatly mirrors the axe and hammer‘s linked opposition.
| The Midgard Serpent | The Leviathan Axe |
|---|---|
| Encircles the mortal world | Named after the serpent |
| Battles Thor during Ragnarök | Made to oppose Thor‘s weapon |
| Mortally wounds Thor | An "anti-Mjölnir" force |
| Extremely long body | Single bit axe with extended beard |
| Lives in the ocean | Imbued with ice magic |
Based on Real Norse Bearded Axe Designs
The Leviathan Axe seems to take visual inspiration from ancient Norse bearded axe designs. These were axes with pronounced bits that extended downwards significantly. This elongation improved cutting ability and added prominent "beards" to the axe heads.
A Viking age bearded axe head. Image source
The Leviathan Axe incorporates the extended lower blade piece associated with the Norse bearded axe style. It may have also drew from the skeggøx (or "beard axe"). These had broader bits more optimized for battle.
This design choice further cements the Leviathan Axe visually as a weapon feasible within the Norse world, even as a fictional creation.
An Iconic Weapon Within God of War‘s Lore
Created specifically for the God of War reboot set in ancient Midgard, the Leviathan Axe has become the iconic weapon for protagonist Kratos. After being passed down through his wife Laufey‘s Jötunn giant clan, Kratos now utilizes it masterfully in combat, throwing and recalling it with ease.
Its frost magic pairs well with the fiery Blades of Chaos from Kratos‘ Greek era. And its Norwegian design sets it apart as a unique tool customized for battling Norse creatures.
In God of War‘s fiction, as evidenced by an official toy replica, the Leviathan Axe:
- Measures 28.8 cm long (blade and haft)
- Weighs 1.32 kg
- Crafted of steel and carved wood
Runic Attacks
- Frost Attack
- Rampage of the Furies
- Mists of Helheim
Skills
- Precision Throw
- Axe Recall
- Leviathan‘s FurySo while not actually from Norse mythology, within the God of War universe, the Leviathan Axe has been crafted into an iconic armament. It carries on the legacy of Kratos‘ previous weapons with its own Nordic flare fitting of legends like Brok and Sindri, Thor‘s hammer, and the Midgard Serpent that inspire it.
