Who gave Kratos his Leviathan Axe?

As an avid God of War fan, I‘m constantly impressed by the iconic weapons Kratos wields across his mythological journeys. In the latest series entry set in Midgard, Kratos wields a frosty axe called the Leviathan. This devastating weapon was a parting gift from Kratos‘ second wife, the giantess warrior Laufey.

Laufey‘s Mysterious Past and Motivations

Prior meeting Kratos, little is known about Laufey‘s origins or past. As a Jötunn, she likely hailed from Jötunheim before settling down in Midgard. Laufey was gifted with the rare power to see glimpses of the future – including foresights of her husband‘s fate.

Troubled by visions of threats facing Kratos and her son Atreus, Laufey sought to help prepare them. She commissioned the talented dwarven blacksmiths Brok and Sindri to forge a special weapon. This axe became the Leviathan – imbued with magical abilities to aid the father and son on their future journey.

Laufey kept her past secret from Atreus and Kratos. Only as they adventured following her death did they uncover her history and motivations. As a mother, Laufey created the Leviathan Axe out of love and protection for her family.

Key Details on Laufey:

• Giantess warrior with gift of foresight
• Commissioned the Leviathan Axe from Brok and Sindri
• Imbued axe with special powers to help Kratos and Atreus
• Kept her past and motivations secret
• Gifted axe to Kratos sometime before her death

Leviathan Axe‘s Devastating Capabilities and Stats

In combat, the Leviathan Axe allows Kratos to fluidly switch from close quarters brutality to safe ranged attack. Its icy elemental powers slow and damage foes. According to the in-game stats, when fully upgraded it deals an incredible 189 base frost damage and 489 base physical damage.

These stats make the Leviathan Axe competitive with the best weapons in the game. It may lack the burst potential of the Blades of Chaos, but its versatility and balance is unmatched.

In my experience, the mobility from throwing and recalling the axe fluidly chains combat moves. Combined with high strength, its axe form also doubles as a useful puzzle solving tool for breaking objects. Simply put, the Leviathan Axe empowers Kratos with options – living up to Laufey‘s vision.

Leviathan Axe‘s Capabilities:

• Inflicts devastating frost and physical damage
• Can be thrown and recalled instantly
• Frost effects slow enemies
• High strength doubles as puzzle/world solving tool
• Balanced stats allow versatile fighting styles

How the Axe Compares to Other God of War Weapons

The God of War games are defined by the iconic deadly weapons Kratos equips. From the Blades of Chaos to the Nemean Cestus, let‘s see how Laufey‘s Leviathan Axe measures up:

Blades of Chaos

• Higher burst damage and area control
• No range or recall capability
• Less resource dependant
• Pure offensive focus

The Blades of Chaos suit Kratos‘ rage-fueled fighting style. Their higher damage and mana drain empower his godly warrior nature. However, the Leviathan Axe offers more utility and flexibility.

Nemean Cestus

• Higher health and defense
• Slower, with smaller range
• Less puzzle/world interaction
• Rewards brute force

These gauntlets play into the juggernaut fantasy, but are quite one dimensional. The Leviathan Axe allows Kratos to vary his approach more with ranged and area attacks.

Thora‘s Bitter End

• Extreme area damage potential
• Long wind up times leave you vulnerable
• Pure offense and lacks utility

Fueled with the power of Thor, Thora‘s Bitter End brings AoE storm devastation. However, predictable attacks patterns can punish you. It lacks the versatility of Laufey‘s gift.

Final Verdict: An Iconic Weapon Worthy of God of War

The Leviathan Axe beautifully encapsulates the reimagining of Kratos as both caring father and rage-filled warrior. Its balanced capabilities, paired with icy elemental magic, make it my personal favorite weapon. More importantly, the history behind the axe brings deeper meaning to why Kratos now journeys through the Nordic realms.

Laufey forged this weapon and imbued the Leviathan Axe with purpose – to protect her family in her absence. It is a gift passed on out of love, despite the secrecy. As we uncover her motivations and predictions throughout God of War (2018), the Leviathan Axe becomes symbolic of Kratos‘ personal evolution. No longer obsessed only with vengeance, now family drives his battle fury.

The Leviathan Axe proves itself one of the most versatile and balanced weapons the series has offered. Its perfect mix of offense, defense, utility, and magic make it a deadly instrument against the dangers of Midgard and beyond. In my eyes, Laufey‘s gift stands worthy as an iconic weapon in the God of War pantheon.