Why Did Kratos Shed Tears at the Climactic End of God of War Ragnarök?
For Kratos, the long-running God of War protagonist defined by rage and regret, the ending of the Ragnarök finale depicts an emotional catharsis centuries in the making. Confronted with a mural documenting his recent journey in the Norse realms as well as his prophesized destiny, Kratos exhibits rare vulnerability, sinking to his knees while tears stream down the weathered face that has contorted in fury for ages.
This floodgate of sentiment demonstrates just how deeply the mural‘s depictions impact the tempestuous demigod. But what exactly does Kratos see that elicits such profound weeping after eons without tears?
The Mural‘s Revelations Shake Kratos to His Core
Throughout much of the God of War reboot and Ragnarök sequel, both set within the Nordic pantheon, traces emerge that the long-exiled Greek God of War may hold a greater purpose in this new land. Intimations arise that beyond simple survival or vengeance, fate has brought Kratos and his half-god son Atreus to the Norse kingdoms for a reason tied to an impending prophesized cataclysm called Ragnarök.
The mystical mural Kratos discovers late in Ragnarök represents confirmation that destiny does indeed have plans to transform this once toxic force of destruction into a defender against annihilation. Documented in elaborate carvings, Kratos witnesses scenes from his still-early journeys across Midgard that already chronicle moments of heroism and sacrifice in service of the Nordic realms rather than merciless ambition.
Likewise, the mural‘s prophetic imagery traces the lines of a life and legacy bound to guardianship. No longer the rampaging God of War in these lands, the carvings show Kratos as a stalwart sentinel keeping corrosive chaos at bay and shepherding the realms through endtime turmoil.
For the long-haunted warrior, the mural‘s exalted visions reflect absolution centuries overdue. And the promise of renewed purpose beyond his tormented history kindles sparks of optimism and catharsis that crack Kratos‘ stony façade like never before.
What Images Evoke Such Raw Emotion?
While obviously just a glimpse, the mural offers some specific scenes that seem to profoundly impact Kratos:
Moments of Heroic Action – Rather than images of merciless conquest, panels depictible Kratos selflessly defending allies and safeguarding realms from external threats. These cement for Kratos how views of his presence have evolved from imposing destroyer to champion.
Reverence from Norse Denizens – Whereas he once provoked only dread and resentment, the carvings show Norse citizens welcoming and potentially revering Kratos. This evidences how sentiments have transformed to see him as protector rather than mere harbinger of death.
Standing Strong Through Ragnarök – As an instrumental defender against inimical forces during the epochal last stand called Ragnarök, engravings position Kratos courageously battling impending doom amidst apocalyptic events. He has traded craven ambition for altruistic resilience.
Passing Knowledge to Future Generations – Glimpses of the future indicate Kratos may pass his battle-tested skills to younger warriors, securing legacies of protection for ages hence. After eras of singular bloodlust, he now nurtures future guardians.
These representative scenes encapsulate just how thoroughly destiny plans to revise the narrative around Kratos from destroyer to guardian. No longer the scourge of gods and men, he stands reproved as a champion for Nordic survival. It is little wonder just how moved Kratos is by such redemptive visions.
The Floodgates of Feeling Finally Open
Across the previous God of War trilogy and opening Nordic chapter, Kratos exists largely in an emotional iron maiden, consumed by intersecting anguish, bitterness, regret, and simmering fury. But confronted by the mural‘s testament to long-awaited absolution, the tamped down sentiments denied for ages come bursting forth at last.
Kratos physically trembles under the weight of this catharsis before sinking to his knees, overcome by import. His stern and weathered face, so often locked in savage shouts or bellicose proclamations, now streams with tears hitherto absent since his lost youth.
This primal display encapsulates just how transformative the mural‘s glimpses prove for the battle-hardened god. He undergoes exorcism by optimism, as the possibility of purpose beyond past sins and future doom elicits an emotional cleansing eons overdue.
Like rain after Lifetimes of drought, Kratos weeps in the knowledge that his mighty hands, responsible for so much death, now defenders against it for innocents to come. It is absolution, visual confirmation of a destiny doming that speaks to earned redemption in ways Kratos scarcely dared yearn for after cycles of violence.
Passing this crucible in the mural‘s revelations, profound change awaits.
What Does This Mean for Kratos Going Forward?
Concussive and unprecedented as they may be, Kratos‘ sentimental eruptions in the mural scene reflect more than intense temporary catharsis. As both endpoint of Ragnarök and gateway to further games, his first tears in epochs signify major emotional pivots with permanent ramifications.
Symbolic Death of His Past Self – By bawling at visions of a noble defender supplanting his former life of cruelty and chaos, Kratos grieves for the necessary death of the bitter destroyer. He must become guardian.
Rebirth of Purpose – Through the mural‘s scripting of his impending hero‘s journey in the Norse pantheon and beyond, Kratos grasps desperately needed direction after eras adrift in violence for its own sake.
Emerging Vulnerability – With tightly sealed emotional floodgates blown open by this scenic prophesy, expect Kratos to further humanize through sentiment going forward. Stoicism should soften as destiny demands increased openness.
Looming Heroic Sacrifice – Many fans speculate that for redemption to fully take hold, Kratos may need to commit his remaining godly vitality entirely by dying heroically himself to achieve some pivotal victory and secure his legacy once and for all.
Atreus Ascending Alone – Likewise, if Kratos meets a prophesized end, the mural scenes hint that his son Atreus may be left to uphold his father‘s legacy across further games. Matured by his own journey in Ragnarök, the boy could steer Kratos‘ hard-won redemption to even greater glory.
Through his tearful epiphany, Kratos glimpses who he must become, and perhaps even foreshadows who shall carry forth his mantle. For the God of War, more tears may fall, but also more triumph.
