Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for God of War Ragnarok. Proceed at your own risk.Having sold over 5 million copies during its first week on sale, it’s fair to sayGod of War Ragnarokis a commercial success. While there are plenty of reasons whySanta Monica Studio’s second Norse adventurehas been lauded by fans, part of the game’s reception can be attributed to its side quests. As players venture through the game, Kratos and Atreus can get up to some excellent optional antics.
One series of objectives that stands out from the crowd revolves around a cast of mythological characters known as the Berserkers. At the heart of the group are two ofGod of War: Ragnarok’s more mysterious characters, Aldis and Hrolf. Beyond being unexpected features along the player’s journey, the story of the duo adds some intriguing themes to the game that many weren’t expecting before its release.
RELATED:How God of War: Ragnarok Sets Sindri Up As the Series' Next Antagonist
The Berserker Gravestone Missions
From a mechanical standpoint, players unlock the ability to pursue Aldis and Hrolf’s story during their quest tofind the Norns in Midgard. After picking up the Inert Hilt of Skofnung in “The World of Fate” quest, Kratos can interact with 10 Berserker gravestones found across the realms. Even though the ability to interact with them is accessible early on, it’s recommended that players save the side quest till later.
That’s down to the fact that the gravestones are actually the resting places of several optional boss fights. Each of the Berserkers is a significant threat to Kratos, and are not for the faint of heart. Leveling up the Spartan’s armor, weapons, and abilities, is highly recommended, as even inGod of War: Ragnarok’s post-gamethey can still pack a punch. It’s not surprising as a result of this, though, that each hides more than what meets the eye.
RELATED:God of War Ragnarok Needs a Dark Souls Homeward Bone Equivalent
Hrolf and Aldis in Ragnarok
After engaging withRagnarok’s substitutes forGod of War2018’s Valkyrie boss fights, it quickly becomes clear thatthe 12 Berserkers have a larger significanceto the game’s story. Mimir’s reaction to the discovery of their graves makes it clear that he also has a personal connection to them. Eventually, once Kratos dispatches more of the group, Mimir opens up about their leader, King Hrolf Kraki.
WithintheGod of Waruniverse, Mimir explains that Hrolf was once the conqueror of the Kingdom of Lejre. Having crafted the cursed blade Skofnung, Hrolf brought together the army of Berserkers to attack the isolated corner of Norse mythology. Lejre, which was under the control of King Aldis at the time, eventually fell from the assault. While Hrolf’s motivations are never explained in detail, it’s suggested that he was once a warrior within the Kingdom’s army who became obsessed with power and wealth.
Although it’s also never explained in length how Hrolf and his Berserkers came to inhabitGod of War Ragnarok’s gravestones, it’s implied that they met their demise shortly after Lejre fell. The fact that Mimir was Aldis' advisor at the time of the attack, and survived it, suggests he could have had a hand in their downfall. The 12 Berserkers all guard a piece of Skofnung, which could alternatively point to an outside force like the Aesir gods having sought out their power as well.
Hrolf and Mimir’s Connection
What makes the Berserker quest and Hrolf’s story more personal is the fact that Mimir accidentally played a hand in his rise to power. Havingleft his Celtic homelands, Mimir had taken up a role in Aldis’ court as an advisor. During his tenure in the role, it’s suggested that Mimir vouched for Hrolf personally, though. While he doesn’t elaborate on this much inGod of WarRagnarok, it’s worth mentioning that the pair seemingly had some form of relationship because of this.
Having become embroiled in Aldis’ court thanks to Mimir, Hrolf took advantage of the opportunity and attacked Lejre. While the Kingdom’s ruler would pay the ultimate price, Hrolf’s betrayal and his subsequent involvement inthe assault haunted Mimir. So much so that, duringRagnarok, players get to experience his own personal quest for vengeance. In what is arguably one of the game’s toughest boss fights, Kratos eventually prevails against the resurrected Hrolf, exorcizing his and the Berserker’s souls seemingly for good.
Hrolf and Aldis in Mythology
AlthoughSanta Monica Studio has built a reputationfor creating games that revolve around mythology, the studio has always put its own spin on proceedings. Considering this, it’s little surprise that Aldis and Hrolf differ significantly from their depictions in the ancient world. For example, in most stories, the moral alignments of the pair are the opposite way around from how they appear inGod of War Ragnarok.
While it’s worth mentioning that there isn’t one definitive incarnation of Hrolf in particular, in most stories from Norse and Anglo-Saxon mythology he is the just heir to a Danish Kingdom. Although his appearance inBeowulfis his most popular in modern media,Santa Monica Studio’s versionis an adaptation of the character seen in Denmark’sHrolfr Kraki’s Saga. Only, instead of being a good guy,Ragnarok’s Hrolf is a brutal antagonist.
In the Danish story ofHrolfr Kraki, though, the titular character ascends to the throne of Lejre after King Aldis of Sweden kills his father, King Helgi, in battle. Helgi had been attempting to save his kidnaped daughter from the tyrant before his brutal demise. It’s worth keeping in mind that the fact Helgi’s daughter was also his wife is probably the biggest reason whySanta Monica Studio has altered the storyforRagnarok.
In an attempt to avenge his father and rescue his mother, Hrolfr crafted a sword of pure willpower before assembling an army of 12 Berserkers. While their names and alignments differ, this is where Santa Monica Studio’s clearly took inspiration for its in-game sword and boss battles. Even though Hrolfr’s mission to kill Aldis was ultimately successful, he did encounter Odin in the run-up to the mission’s ending - suggesting the All-Father might have played a handinRagnarok’s flipped storyas well.
God of War Ragnarokis available now for PS4 and PS5.
MORE:God of War Ragnarok: How Sif Compares to Her MCU Counterpart
