Sindri - Broken by Love

[@gaelofariandel6747]

Sindri threatening to go fisticuffs with Kratos 2018 for Faye's sake in spite of being scared sh*tless is a perfect reflection of his personality.

[@insertedgynamehere___969]

Wasn't it for Faye?

[@gaelofariandel6747]

@@insertedgynamehere___969 Thank you. Fixed.

[@gaelofariandel6747]

@@insertedgynamehere___969 Fixed. Thx.

[@newhybrid101]

He could actually win with his abilities somehow

[@irvinmorales1409]

​@@newhybrid101 Nah, Kratos is just too durable for anything that Sindri can throw at him. Being a seasoned warrior, Kratos will catch on and put the dwarve bros down.

[@crumblemuffin1257]

Bro, something about seeing a character who's so funny, bright (as the game would allow it) go absolutely downhill because their heart was way bigger than their chest is just so... Heartbreaking. I felt so horrible for Sindri bruh

[@alright4471]

Why "bruh" you just f***ed

[@RevenantMain1]

@@alright4471try again but complete the sentence

[@Spiral-Mark]

Same here

[@Gamfluent]

In the end sindri was at fault for his pain

[@vaguevex7860]

​@@Gamfluent nailed it. he was too soft and he got his brother killed for it 🤷 womp womp ig

[@alicenolfi2095]

By only salvaging three-fourths of Brok's soul, Sindri condemned him to eventual non-existence. So, my headcannon is his destroying Odin's marble - cursing him to the same non-existence as Brok - isn't just revenge for killing his brother, but a small way to assuage his guilt over his own role in Brok's fate.

[@AimlessSavant]

"I don't know where I go, when I go." Sindri ensured that he went to oblivion.

[@tomhaas7078]

Wait, didn't Odin still have all four parts in his marble?

[@ysgramornorris2452]

Good point, but Odin was a god, and apparently in the God of War universe gods don't normally get an afterlife. Athena was an exception.

[@captainjackslog]

"That's what comes next" Sindri knew exactly what he was doing when he took the marble from Atreus's hand.

[@pyromania1018]

​@@ysgramornorris2452I personally think that was the Evil of Greed wearing Athena's face in order to gain Kratos' trust.

[@bli2z4rd]

The "I gave you everything" speech always destroys me

[@anthonycooke6835]

"You want sorry? This is what sorry looks like"

[@twohandedswordsman852]

The speech really screams "always be grateful and show gratitude to people who help you. Once too late, you're fucked up realizing you're an asshole"

[@LisaAnn777]

Sindri annoys me so much at the end, he blames Atreus for losing his brother when it was him who went back to the lake of souls and didn't get all the pieces so now brok is gone forever. Atreus and Kratos were trying to stop Ragnarok but sindri acts like they were just doing all that because they wanted too. Sindri is just an annoying obsessive compulsive nut who can't accept loss and blames everyone else.

[@chipstick3856]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@LisaAnn777 The classic hindsight bias and just-world phenomenon cocktail. Delicious.

[@LisaAnn777]

@@chipstick3856 i have no idea what all those words meant.

[@MrFearless]

During the battle of ragnarok, it was also revealed that Sindri refused to bring the dwarves to war. Even in his broken state, his never-ending love and obsession for control would not allow him to see his people be further harmed. He was the only dwarf to take the burden and in that, he faced ragnarok alone, broken and bitter.

[@brandonwithnell612]

this is why i disagree when people think he may become an antagonist, yeah sindri is hurt and angry but he wouldnt harm innocent people, he sais accusatory and hurtful things to atreus but he knows its not really his fault and is just venting his anger, i doubt he would actually mean him any harm. i hope he shows up again in a future title although maybe a bit bitter but on the road to forgiving himself

[@MrFearless]

@@brandonwithnell612 I think he could still become an antagonist -- maybe a sympathetic one like Freya. But a lot could happen between this game and a future god of war title, in-game timeframe wise. Perhaps they will reconcile or perhaps his anger and frustration will only grow. Whatever the case, I hope he can find peace.

[@Brixujel_Rimulex]

Sindri is that one character I wanna give a well deserved hug. The guy really needs one after what he went through.

[@Comicbroe405]

True. I hope he comes back.

[@martinisawe6300]

​@@Comicbroe405I hope so too, it's so fucked that he ended up so broken

[@lucasdiazjr5679]

With how he is now he just might stab you for trying😂😂😂 Jokes aside I've always loved brok but seeing sidnri go from this kind funny germaphobe with the biggest of hearts to someone who's truly lost in every sense

[@SiniBANG]

But he might refuse because germs. But yeah, I felt his anger too.

[@tanuki01]

I tend to think of Sindri’s obsessive cleanliness was a symptom of what happened with Brock. He lost his brother and thought obsessively keeping everything clean and safe would keep that from happening again. Then when Brock dies he feels “I did all that for nothing” which is part of what breaks him.

[@abigailphillips1013]

Sindri is really good representation for OCD

[@warboss3686]

I chalked it up to him still feeling the souls grabbing him

[@tanuki01]

@@warboss3686 I definitely feel like that contributed

[@TheKiraYamaguchi]

No it was because after he swam through the waters in alfheim, he keeps seeing small spirits clinging to him. Gave him a type of germaphobe.

[@honorarydarkness1300]

@@tanuki01 Oh, it goes back much further than that. Most likely, his neurotic personality created a childhood need for additional safety. A means of self-regulation.

[@232kronos]

Bro that “get the fuck outta my sight” was totally unexpected and hit me like a freight train. I was like noooo please don’t say that!! 🥺

[@karalyzel3177]

During the funeral, when Kratos tries to comfort Sindri, Sindri goes to lash out. He turns, looks him in the eye, and goes to say something, but he can not. His expression softens slightly before he looks away. To me, this is him accepting that what happened wasnt anyone's fault. That isn't a look of anger, but one of shame. Shame for lashing out at people who do care even if they failed to show that in time. Though it could just as well be shame in himself, for giving as much as he did for only tragety in return. Hopefully we'll see him again in the future.

[@Doomsword0]

Yeah that looks feels like he's already past his anger, or at least most of it, but just isn't quite ready to admit it. Like he's still very much mourning and isn't ready to move on but by the time of the funeral he's started to see that the way he acted earlier wasn't the best. The shame as you say, he sees these things but can't put it into words especially not there

[@Alacazam53]

I feel like it was something else. He wanted to lash out, hurt kratos. But he knows he can't, he's not able or strong enough to. and I think that was a look of pure hopelessness. That he is powerless to go after who he feels responsible for brok

[@GPitstra37]

I won't be suprised the next time we see Sindri is in a boss fight.. i get your point but also i want to point out i thought he wanted to throw hand at Kratos.. knowing he probaply would get ripped in half. He backed out.. i even won't be suprised that he thought.. wait no! his son was the problem! And is now starting his villain ark. I won't be suprised if Sindri returns in an emotional boss fight to im the end get tought by Kratos what it's like to... feel guilty for killing loved ones. Kratos being a true "Authority on the subject"

[@okami345]

I also thought the same. I think we're more likely to get an emotional cutscene than a boss fight from Sindri in the future.

[@Rutawind]

He knew better than to fuck with the GoW lol. That's why he took all his aggression out on Atreus constantly

[@joshuathomasverghese1341]

Sindri is the literal personification of a truly good man pushed over the edge, ain't he?

[@Mr0901]

But the whole point of the video is saying he didn't do the things he did because of goodness or benevolence, but because he's trying to keep control of the things he can't.

[@Retheraq]

Lol no. He wasn't good, he was a control freak.

[@hmzzlks-ku8nd]

He was a bit of a control freak but he was for more of the right reasons than the wrong. He just needs to grow and let go more.​@@Retheraq

[@tuxedomask697]

@@RetheraqSindri plays a big part in oden falling also in helping Atreus and Kratos grow into better people. He is at the very least like most of the people in the games trying to be a good person

[@kseg5076]

I think the best way to put it is that like the rest of the characters sindri was also one to work in a grey area when it comes to motivations for his actions. Hes made mistakes like with Broks soul and he acts nice in order to have some control of peace of mind due to trauma from broks first death. He was a good person but not exactly for the most selfless of reasons despite their positive impacts. So to put it , it was a character who's own nature was conflicted with to the point of it breaking

[@Ghoulstille]

Something I noticed during Brok's death was that when he said "Stop it" Freya backed off and stopped applying the herbs to his wound. She did the same thing later with Freyr when he was holding back Ragnarok's sword, he told her to go and she didn't argue she just ran. Freya learned the hard way with her trying to control the fate of Baldur what happens when she won't let go. Now she does let go no matter how much it will hurt her. Sindri is still in the blame everyone else stage of his grief, Freya was there as well with the "I'm gonna kill Kratos for my mistake!" arc. So there's hope that Sindri gets past that as well. I just hope they don't give him a long villain arc if it all or take forever to resolve things if the writer's do that at all. If they drop Sindri from the story I'll be pretty pissed off.

[@HakureiRyuu]

I'm new here (finished watching my first playthrough like yesterday) and I was kinda dismissive of freyr's death as just an extra bit of sad clumsily tacked on at the end. but I do like it as a culmination of freya's arc, not making the same mistake as she did with baldur. could've been better shown I suppose, but it's better to err on the side of NOT spoon-feeding in storytelling. thanks for the brilliant take!

[@tankm542]

Yo I never put that together. You have good insight

[@mrcherryhasgonemadyt9413]

​@@HakureiRyuuIts also exactly how freyr dies in the mythology so i guess thats why they did it

[@danhasong7199]

One thing I'd like to add is that there's some truth in Sindri's outburst to Atreus, and it's not just him trying to be hurtful. Atreus did really just keep taking and taking. Not just because he's a brat, but it's a very real depiction of how sometimes we take some people or relationships as granted. Even in the first companion quest where Atreus and Sindri go off to find/not find Freya, it clearly shows that they have an easy-going and familiar dynamic... but you can still see that Atreus takes Sindri for granted. This escalates to the point of his outburst against Atreus after Brok's death, and I think it hurts all the more because there's a kernel of truth in it.

[@backtoklondike]

And Atreus doesn't even deny it either. At no point does he talk to Kratos trying to justify it or think he was misunderstood or something , because he knows Sindri has a point.

[@brendanrisney2449]

But, as was mentioned in the first sindri video, that isn't true either. The truth is, sindri gave. Nobody asked him for anything. He always offered- often times forced people to accept what he was giving.

[@alphonsejohnson5601]

I admit, Atreus is impulsive, reckless, and insensitive at times, but calling him a brat is a bit too much, as he does have good qualities. He does own up to his mistakes, he is thoughtful of others at times, he's much friendlier to other people than kratos, and He does care about and listens to his father and others like freya, and mimir. And I agree with the other guy, atreus never asked for the things sindri gives him. .

[@JamesWillmus]

@@alphonsejohnson5601agreed. The main reason Atreus was acting the way he was in the game is because the adults were trying to control him. Teenagers need to be allowed to make mistakes, in a safe environment anyway. Seeking out Freya was risky, but Sondra could have crafted an escape plan for both of them. Rescuing “Tyr” was a good idea but at least one of the adults should have thought “this is too easy”.

[@marqusmedina5983]

​@@alphonsejohnson5601 part of caring for people is helping them without NEEDING to be asked

[@melissagarcia1705]

One thing that may also be important in Sindri's downfall is that, he wanted to control the way people cared about him. His relationship with others, even with Atreus, was always transactional. He was giving them everything, because he wanted them to care about him as much as he cared about them. He was trying to buy their affection, which they never fully gave him. On the contrary, Kratos especially returned only contempt and indifference, until Brok died. Sindri was mostly treated like a means to an end, even if his friends were occasionally nice to him. He needs to love as much as he needs to be loved, which is very understandable ; but the fact that he failed to control even that, is really tragic. As long as he sees love as something to be bought and controlled, Sindri is doomed to always fail and be unhappy. What's more, much like Kratos, he feels undeserving of love because of what he did to Brok, and thus doesn't even seek redemption. For him to feel loved, he would need to change his entire mindset. Ever since he lost Brok the first time, he was a broken man. In a way, because he was unable to grow out of his sorrow, he really stopped maturing as an individual until all the years of personal development he tried to escape from got back to him in an instant when Brok died again. That's why he seemed like a completely different character at the forge ; that was actually the real Sindri, filled both with love and the anger, the resentment, the guilt, he was hiding from everybody. But it was there from the start, if you look closely, only presented as comic relief.

[@Gamingvids3204]

In a way I felt like I understood how he felt. I never feel appreciated. Used and thrown away

[@arospec2712]

Its very understandable, but I personally see it as a poor view on love and friendship. I had a toxic friend who treated all friends as a transaction, and it was exhausting, stressful, and overall messy. Yeah, no one should settle with being treated like trash, sure, but sometimes the way you feel about others are not the same or they can't love you the way you want them to. Thanks for this analysis, it really puts into words why I was so uncomfortable with Sindri and sympathized with him very little. Hes a really interesting character, and I appreciate all he did, but his flaws just irked me in ways that were too personal lol.

[@VictorIV0310]

Mimir: A hole. Kratos: What? Mimir: Gets bigger, the more you take away.

[@kjj26k]

Aaaand we are sobbing.

[@iagoantonelli1151]

Before Brok's death, Sindri (and Brok) would always go behind a corner or out of sight in order to do his vanishing/teleporting trick. But afterwards Sindri was doing it in front of everyone. It was like he had been putting on a show, like in a scene in 2018 when he gives Atreus the details while playfully teleporting all around. But when Brok dies, his attempts at control have failed, the facade falls and the show's over.

[@BrosBGaming]

I always saw him cleaning everything because he still feels the well of souls crawling on his skin. He even said so. That would make anybody want to CLEAN everything so they could tell what they were actually FEELING.

[@fredy2041]

Nah, was because of his obsession with cleaness a Vanir godess cause him about

[@fluffy7358]

@@fredy2041 It could always be both. The worst habits have a list of reasons behind them.

[@ivanbluecool]

The final scene in the funeral was very sad as he shifted away in view of everyone showing he didn't care anymore of what people thought of him.

[@frozenfoxgames5300]

He did the same thing right after Brok died.

[@unknownstranger3646]

There is something that you overlooked on the whole subject of sindri caring. Sindri gives atreus what's basically a quick escape key. He hits atreus key orb (or whatever it's called) a tap with his hammer and explains that if he ever needs to make a quick getaway. He says that it's for one use only and he even tells him the word he needs to say in order to activate it. And before he gives him the exit key/spell, he tells him "i can't let you go back without...this". Meaning that he cna't let atreus go back into their enemy's realm where him beng killed is very likely without something that he can use to ensure his safety. And this happens even after being swatted like a fly by atreus "bear claws" as he put it. And he even says that he would forgive him eventually. And whether he did forgive him or not when atreus decided to go back to asgard, he still went to give him the escape key. This shows that even after being angry at atreus for hurting him, even if he didn't forgive him he still gave him something to help him. It shows that he dosen't let his personal feelings get in the way of caring for the people around him. It shows that even if he didn't forgive atreus he was still not going to let him get killed if he could prevent it. At least back when he didn't fully break. He gives him an escape key that might come in handy. And it did. Atreus was about to become a jötunn pancake by thor. And what does atreus do? He reaches for his key and uses it to escape after saying that sindri better right considerong the siruation he was in. And after he escapes he praises sindri for knowing how to plan an exit. If sindri didn't give him the one time escape key, atreus would have had his brains stuck to mjolnir. Which shows how helpful sindri is to the people he cares about and how caring he is. Even when those loved ones hurt him by accident.

[@freddiegalvan4168]

Additionally, even as Sindri rages on during Ragnarok, and actively explains and guestures how much he no longer cares about Atreus, he's still puts himself between Loki and Thrudd, and only stopped because Atreus reassured him even though it's seemed clear Thrudd wasn't going to back down until her mother, Sif confirmed Loki's words about Odin. Even when it seemed to be purely about revenge by exploiting the moment of pause between Kratos, Atreus and Freya, By destroying the orb that contains Odin's soul pieces, and presumably Odin's very existence, he absolved them of their "issue". The final time he truly gave, out of love, albeit a broken form, was allowing Kratos to aid him in pushing Brok's funeral boat into the water. While it wasn't asked for, it was still a moment of closure and in a small way, forgiveness, perhaps in passing honor to Faye.

[@reitoyohisa]

My main takeaway from this whole paragraph is Atreus almost becoming "Jotunn pancake" lmao. But you're right.

[@quietone2674]

I remember in GOW 2018 it's revealed that it's kind of Freya's fault Sindri's so cleanliness-obsessed. As a nature goddess, she told him about micro-organisms, so now he's constantly aware that these little things he can't see are EVERYWHERE. Only when he broke did he stop caring about it.

[@ShadowKamehameha32]

Wasn't that a lie to hide the real reason? That being that he can still feel the sensations of the souls of Alfheim covering him as he sent to get Broks soul pieces?

[@Heraldo_Del_Mar]

​@@ShadowKamehameha32Plus, I'm not entirely sure Freya was the Vanir witch Sindri was referring to.

[@Darkdayzz]

@@ShadowKamehameha32 This is the truth

[@guitarman0365]

Kind of that in real life too. Try not to think to hard about the bacteria and life living in your guts. Thank God it's small enough enough not to register internal feelings.

[@fredy2041]

@@ShadowKamehameha32 Not, it was not a lie. There is literaly no implication out of this. Yours is an assumption thats it. Nothing was says that corrovorate that Sindri was lieing.

[@Blakobness]

Control feels like such a central theme to this game, that Sindri could resonate with just about all the main cast. Everyone tries to control something only to have it catastrophically blow up in their face.

[@brother_bear_one7340]

Sindri was broken the moment Brok first died, he only covers it up with the humor and protectionism. It's always the brightest and kindest hearts that are the most broken. Sindri acts out for not wanting others to suffer as he did.

[@EmptyMan000]

Which is stupid, because everyone suffers at one point, only difference is how they handle it and Sindri handles it VERY poorly.

[@adamdahlstrom2095]

The visual storytelling around Sindri is just breathtaking

[@ajbobb24]

At the funeral. Think about how he drops the torch (a source of light) before he leaves, signifying that he's gonna be in the darkness for a while.

[@boanoah6362]

What gets me is the despair, Sindri is basically immortal and he is now alone, before he always had his brother and despite their differences they were extremely close. But now he's gone, and not just gone, he's gone FOREVER, Brok doesn't get to go to the afterlife because he's not a whole soul... even in death they will never reunite. I can't imagine the crushing horrible emptiness Sindri must feel knowing he doomed his brother and himself with no recourse, there's no going back, there's no undoing his mistakes. He is alone, both in life and beyond forever...

[@kwamekuma360]

How is sindri basically immortal?

[@boanoah6362]

@@kwamekuma360 Dwarves pretty much live forever, they can die if you kill them but untouched they don't really age to death like humans do. They made Mjolnir and in the first game when Brokk mentions the alchemist he off-handedly remarks that he hasn't seem him in over a hundred winters. Unless someone kills Sindri or he kills himself he won't die, but even then his soul is eternal and will go to the afterlife of the Dwarves.

[@kwamekuma360]

@@boanoah6362 oh ok, I hear it

[@DoopIiss]

@@boanoah6362 unless it's stated in game that dwarves are immortal & doesn't age, that is just not true. if that is the case then fantasy elves are "immortal" just cause they live thousands of years doesn't mean they don't eventually expire.

[@boanoah6362]

@@DoopIiss They literally do say it, they even explicitly state that their souls would go to an afterlife EXCEPT for Brok, who's doomed.

[@Valkyrie7894-o4v]

Sindri is truly testament to Odin’s dapravity. The All-father might just be the most *evil* character in the entirety of God of War. At least with Zeus there’s the probable excuse that he was infected with fear. Odin is in complete control of his own actions. He abuses & misuses his powers on his own accord. I like to believe that in this continuity Bör & Búri both lived harmoniously with their primordial creator, Ymir. Odin took arms against the first giant because he just *had* to be in control. He’d claim that it was a necessary evil, to bring order to the realms. The Jötnar put it best “there are some who believe that anything wild or uncontrolled is evil”. Odin acted not out of altruism for his fellow Aesir or benevolence for mortals, but out of an animal-like need for autonomy. Controlling his own destiny meant everything. Throw the omniscient rift into the mix, & it only fed the Allfather’s madness. Even gods weren’t meant to behold the secrets that lied beyond the green veil, but that wasn’t gonna stop him. So much destruction, oppression, & deceit for the sake of this endless mad quest. The Jötnar? Slaughtered at his command not just because he was jealous & paranoid of their prophetic powers, but they probably refused to help him with the mask. The Vanir Gods? Wiped out because they apparently posed a threat to Asgard, & by extension Odin’s precious rift. But I think the most heinous would be the dwarves. Centuries of systematic oppression by the All-father, whether it be polluting their lands, chaining their majestic beasts, but especially vandalising the art of weapon making. For the sake of fuelling the war machine, Odin wanted as many blades as possibly, quantity over quality. The Dwarves lost everything to this madman: their home, their freedoms, their passions & culture. Even sending a sadistic shit stain like Heimdall to stomp out a justified rebellion. Odin was so absorbed in his higher purpose, that he probably spat on the beings he deemed lesser. What is one dwarf compared to the infinite knowledge that lies within Ymir’s rift. I like to think it’s why Odin snapped so suddenly when he was disguised as Týr. He had the mask, he was right under everyone’s nose. The millennia of massacre & treachery was all going to be worth it. All the answers he craved was gonna be his at long last. Only for this legendary loudmouth of a blacksmith to call him out of his bullshit act. This probably infuriated the Allfather like nothing else. How dare a creature he deemed so inferior question him? HIM? And just like that he gives up the gig & kills the Huldra brother. Not for any tactical advantage. Not for the sake of defending Asgard & the rift. Not because Brok was someone strong enough to stop him like Kratos. But because of Odin’s complete disregard for lesser beings, those he judges to be beneath him. That whole speech he gave Kratos after the Draupnir spear was forged was projection at its finest. He couldn’t give a shit about the mortals who worship him, much less a Dwarf whose people he’s dominated for centuries. What’s beautifully tragic is that Sindri embodies each one of Odin’s heinous crimes: the oppression of his people, the killing of his brother, the disregard from this “higher” being. Sindri killing this mad megalomaniac worked so well because it’s a culmination of all the Allfather has done. His crimes created the vengeful shell that ended up smashing his soul. It all comes full circle.

[@TheRogueCommand]

Since Odin had two brothers in mythology who as far as I know don't do much besides help him overthrow Ymir, I like to think GoW Odin either made them disappear, or used the fight with Ymir to get rid of any competition

[@lellaughnik2728]

@TheRogueCommand I'm not sure, but I think they died in the war against the Vanir

[@wiswc]

I hope you realize that you're basically describing the human race

[@KingKnowledge245]

Odin sounds a lot like Caucasians. Historically theybare just like Odin.

[@mrhalfsaid1389]

I think the two things that makes the tragedy of Sindri hit so hard for me is that someone who is so driven to do good that he can't realize that maybe it isn't the best thing for both parties. The other thing is that he KNOWS THIS about himself, he knows HOW and WHY he is so mentally distraught but can't make peace with himself because Sindri is Sindri. Sindri is his biggest enemy, and Sindri probably resents how he can't give up, because he knows first hand why he shouldn't be the way he is... It hurts to watch more and more because he knows he is at fault for a lot of the problems because he's a doormat at heart and yet he wants to make sure everyone is happy by controlling them to keep them out of danger... that's why this is story is so deep. It's just powerful.

[@giant4331]

There is a thing based around this behavior of him being so generous. That kinda' explained something for me. I've a weird behavior where I feel I must thank and show gratitude for things done for me, by people who are around for years. I refuse to remain silent about it, which at times has confused my friends why I speak this way. But the point in saying this, is because like Sindri. He was generous, and gave much, they probably didn't even think about it. But it was too late, for gratitude, for repair with Sindri. We never know when that last moment we get with someone, will be. So as a point that I've drawn from this game, watching Sindri's nature play out, is be grateful to your friends and what theyve done to help you. Make sure they know the fact you think of these things if you do, perhaps even consider it more often if you don't now. It might be the last time you get too. Even with them as the same person perhaps, because sometimes when things change, the person you know dies within and still walks around for many years on.

[@momothunder9544]

This was soo beautifully said 👏

[@TXNIZ]

24:03 noooo you CAN'T edit out when he teleports away, that was literally the best part because it feels so ominous.

[@2ndeaster]

One thing I immediately recognized the moment Brok died is it breaks the established rule of travel between realm dwarves used. It usually happened obscured behind characters or just offscreen. The moment Brok died, Sindri ignores all pretends basically showing what's behind the curtain. He doesn't care anymore.

[@Netbro678]

What you mean? I m new, so i have no idea

[@2ndeaster]

@@Netbro678 Every time dwarves teleport it's never shown on screen. It's always hidden either by object or off camera. When Brok died Sindri shown to teleport for the first time on screen. Breaking the pre established rule.

[@JETBLACKPRIEST]

@@2ndeaster Yeah they were almost always playful with it but at that moment, it didn't matter anymore

[@theradicalginger3060]

When there was the option to throw a snowball at him I was like why in all of the 9 realms would I ever do that!

[@kasumiafkgod6089]

3:05 to be fair, it's only Kratos who refuses to wipe his feet. We can see Atreus in the corner look down and start wiping his feet like a good boi

[@stuff._.1935]

Throughout this entire essay… ive realized that this is me. That is exactly who I am. I am an extremely generous person and I do everything for people I care about… but it isn’t for them. It’s for me. I want control. And I want to say that I want to change or accept that about myself… but even that statement is still me trying to find control over the situation. Control over my fate. I don’t know what the right choice or thing to do here is, and In saying that, in commenting this, I’m just admitting all the more that I want… need… control.

[@J3ffik]

"to grieve deeply, means to have loved fully" -Faye

[@joenandez5880]

There's a dark twist to sindri's cleanliness that is made clear when he says he still feels the souls of the other people when he went into the well to get his brother back. Just like how he washes away the dirt and grime so to does he wash away the souls of the other people who tried to cling to him and that event haunts him so much so that it's become a further extension to his compulsive disorders.

[@dollmaker6599]

I believe it was the event of going into the lake of souls that caused Sindri’s obsession with cleaning, as seen how he remarks how he “still” feels the other souls crawling on his skin. While it’s possible he was already worried about keeping things clean, it’s likely this event worsened it to borderline obsession. This is even more noticeable considering he’s a blacksmith which is fairly dirty work

[@tonyguava]

the foil between brok and sindri is one of my favorite parts of the story

[@Xehanort10]

19:39 Sindri's similar to Freya in that way. She cursed Baldur so he wouldn't die but his inability to feel driving him mad and Odin using the possibility of a way to break it to send him after Faye led to Kratos killing him. Sindri not letting Brok stay dead led to Brok having no afterlife when he died a second time.

[@cherryblossomsweets]

Your God of War commentaries quite literally got me through my final week of freshman year. You're a real one Brett 👊

[@icetide9411]

I think there's something very powerful about the way he teleports away after Brok's death. As far as I remember, he always goes out of sight before warping places. I can only assume this is something he does out of preference. But after Brok's death he doesn't care in the slightest, he just wants to leave

[@abigailphillips1013]

This is such an excellent video. Sindri really reminds me of a loved one of mine. I never had the heart to call him "controlling" because he's only ever tried to do good. And I thought his "boundaries" were there to keep me safe. I now realize his boundaries are there to make himself feel safe, so that no one will ever put themselves in danger and go away from him. And I've only ever felt guilt that I haven't picked up that same anxiety, so that I can restrict myself when he's not looking. His anger is reminiscent of Sindri too. That "I'm one bad day away from giving up" attitude. And yet, they soldier on, but that anger and resentment accumulates, even when they're the picture of mercy.

[@Ahrpigi]

That sounds an awful lot like the kind of person I've been before. Not sure, maybe still am. Gives me something to really think about, so thank you for that.

[@Xehanort10]

5:21 I think that's the real reason Sindri's a clean freak. Dirt and mess remind him of nearly being dragged under Alfheim's lake trying to get Brok's soul back.

[@blueroses4112]

Regarding the idea of Sindri having Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: a lot of fiction simplifies or trivializes OCD as "germaphobe who washes their hands too much," but all of Sindri's behavior put together does come across as a fairly accurate representation of a person with OCD. His desire for control comes from a place of fear and anxiety, and OCD, at its core, is an anxiety disorder. People with OCD experience OBSESSIVE and intrusive thoughts that cause them anxiety, and then develop COMPULSIVE behaviors as a way to assuage that anxiety; compulsions can be seemingly rational (I don't want to get sick and die = wash my hands to get rid of germs) or irrational (stepping on a crack will break my mother's back = only walking on certain parts of flooring or ground). But even "good" compulsions can become bad when they interfere with a person's ability to function (regular handwashing is good, repeatedly washing with scalding hot water until the skin breaks is not). Sindri is willing to go through so much to keep his loved ones safe, but it wasn't enough, and it never would've been enough.

[@MrFearless]

It is no exaggeration for me to say, that Sindri is my most anticipated character arc for future God of War games. In a lot of ways, the other characters in the story have had their story arcs concluded by the end of Ragnarok, and even more by the end of the Vallhaha DLC -- but Sindri was left so broken by the end and has not yet had a chance to move on. I hope one day to see him redeemed, if not in our eyes, then at least in his own.

[@JETBLACKPRIEST]

I don't think brok should ever be brought back or even seen again but achieving the impossible task (ideally at great personal cost/difficulty) of finding his soul bits and bringing him the peace in the afterlife he deserves would be a grand gesture to repay brok for all he has done for Kratos and Atreus, it would be more fitting and respectful to every aspect of his character rather than simply avenging him by killing Odin, it would be a true gesture to repay his selflessness throughout the story. Similar to how Kratos puts himself in the cage in Valhalla. It would also be a nice end to Sindri's arc, being able to move on knowing he is at peace after a long time of living in a dark place. If we ever get an Atreus spin off, this needs to happen. I could see Sindri coming to Atreus like Freya to Kratos, initially with the intent of venegence but then for help and closure after a reminder of what they once were to eachother. It would also hit on the story beat of vengeance not being all its cracked up to be. Or maybe just for help since I can't really see Sindri actually wanting to harm Atreus, his giant magic could also play into it without feeling too convoluted, after years of Sindri not being able to let go, of trying to fix his mistake on his own (Since he is the one that denied him an afterlife and is no doubt grappling with that), he could see that those who he initially lashed out at are the ones who's help he needs to find his own peace, which they would freely give, as brok always did.

[@justyouraverageeditor7483]

I absolutely love how they wrote Sindri, they wrote him in a way I think not a whole lot of fictional stories could ever do. Because they actually show the realistic tragic consequences of being unable to let go instead of trying to make it bittersweet/romanticized. As a person who’s been one side, (victim) I can say that a relationship like this is sadly doomed from the start. It leaves both sides with genuine trauma and scars from the experience. Usually it stems from selfish desire, or at first genuine love then changing into selfish desire. It’s something that you can never really recover from, and it changes you, dramatically. I hope people take notes from Sindri to avoid people like him, or avoid becoming him in that manner.

[@jimmiles33]

Voice actor completely smashed it at the end of Ragnarok. It feels so genuine when he’s hurt and lashing out. I can’t overstate it.

[@MrHidePatten]

I do like that they always hid themselves going between realms, from either coming from behind a wall or offscreen, etc. However once Brokk dies, Sindri no longer hides this, just blinks out of existence.

[@AlcoholicJugg]

The more I watch these videos the more I respect the voice actors

[@unknownstranger3646]

2:58 he even tells them that he wants his home to be clean before they arrive at his home. He tells them that its the cleanest cabin in all the nine realms and then says "and i'd prefer it to stay that way. Not looking at anyone in particular. Kratos" which earns him an either annoyed or normal grunt from the said person

[@jak4470]

The director of the game compared Sindri to The Giving Tree, in that it's always giving, giving, and giving, and giving until it's nothing but a stump who is only good for being sat upon. When you see Sindri without the gloves, you're seeing the stump. He's just like Freya and how she controlled Baldur to keep him from dying. And like Freya, that control cost him everything. I wonder how long it will take for Sindri to recover, if he ever will?

[@JETBLACKPRIEST]

I don't think brok should ever be brought back or even seen again but achieving the impossible task (ideally at great personal cost/difficulty) of finding his soul bits and bringing him the peace in the afterlife he deserves would be a grand gesture to repay brok for all he has done for Kratos and Atreus, it would be more fitting and respectful to every aspect of his character rather than simply avenging him by killing Odin, it would be a true gesture to repay his selflessness throughout the story. Similar to how Kratos puts himself in the cage in Valhalla. It would also be a nice end to Sindri's arc, being able to move on knowing he is at peace after a long time of living in a dark place. If we ever get an Atreus spin off, this needs to happen. I could see Sindri coming to Atreus like Freya to Kratos, initially with the intent of venegence but then for help and closure after a reminder of what they once were to eachother. It would also hit on the story beat of vengeance not being all its cracked up to be. Or maybe just for help since I can't really see Sindri actually wanting to harm Atreus, his giant magic could also play into it without feeling too convoluted, after years of Sindri not being able to let go, of trying to fix his mistake on his own (Since he is the one that denied him an afterlife and is no doubt grappling with that), he could see that those who he initially lashed out at are the ones who's help he needs to find his own peace, which they would freely give, as brok always did.

[@tallstar513]

The worst part is that Sindri has a point. Throughout the course of the past 2 games, Sindri has only given, he's never been compensated for his gifts (excluding hacksilver of course), he's just been expected to give them and do nothing. Everyone who has met Sindri across the past 2 games have done little other than take from him (excluding Brok).

[@pogothepurple3826]

The way his voice wobbles when he sobbingly says "...Brok?..." just frickin' kills me. 😭👏 This game is an absolute masterpiece and eveyone who worked on it should be immensely proud.

[@TheRogueCommand]

Maybe I'm reading my own feelings vs what the story is saying, I like to think Sindri was about to let Kratos have it at the funeral, but seeing how deeply affected the usually stoic god was from losing Brok, he realized he'd just be lashing out at someone who didn't deserve it.

[@Kaikaifilu1994]

Or he understands how Faye's passing affected both Kratos and, to a lesser extent, *boi*.

[@vitorferreira3553]

I think sindri's hatred toward everyone is more like a "i gave everything and i lost everything if i dont give nothing i will lose nothing"

[@marishexe5500]

What is this blessing of my eyes and ears that im witnessing?

[@EJaDav]

You have no idea how much I love your videos, they’re so amazing to help with my work days, and you never present information without either your own narration or in game dialogue. For someone who gets annoyed when video essays use un narrated text since I can’t watch them your videos are always a godsend. Thanks man!

[@literallydemon_3018]

I would like to note that when Singri asked Kratos and Atreus to wipe their feet before entering his house that Atreus did steped off the the side and do so. We don't see the full animation due to the fact that we are with Kratos not Atreus but we do see the start of it.

[@awkwardsquirtle]

The voice actor sold that role. You can hear him choking up and trying to get out the next word. Man, absolutely heartbreaking

[@michellehao5251]

Actor of Sindri deserves a metal for this... just so well done!!!🥲

[@Reaper-J129]

I wonder.. If sindri was given the choice, I think he would give up one of his own soul pieces to grant brok an afterlife. It's almost sad how sindri is the perfect example of how the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

[@ethinwhite3454]

Another amazing god of war essay. Sindri was the most underrated and heartbreaking character in the Norse series.

[@archeryguy1701]

That final scene always gets me.... the way he absolutely squares up to Kratos, and just shrinks down, not out of fear or knowing it was a bad idea, but you can just tell that he no longer has the will or the fight in him anymore. He just WANTS to slink away at that point.

[@GrandArchPriestOfTheAlgorithm]

"He care too much." OMG, Sindri is Anakin Skywalker.

[@Maualable]

The sharp gasp Sindri makes when Kratos places a hand on his shoulder at Brok's funeral is moving. The way it's acted is great. Like hearing "Brok was" got the reaction out of him, not the shoulder touch.

[@sageanimations2463]

I honestly loved sindri in this game. He was a really good friend who just wanted to help out, but as the game progresses we see more of them asking from him and brok more and more. That speech really broke me, because it is in some way true. When he svartilfim portal opened he stepped in alone, he looked for vengeance. His final moment of killing odin was satisfying.

[@chansesturm7103]

Something I'd like to note about this is that the end of Brok's death scene and the end of the funeral scene are the only times we ever actually _see_ what it looks like when dwarves walk between realms. Every time before then, across both games in the Norse saga, it's been hidden behind something like a stone. While this does have a practical application for the sake of the people making the game, seeing that it's really this utterly silent, one-moment-he's-there-the-next-he's-not kind of thing just adds a little more of that emotional emptiness, the sense that something is suddenly just _gone_ to those scenes.

[@josecuestas7246]

The change of personality of Sindri in God of War Ragnarok, reminds me to Tommy of The Last of Us 2, as both used to be notably kind and reasonables men, even more in comparison with their older brothers; Brok and Joel, particulary during the events of God of War (2018) and The Last of Us 1. But sadly, when their brothers were killed in cold blood by Odin and Abby, Sindri and Tommy got a change of personality of 180 degree, turning them in vengeful, bitter and ruthless men, that harbor a notable thrist of revenge for the murderers of their brothers, to the point that Sindri and Tommy were enraged that the protagonists didn't were willing to finishes Odin and Abby, leading to that Sindri destroyed the Odin's soul for himself and disappeared after that, while Tommy simply chastized Ellie and leaves the scene angry.

[@TSiMan99]

I feel & understand Sindri completely with the contexts of this video. Because Sindri’s me.

[@djfile9243]

Wow perfect timing. 5 minutes ago I finished Ragnaröks story and now your video was uploaded. A cineastic masterpiece I‘ve never seen before that follows its prequel perfectly

[@thelasthunter3123]

Sindri's story breaks my heart, and I'm pretty positive I would've done the same were I in his shoes. I understand where he's coming from and I had a gut feeling one of the brothers would die when I started the game, and I secretly hoped it was Sindri, and it made Brok's death hurt even worse and made me completely change how I felt about him. 10/10 character writing in Ragnarok, something we don't see very often.

[@juancortez3077]

I love your analytical videos. You are so underrated.

[@BKinnov]

Sindri is a metaphor for the giving tree. He gave and gave until he had nothing left.

[@krogginkarnrip5982]

Something I've always believed about Sindri's cleanliness is that it was because of how he brought Brok back to life. Sindri even says he can still feel the souls of Alfheim crawling on his skin and I think this is why he always wears gloves. It already feels like his skin is crawling so he doesn't want to feel anything else on it, and he only takes them off when Brok dies because now that Broks soul is gone Sindris connection to Alfheims souls is gone. Its also possible that Broks death just broke sindri so he no longer wore the gloves, but thats just my head cannon on sindri being such a clean freak.

[@fernandoenriquez432]

He only wears the gloves when he is working now that brok is gone he will no longer work and the gloves are no longer needed

[@ryans7097]

I love your examination videos of the new god of war games. One of my favorite parts of the writing in this game was just how many gray areas the characters operate in. Just like real life, even the best characters in this game have flaws in some way. Really wish we got a trilogy to this story with the characters all explored more in depth.

[@Nyooom93]

As someone with now controlled, but truly awful industrial strength anxiety, I can identify with Sindri. The primal and agonizing fear of losing someone or things changing can swallow you whole. Not making excuses, but anxiety often feels like physical pain.

[@robisclimbing5359]

Time and distance is the only thing that might heal that pain. I think Kratos understands Sindri must work through that however long it takes until they can mend fences.

[@shimahatusi4456]

I don’t think Sindri will be love driven anymore whenever we meet him again. What have Love gotten him, lost his home, secrets, sanity, happiness & family.

[@crogdan6796]

Its also worth noting that the first time we see a dwarf teleport on-screen, (something sindri has always done with an air of showmanship and good-hearted mischief) is right after brok died. He no longer cares about putting on a show for others, only about getting out of an awful situation as quickly as possible. He takes brok with him as he teleports, a gesture that shows he is literally still incapable of letting go.

[@manutdedits7]

I'am also sad with Brok's death. He was the only character who brought swearing to God of War and made it fun interacting with him. RIP BROK

[@ZephyrusAsmodeus]

Still early in the video, but not only is Sindri a great reflection of Odin, but Freya as well. Where Sindri shows the toxic side of control through kindness to Odins toxic control through manipulation, ultimately resulting in him killing Odin, still taking control but ultimately just playing out prophecy. Sindri also shows the devastation of losing someone you care about and sacrificed much to protect dying because of people you trusted, where Baldur was robbed of feeling, Brok was robbed of his soul's direction, and they both die as stubborn, assertive and bold characters who are ultimately now gone due to the very measures taken to protect them. Freya chose friendship over vengeance and spared Odin, Sindri chose vengeance over friendship and ultimately killed Odin. Its honestly amazing that he ended up being a foil for both, you could even take it further and compare him to Kratos, going down the path of vengeance and ending up alone with a god-kill count.

[@CJ2315]

I love these videos. Going so deep into the characters we all grew to love shows how complex they all are and how much they resonate with their audience. Just incredible.

[@iamnoone21]

5:06 Sindri's obsessive cleanliness and the way he goes on about invisible harmful creatures in the first game is implied to be a trauma response from his quest to get Brok's soul--he can still feel the souls crawling on him Which makes it all the more heartbreaking that he's covered in blood and gloveless at the end, but can't even bring himself to care

[@zsolti357]

I have this theory that the norns didn't see Brok in their prophecy because he wasn't whole, and he seeing through Odin disguise was always meant to be.

[@thedarkknight727]

“No matter how bitter the truth awaits me, I will press on.” -Clive Rosfield

[@Tyrany42]

A story where a beloved character dies is always sad, but I personally feel even more sad when a story kills a friendship. I’m not sure why, a friendship can always be mended, but something about that initial split feels so devastating.

[@unknownstranger3646]

Sindri being a clean freak Levi ackerman: i like this one.

[@mystermothman3092]

24:00 One thing I've always liked in particular is how Sindri *leaves* . He originally made dwarven warping magic look almost like a magician's act; he offered the apple to Atreus and seemingly blipped out of sight, always disappearing but only whenever nobody was looking in order to keep the illusion up. But now, the illusion is shattered. Not only of his magic, but more importantly of his control. He no longer cared about the act he has put on, much like he no longer cares about his cleanliness fixation. He just leaves. Magic fully on display as he literally warps away from the funeral, in full view of everyone, even those *who may not know how he even left* He has completely given up.

[@JPizME2001]

One of the bigger themes in Ragnarok is going against thr current to maintain control over who/what we care about. In fact, it is even expanded upon from the previous game, where we see the same struggle for control in gameplay (Kratos' fight with Baldur; the spartan rage mechanic) and story (Freya and Baldur). The writers' choice for Brok and Sindri's arcs is beautiful in so many ways, in it we see a man (or dwarf) whose OCD only gets reinforced with time, likely because that's his own way of dealing with the psychological trauma of losing his brother (i.e. if I'm in control, I won't lose anyone/anything again). When it all goes wrong, I think Sindri's reaction is very valid, if suboptimal, and a new Sindri emerges. From playing a pivotal part in the raid on Asgard to the funeral scene, we see that even now, Sindri is still coming to terms with his new self, something especially apparent when he decides to control his emotions and not lash out at Kratos but simply walk away in silence.

[@princejax2748]

I love your video essays FatBrett!

[@alexiavya722]

If these games got nothing else right, they perfectly displayed why exerting control (even if it has good intentions) is harmful to everyone and even bleeds over into other people’s lives. I’m currently having to get through having family that are emotionally abusive by being completely and utterly controlling over my life. They’ve made small progress, but i’m not sure if it’s because I’m out of the house for college or they actually try now. Just an amazing story and really speaks to me at the bare minimum.

[@antoniaamoretti1288]

Hi! This video is really informative about Sindri and Atreus's motivations throughout the game. I also liked how you went into the way Sindri's character changes throughout the story. Kratos and Atreus have a really close father and son relationship with each other too. They grow so much and learn a lot from their previous mistakes throughout God Of War Ragnarok as the story goes on too. The most touching scene is when Atreus and Kratos hug each other before going their separate ways. This signifies that Atreus is going to be going on his own journey to search for his remaining kinsman which are the other giants that are most likely located in other realms. I hope Atreus gets his own game soon and that Kratos makes a great general in the next one and fights for peace and honor by Freya's side as well. I think the God Of War Ragnarok Valhalla DLC hints that Kratos may be taking a back seat though while also accepting Freya's offer to be a general for peace too.

[@thisguy8106]

Sindri is going to be like Freya in Atreus' game for a bit. Hopefully he survives and overcomes his "villainy"

[@j.h.181]

He also took control by lying about assembling the dwarf army.

[@aidenparker5955]

I don't think Sindri was trying to control anyone, he was just trying to be self-assertive. But Atreus's selfishness and cold dominance led to Brok's death and separation with negative aggression of Atreus and Sindri's relationship. I think Brok was also trying to tell him to let LOVED ONES and THE PAST go, but as you said the whole thing was too late.

[@alphonsejohnson5601]

I'm not trying to excuse Atreus, But is it really selfishness when sindri kept giving various things he and kratos never asked for? I do believe Atreus should have thanked him and tried to repay him in some way, but sindri's "All take and no give" speech felt flat to me, because again, he kept giving atreus and kratos things they never asked for, even though they do benefit the Father and son Duo.

[@nomado.3855]

I think yer missing a big point here, He gave a lot but demanded NOTHING, He could just a a favor and Atreus and Kratos (at first unwillingly) will do it, because of the law of retribution, also giving things is Sindri's mechanism to not feel guilty on what happened with Brok and every tragic thing in his life, as I said in other comment, no one but Odin is at fault of Brok's death, but Sindri is 100% responsible of Brok's afterlife denial.

[@aidenparker5955]

@@nomado.3855 while I can See all that or your point. To me it's not ENTIRELY Sindri's fault and that Brok died due to unpleasant circumstance.

[@X-SPONGED]

Sindri is one of the best depictions of a nice character snapping from grief turning into a shell of his former self and yet still being understandable and sympathetic for how he acts. The VA did an amazing job and that speech over Brok's dead body will always make my heart break. Even in the good ending, sacrifices had to be made. To grief deeply is to have loved fully, as a wise giantess said. I hope we find out that Sindri finds peace in the next game, because the only way he can do so is to finally (and willingly) let go.

[@bor445]

Its been a long time since i disagreed so vehemently with a video essay. Especially that last part. Syndry doesnt knock Kratos' arm away to seize control. He knocks it away because hes mad. Because hes grieving and in pain. He wants to shout at Kratos. To tell him that hes guilty for Brocks death. But he shuts himself up because he also realizes that Kratos is a good man that doesnt deserve to be told that. This isnt Syndry taking control. This is him being in pain and unsure what the hell to do. Having taken his revenge successfully and buried his brother,he is all alone and empty. Thats why he reacts the way he does. Why he leaves ashamed. Hes scared and alone. Not a newly violent control freak as you seemingly suggested.

[@coladict]

At the end I think when Sindri looked into Kratos he saw genuine care and sorrow.

[@Blackwing_Earth-2_]

I like Sindri after Brok's death. I favored Brok over Sindri for both games because he's so real, I never have to guess what he's thinking and it's refreshing, compared to Sindri. During the war, I couldn't help but cheer Sindri on as he "fucks shit up" because I genuinely didn't think he could. Though he talks like he's bigger and badder than he is, I like knowing how he really feels and how destructive he can be if he chooses to be. I like how important he became to the end goal. He goes from being a pushover to someone who takes matters into his own hands. Without Sindri, they were losing. Without Sindri, Odin would still be around.

[@songoku2711]

The new Sindri video!!! Yes, so excited for this one!!

[@sam_7_4_14]

Sindri had to blame others, because the alternative was to face his own mistakes, which he just couldn't at that point of time, understandably. Thanks for the great great great video. It was basically a therapy session for me.

[@legofan4409]

I could see him coming back as a villain trying to take control of fate/time to save his brother - kind of like Alister from the Ratchet & Clank Future: A crack in time.