Angrboda: More than a Love Interest

[@kaneqost]

Just a thought: The moment her Grandmother said she won't be remembered and be a forgotten chapter was the moment she changed her mind on destiny

[@Cra-b]

I like that every moment in this game has a purpose on something.

[@behg_sam]

Thats what i was thinking

[@YoshiTheOreo]

When there is an emotional incentive tied outside Ironwood, there is no need to stay inside Ironwood considering her own grandmother basically disowned her with such spiteful words. The only attachment she has in Ironwood is the animals, but that's just a distraction/job, not a solution to her internal conflict. She choses to leave Ironwood because the only emotional connection she has left now is Atreus, which is outside Ironwood. It's like the Norms said, prophecy is only real because humans are very predictable by nature. Angrboda is only predictable because she shackles herself to prophecy: tending to her one and only role and choosing to wipe herself out of existence because of that emotional weight from her grandmother and her role.

[@luistrejo3326]

Is it sad that Grÿla, ended up being right about, Angrboda? In the real life lore all that there is about Angrboda, is just being the mother of the Three children of Ragnorok, and I’m very sure a large sum of players haven’t even heard the name Angrboda until this game.

[@kaneqost]

@@luistrejo3326 I mean it's very clearly a different mythology, and if you're talking real world she's been extremely well known in this game, so a happy ending :)

[@dr.edwardrichtofen365]

At the end of the game, when you travel to Jotunheim as Kratos and visit Angrboda’s little camp, you’ll notice she kept the flower that Atreus gave her that she initially rejected. ☺️

[@angelguerrero898]

Where do you find it?

[@angelserenade]

Where?

[@dr.edwardrichtofen365]

@@angelserenade when you return to Sindri’s house after Ragnarok, Ratatoskr gives you the seed to be able to travel to Jotunheim as Kratos

[@dr.edwardrichtofen365]

@@angelguerrero898 it’s on the table near Atreus’ shrine, in Angrboda’s little house

[@dr.edwardrichtofen365]

@@angelserenade it’s on the table near Atreus’ shrine, in Angrboda’s little house/hideout

[@therecombinant6215]

The entire Ironwood section feels like a fairytale. Atreus falls down the figurative rabbit hole into Ironwood. After he got spirited away, falls in love with Angraboda (who is basically a fairy), they fight a giant, have an magical animal race right after the emotional breakdown with the grandmother ect. It’s like Atreus was in a disjointed dream.

[@adrianroque6990]

What makes this connection better is knowing that if Angrboda stuck by with her belief that her part of the story would be over after giving Atreus the marbles…it would’ve remained a dream to Atreus. Hell, I was actually convinced for a bit that Angrboda wouldn’t come back in the story and the whole Ironwood section would’ve been an isolated incident with no real pay off. Glad to see later that I was wrong

[@ItsButterBean1020]

In general Ragnarok feels mythic at times Stuff like Skjöldr and his coin Angroboda and Atreus’ love Thor’s Doom All of it feels like I could read about it in some ancient tome from some lost culture.

[@kevlar2125]

@@ItsButterBean1020 Are, are you being sarcastic?

[@mohabalserafe3795]

​@@ItsButterBean1020 the whole Norse mythology is a myth what's your point

[@ItsButterBean1020]

@@mohabalserafe3795 my point is a lot of the choices in Ragnarok feel a lot like stuff you’d see in an old legend Skjöldr for instance fits with stuff like the e Sagas where human historic events are emboldened by mythological reference (a boy king being given a coin by a god)

[@angelserenade]

Gryla's words against Angrboda is heart piercing, and I cried when she said "You are Nothing". Angrboda trying to suppress her emotions is gorgeously captured. Yet, she still chose to see the better side of her grandmother. I felt sorry for her on that part.

[@BEZERKSTUDIOS718]

that moment got me pretty good cause it's pretty much me trying to stop my mom from drinking

[@Ni-wl9uh]

@@BEZERKSTUDIOS718 Dang dude, sending a lot of love your way ❤🙏

[@annointedbytalos5673]

@@BEZERKSTUDIOS718 yeah it was obvious what they were going for and I could see myself in her shoes. Going through it was difficult and I really like that they have topics that I can relate too. Thor drinking was also an emotional thing especially how thrúd acted through it.

[@marcusclark1339]

not really its just cheap

[@anselmopat4985]

I would have beaten the old lady ass What an asshole

[@LittleCheebs]

"She used to leave me food." makes me cry without fail. I don't know many people that could have that much compassion. Angrboda is an inspiration

[@YouWillBeHappyOrElse]

Part of justice is seeing the good in a person along with the bad--and that's part of what this whole big story is about.

[@sev1011]

I have alot of respect for Angrboda's character in GoWR. She represents the stage of finding independence while also keeping that light-hearted, passion driven fun you would have as a child intact. Even being emotionally intelligent and strong enough to remind herself who her grandmother was, and can still be, because of their relationship before.

[@marywilcox3102]

I wish people would stop bitching about her being black, that she's nothing more than a token character, which she isn't. They act like it's some kind of crime having a couple of black characters.

[@wholethedogsout880]

@@marywilcox3102 theyre so obnoxious

[@marywilcox3102]

@@wholethedogsout880 Facts, and as a black woman, I find their comments heavily offensive.

[@Awesomeflame16]

@@marywilcox3102 people call her a magic negro or something to.

[@marywilcox3102]

@@Awesomeflame16 Guess they've never heard of the Haitians and their practice of Voodoo.

[@jaeded2391]

You actually brought up a really good point- in Angrboda's conflict with her grandmother, that's HER story- Atreus, ostensibly the main character, becomes a *side* character in that moment. He has no stakes, no development, no reason to be there other than to support Angrboda. And I think that's incredible writing for fleshing out side characters.

[@wklpiano]

You don't have to be the hero in every story, sometimes you must be the one in the background. Helping out, standing by and ready to be the shoulder to lean on or guide or fighter

[@TheSilverShadow17]

Everyone wants to be the hero of their own story, as once said by Handsome Jack from the Borderlands series

[@animebrains6859]

I love Angrboda as a character, I love how cheery and happy she is, In a cast of such sad and broken people. I love that Atreus could find someone his age who also is just as happy and cheery, who loves animals, who also is an artist, a giant, and shares the same optimism. It felt like after 2 games of watching Atreus being a child trying desperately to grow up faster, so he could match the pace of those around him. With her, he was able to be young, to be a child and savor in that joy. I’m glad that obviously after being alone for so long, Atreus could bring Angrboda some company, could offer her hope and companionship when even her own grandmother had abandoned her. I loved the happy cheery break in the game, and I think characters who hide their pain through happiness are so important, because I can relate to them so deeply. I can’t wait to see more of her through Atreus’ journey in the games, and I hope we get to see her more.

[@marywilcox3102]

I love Angrboda!

[@KOCChristian]

Exactly she's someone who focus on complete the necessary task but not losing herself. Not allowing her grandmother change destroy the image she remember her grandmother. When Atreus only see someone as enemy, she remind him people are people.

[@marywilcox3102]

@@KOCChristian Very well said.👍🏾

[@hollyberry0602]

@@marywilcox3102 same!

[@LoopyDreamz775]

Same

[@jasonmatthews52]

I see people complain about the Ironwood segment dragging on but I always thought that was the point. Angrboda is literally the first person Atreus has ever interacted with who was of his own age group; everyone else he's interacted with up until meeting her have been adults wiser and more experienced than he is. On top of that, she is one of the last remaining giants who happens to be humanoid like he is, so it makes sense he'd want to get to know her as much as possible. After revealing Groa's prophecy, there were even multiple points where Angrboda told Atreus he could go home, only for Atreus to consistently refuse to do so.

[@marywilcox3102]

See? You get it.

[@ItsButterBean1020]

It’s also a reprieve for Atreus The entire game he’s been dragged across the realms in favour of one destiny or the other, Ironwood (as long as it is) is the one time he’s just vibing, the one time he gets to just be a kid. Do I wish I could skip the cutscenes? Yeah, totally, but I get it.

[@metoo3342]

Honestly it did drag on a little bit I liked Angrboda's character so I didn't mind that much

[@dovkushnir7808]

People can't spend 10 to 15 minutes for some character development or exposition, lol... But I can see where people are coming from coming from with the game being a hack and slash experience moments before.

[@corbanharris2083]

Ironwood is the only Atreus section i liked the rest of his sections were annoying

[@draganarto13]

Something a lot of writers miss in "save the world" stories is the need to show the world we need to save. The world can be both big, as in the World world, and small, as in our personal "world." Conections, family, friends, and things we have built all fall under that. The ironwood section raises the stakes in an interesting way. We are watching two young teens(?) go through the process of expanding their worlds. I would argue that this is a pivotal moment in the game and people need to stop being so damn blood thirsty and enjoy the journey. SSM does what I rarely see, and it's show us the world we need to save and how beautiful and vibrant it is. And this leans into us as players wanting to protect it more.

[@marywilcox3102]

100% agree. Sadly, haters are gonna hate and miss the point.

[@ningmushii]

I also agree that this is a pivotal moment in the game. We see Atreus become certain in what he wants to do, and we also see an internal struggle and self conflict he’s facing.

[@mohabalserafe3795]

​@@ningmushii and why do they hate his character again

[@T_E_G]

Actually, tho- like these games were made with genuine love and care for both the story, graphics, characters, and everything else combined. Ignoring all that is, imo, so ungrateful and sad to see hard work be pushed aside like that. The writers could have done nothing with some of these characters, but they chose to wrote them AS characters

[@robertphillips213]

"Odin chooses to not give a shit" actually sums up Norse Mythology quite succinctly.

[@MotiejusTitas]

I was looking for this comment, cracked me up good 💀💀

[@Starkiller5121]

Facts 😂

[@I_am_a_cat_]

If only mcu odin was actually anything like odin. Maybe then he'd be interesting... but nothing in the mcu is that interesting anymore

[@mathieumarlaire]

Even the main villain of Ironwood, Angrboda's grandmother, is such a fun bossfight. While the backstory is incredibly dark, fighting her in a giant kitchen among giant teacups is objectively fun

[@jayesh1212-i3d]

I love how the story flips the stereotypes associated with the giants being the antagonists of the Norse mythology.

[@mohabalserafe3795]

It's god of war what do you expect

[@cheesecake2545]

She’s literally the subversion of Manic Pixie Dream Girl. Someone whose purpose is to aid the male hero and make them realize what they need to do in life-and that was her character until the end of the Ironwood segment. But only until. It was her arc to becoming independent and no longer the MPDG because she makes decisions outside of the hero.

[@goodeboie5312]

This right here!

[@MM-vs2et]

Another trope that Santa Monica Studios subverted. I noticed that too, but couldn't put it into words. There was a tone shift after Angroboda handed Atreus the marbles which was nothing like anyone or I expected. Then we continued on her characterization and completing the subversion that she's not just the MPDG.

[@L337P1R4735]

Angerboda was such a pleasant surprise she's a huge favorite for me and I can't wait to see what happens next with her

[@EveryArchive]

Angrboda is a pretty great character. More than just her relationship with Atreus. That ability to be more than a ship is a sign of great writing. She and Atreus feel more realistic if they can both be good apart, as well as together.

[@ericschuller908]

She is easily one of the most relatable characters in the game. She struggles with the idea of determining her own life once the artificial structures of destiny and prophecy are no longer there. She is scared of only being part of someone else's story and finds ways to seek out meaning and purpose in her own life. In the absence of divine comfort, she creates her own answers. In a way, she's the antithesis of Odin who sought out external answers instead of creating his own purpose like Angrboda. She achieves an inner peace and light by making up her own story and deriving meaning from what she values in life, living it on her own terms. Once she overcomes her fear of life no longer being structured by prophecy, she becomes the most liberated character in the game, and arguably one of the strongest, as she is not obsessed with or driven by the worries surrounding Ragnarök. She does show up with Fenrir later on, but on her own terms. Not because it is written, but because she cares for Atreus and the people in his life.

[@daith_izumi]

I do toot for them, but I’m hoping Atreus is in a love triangle😂❤ Angrboda Atreus Thrud

[@ericschuller908]

@@daith_izumi, love triangles are one of the worst plot devices created by humans.

[@anselmopat4985]

@@ericschuller908I have no idea why people like them They should continue what they are doing here, focusing on what’s important

[@ericschuller908]

@@anselmopat4985, to me, love triangles always seemed to exist to cheapen the idea of human relationships. "I beat the rival, so love me." is how I saw them. Like human relationships are prizes to be won. It's fucking gross.

[@SuperT0MaT0]

I loved the Angrboda section, which I didn’t realize was a hot take. It was such a refreshing palette cleanser from the dour and quite depressing tone. Jotenheim is beautiful, one of the prettiest things I’ve ever seen in any game. Not to mention I love her paint attacks so much. What she adds to the theme of destiny is pretty important too. And their actors have great chemistry Edit: would love to see an Atreus spinoff game with her as the companion.

[@ВладиславБулаев-л3э]

Jötunheim is the most beautiful realm. Well, besides Spark of the World, of course My jaw was on the floor, when Atreus teleported there.

[@SuperT0MaT0]

@@ВладиславБулаев-л3э I was bummed we couldn’t explore anything besides that one room in the post game.

[@madeofcastiron]

i love the ironwood section too. i like how it was a break from all the anger and scheming. i could relax for a little bit exploring a beautiful area and talking to someone who just wants to hang out. and i love angrboda’s character. such a sweet girl with strong empathy, even to her grandma. really loved talking to her.

[@spawncampe]

It was one of my favorite sections, I just wanted to see more of Jotunheim and I got a lot of questions answered from the previous game

[@LoopyDreamz775]

Same

[@YoshiTheOreo]

Angrboda is a very good example of what happens when a person or group of people commits too much to certain stories, prophecies, or even history. They can either become possible guides to better futures or a mental shackle that prevents progression that is far more oppressive than any form of slavery especially if the story is told generationally with emotional confidence to cement a group of people outright.

[@dont5405]

Maybe being exposed to Atreus and his refusal to accept prophecy is what led to her suddenly not being strict with prophecy? (Kids mimic other kids is what comes to mind)

[@sgt.zaitsev287]

That and her grandmother shouting that Angraboda will mean nothing and merely a chapter in Atreus'.

[@MM-vs2et]

Yeah, kids don't process complex emotions like adults do. Though Angroboda is more emotionally mature than most kids, she would still have a simplified view of the world. She saw another kid her age, do things that she thought for all her life to be wrong. I grew up thinking not praying before eating is bad, then most of my friends never prayed before eating and gradually I just thought, "Yeah, theres no point to this"

[@jivonne1991]

I just have to say it, Debra Wilson’s VA as Gryla was so good! I’m so disappointed we didn’t get to see more of gryla

[@SpaghettiYOLOKingTTV]

That was Debra Wilson? Holy hell, that's amazing. She's such an awesome, hilarious person, but to find out that was her makes me happy. Gryla was a great character because of what she brought to the performance. The pure venom that laced every word she flung at Angrboda as she slowly walked away made me feel like those words were being thrown directly at me lol

[@acuyra]

Ironwood bothered me until I realized that this, quite likely, the first time Atreus has ever been around a girl his age for any real amount of time, perhaps ever. In fact, ‘Boda’ might just be the first person his age that he’s ever met, period. It’s no wonder he sticks around so long and is immediately taken with her. The poor kid doesn’t want to leave.

[@edster14er]

discovering she also a giant was a big thing for him

[@thurvinfrostbeard1838]

To be fair the is also this one human boy athreus befriends, but you are still right

[@lorettabes4553]

I like the chemistry between Atreus and Angrboda. It feels natural, like they could be friends or something else if they wanted to. The ironwood section is so pretty and nice after all the snow. Angrboda's story is very nice too, I like the way they have written her. Like how she (apparently) was able to leave Ironwood any time and suddenly started appearing in Midgard and the other realms where the crew is. I do think the dreams are how the Jotun get their prophecies. Like visions. We saw Faye in a dream. Atreus' vision was at the end of the first game. Also her design and especially her tattoos look so awesome. I love how you kinda forget about them and then the light hits just right so you notice them again.

[@praxiann7615]

Only Midgard has snow and we're hardly ever there so there's not much change of scenery imo

[@pysky4u]

They could be goood friends

[@abril9691]

@@pysky4u they're probably gonna become more than good friends so

[@pysky4u]

@@abril9691 you likely missed the GOW reference with that statement

[@MrKrossix]

Angrboda is a very inspirational character in my personal opinion, she chooses to stcik with her passion and cheery demeanor despite the worst of it, even showing that she can grow throughout it (the whole opinion on destiny bit). And I could really use that sort of mindset after... stuff happened.

[@marywilcox3102]

Facts.

[@LoopyDreamz775]

I liked her. She’s a likable character

[@dont5405]

Idk how or why, but ironwood was more enjoyable for me in my second play through. Maybe cause I went in knowing it’s meant to be Atreus being a kid, idk.

[@marywilcox3102]

That's probably a good reason. Wish more people would realize that instead of whining and crying about this section.

[@danielneverloses]

@@marywilcox3102 Ong

[@kjj26k]

I'm loving these essays on _Ragnarok_

[@OilyOaf]

*Ragnarök 🤓🤓🤓

[@Hamzurger]

@@OilyOafwhat’s the difference

[@sakmadik69420]

im waiting for freya's.why does hi do analysis on the black girl first.

[@Hamzurger]

@@sakmadik69420 couldn’t go a day without seeing racism

[@Dragonfire-486]

@@sakmadik69420 do the world a favour and shut up

[@dovienya737]

Mad lad actually changed it to FatBrett. I fully thought he was joking.

[@getoffthegames89]

What was it before?

[@kjj26k]

@@getoffthegames89 I will review every Nintendo Wii game, iirc.

[@inferno769]

Why tho

[@dovienya737]

@@inferno769 Literally his last uploaded video. takes about 2 seconds to find it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jF6Qn6SBna1lnrM

[@Bimhermodrsenblom]

FatBrett, I really really love these God of War: Ragnarök analyses. As the small moments in the game that are therapeutic, it's just as therapeutic that there's someone analyzing these stories for people. And potentially open up a channel for others to appreciate what the creators of these games left behind as bits of good trail mix. A hidden reward for appreciating the small things that is. This is what makes storytelling so great, and the storytellers who tell them. Keep making more please!!!!!

[@calliope5681]

i think, to a certain extent, the fact that the turning point in angrboda's development happens off-screen is fundamental to the theme that she is her own person. i think atreus witnesses the beginning of her cause to change, perhaps to spite her grandmother's lashing out, or because she is forced to self-soothe and reconcile with her image of her primary caregiver (thus, the world), and it is intentional that this is all that the player sees. after all, to provide exposition through gameplay is not dissimilar to writing a prophecy; the game progressed exactly as it was designed and coded to, and that IS prophecy. the audience does not need specific as to how and why angrboda changed to relate with her-only that she eventually did by herself, and that is how all that matters in a coming-of-age world, isn't it?

[@marywilcox3102]

Nice sum-up.

[@craxnor]

I would argue that instead of focusing on fighting prophecy. Kratos doesn’t care about prophecy and gets aggravated that people constantly adhere to it and ignore the actions and consequences that lead to it.

[@mohabalserafe3795]

He literally murdered the sisters of fate themselves you really think a a guy with such feat would even about prophecies and all this stuff

[@atharvasalunke4723]

i would like to see a character analysis on hiemdall even though he is a jerk I still think he is a great character

[@Cra-b]

I think that feeling anger for a character actions makes them well written for me. Despite all his arrogance, he was trying to protect his home.

[@atharvasalunke4723]

@@Cra-b true hiemdall is also one of the best villans onpar with odin and thor

[@xoepv9077]

@@Cra-bthats what they were going for just making another hermes but letting him sizzle out was perfect story writing. kratos should have had a reference line along the lines of that.

[@xoepv9077]

Saint Monica manage to top this game that would be crazy.

[@ItsskipppermyG]

Same

[@MM-vs2et]

Do people think that Atreus and Angroboda's characters were written like MCU characters in Ironwood? I didn't get that at all. To me, the child characters in the game, including Thrud, and Skjoldr were actually written like children. They had this contrast between the adults which seemed really present. The quippy nature of their interactions to me felt like oneupmanship that kids have with each other. Not only trying to impress each other, but also impress themselves because its natural for a young person to discover their own abilities. I get that the length could've been more effective, but I thoroughly enjoyed it on my first playthrough. I like the vibe of Ironwood. Reminds me of times as a kid when I would see a magical place and just kept thinking to myself, "Man, it would be cool if I lived there".

[@davidt.1707]

I really like Angrboda for the role she was given with here. A young girl (perhaps same or older than Atreus age in Ragnarok) whose chirpy and easygoing, someone who Atreus really needed to have given he didn't really meet many people around his age up to this point. She's also a really strong girl, someone who can keep it together when her grandma Gryla threw at her if still painful to listen to, but she's perhaps cursed(?) with knowing her fate is just being a guide to another's (Atreus/Loki). She's even playful of her own, like showing up out of nowhere at a few points in the story with Atreus which I thought was amusing as he's yet to do something like that himself I imagine. But overall, this version of Angrboda's probably gonna be the most iconic or one of the most iconic as she's clearly made enough impression to people beyond just being Atreus/Loki's love interest or some such, as well as making her own path beyond just being a footnote or helper to Atreus/Loki's fate. The fact that Angrboda even got to join up in Ragnarok w/Fenrir, escaped Gna, and also the one to presumably get everyone out of Asgard just as it's being destroyed tells me she'll be remembered in the Norse mythos lands for quite some time.

[@vitolarussa]

Ironwood is the calm before the storm. Players really should appreciate it more...having a game thats 100% storm would be too excessive

[@amiefortman7220]

I feel like it would have been easy to make Angrboda just an instrumental character, somebody who helps out Atreus on the path to his own destiny and then does nothing else with no life beyond that (which, considering the race lift they gave the character, would have been more than a little Yikes). But she's so much more than that. We spend the Ironwood chapter living her life alongside her, getting to care about her and her remaining family as people, and hoping it won't be the last we see of her. And I know I was thrilled when she kept showing up outside of Jotunheim--in fact, I was a little disappointed she wasn't around more. I adore Angrboda as a character, and I hope that she gets more spotlight if they ever decide to make a third game.

[@misskiku5209]

I absolutely love this video. Great analysis of Angrboda and I really appreciate the effort you've taken to seperate her from just being a supporting character for the main cast. She's one of my favourite characters in Ragnarok for this reason and this video does her justice.

[@mskiara18]

Thank you for this analysis of Angrboda. Ironwood is one of my favorite sections of the game due to we see some backstory of the Jotnar and a break from the hectic journey of prophecy and Odin. I hate that this chapter was considered boring and people complaining of Angrboda's design.

[@hannahparmenter3905]

Wild... people are hating on her design??? I love it

[@mskiara18]

@@hannahparmenter3905 Yes, there were some players calling the game woke because of Angrboda's skin color sadly.

[@hannahparmenter3905]

@@mskiara18 that's dumb as hell. How is that 'woke'?

[@mskiara18]

@@hannahparmenter3905 Basically players were saying there are no Black people in Norse mythology and said the game is woke because of this. I enjoy God of War, so this is sad to hear some players feel this way.

[@hannahparmenter3905]

@@mskiara18 none of it is real anyway..💀 who tf cares if there's black people in a game that has Norse mythology?? People need to get a life.

[@km1dash6]

I thought Angroboda was kind of an underutilized character. Her relationship with her grandmother has so much narrative potential. One interpretation I found compelling is prophecy as intergenerational trauma. Parents inflict pain on their children who grow up to inflict pain on others. Kratos says "we must be better," because he is trying to break the cycle. But we don't see Angraboda break the cycle. She seems distant and apart from it. Her relationship to her people is unexplored. Sure, she doesn't strictly follow prophecy as much compared to her people, but that's left to the sidelines. Maybe there will he a DLC where she helps her grandmother, or where she at least comes to terms with her grandmother's abuse.

[@calebh3632]

I really think the decision to have Angrboda change her view on prophecy offscreen was a great thing, because it literally shows that she does have life outside of her relationship to Atreus and the prophecy that he's a part of

[@TheKoyn]

Glad I'm not the only one that loved the Gryla boss fight. I had tears in my eyes, it was very emotional

[@marywilcox3102]

Yeah, that fight was good. It's appalling that haters actually expected Gryla to be killed by CHILDREN - one of whom is her own flesh and blood. People are so stupid.

[@mohabalserafe3795]

​@@marywilcox3102 they just want Atreus to be like his father in his glory days

[@marywilcox3102]

@@mohabalserafe3795 Which, given that Atreus is a teenager makes no sense, and unless a group of gods does something to piss Atreus off, he won't be repeating his father's 'glory' days anytime soon.

[@vicmorgana5516]

@@marywilcox3102 It's one of the things that annoy me the most about people who hate Atreus. It's fine not to like him if that's how you feel, but the reasoning is often that Atreus isn't like OG Kratos. He's not a ruthless killing machine who follows in his father's footsteps and that makes so many people mad for some reason. It would defeat the entire purpose of the new games. Part of the point of Atreus' character is to show that he isn't like his father, and that by being merciful and kind, he influences Kratos to be better than he was--much like Faye did for both. But Kratos is seeing the same criticism from some people for not slaughtering the Norse gods. Some people are just stuck on the OG games.

[@Greenweeper1387]

YES!!! I was waiting for this video so bad, Angrboda is one of my favorite characters in the game. I loved her sm!

[@thebeavpercabethftw9604]

I love this game's take on how Loki and Angrboda have their monstrous children. They create Jormungandr together with Giant Magic and Fenrir is Loki's Pet Wolf who basically has a second home with Angrboda. As for Hel, she will probably be created the, *ahem*, regular way.

[@rottensquid]

I feel like this section of the game that introduced Angrboda really enhanced and deepened the game itself as well as the story. My issue with the previous GoW is that it's such a strong cup of coffee, with little variety to its mood. It took till the end of the game for me to realize that it had more to say beyond its depiction of the emotionally withholding father and his emotionally neglected kid. With Ragnarok, the whole multi-hour segment just to spend time with Atreus alone was such a relief from the father/son dynamic. It gave us a chance to get to know Atreus as his own person, and not just as Kratos's sidekick. And the different game play was a welcome break from axe hurling and blade swinging. I think switching characters, especially characters in conflict, is a great way to explore the stories of games. This game let you see both sides of the conflict between Kratos and Atreus, and let you in on the process of the two characters finding common ground, compromising, and learning to trust one another's judgement. It's a very mature story in that regard.

[@markandrew6704]

"Odin chooses to not give a shit" made me laugh pretty hard. It reminds me of the book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson. Pretty sure Odin read that book a few times lol

[@strooba7035]

angrboda was one of my favorite characters in the game, I just thought she was really refreshing and fun in a game that can be really tense or dramatic. Also I don’t get it why do so many people dislike Ironwood it was one of my favorite sections of the game!

[@Average-Joe851]

It gets more interesting if you look at the Norse Mythology. Angrboda and Loki (They do get married in the Mythology) have 3 children Fenrir, Jormungand, and Hel. We have seen 2 of these "births" arguably happened in the game. So I'm guessing the next Giant they bring back is Hel (As in the person Helheim is named after). Though the games are not always that accurate to the myths so we'll see.

[@tedtedson7813]

im not sure how that would work unless its a spin off game because they made it clear they are leaving norse mythology.

[@Kitastroboy]

Excellent video essay! I really enjoyed her character in the game but this just makes me appreciate and love her even more. Even her combat and fighting is so unique with all the colourful paint bombs and explosions she does. Thanks for making this!

[@synderthmc]

The prophecy of the giants seem to work the same as of the norns. Their self-fullfilling. It was her belief that choices don't matter and that her story ends, and would've probably ended up just like how the prophecy states. But changed herself and so changed her story.

[@e3vL1]

true love is giving someone the power to destroy you, but trust them not to

[@azanathwhateley7235]

The last part hits home way too hard. Thank you.

[@myrixica4222]

One thing to keep in mind 10:23 - 12:34 Time flows differently in all the different realms, so we don't actually know how long it's been for her between the times we see her. For all we know it's been months. I think the games earlier point when Atreus went there about him being gone for 2 days was also meant to be a set up to help justify this large of an off screen character shift. At least it helps me rationalize it.

[@acleverusername420]

Given how Atreus was in Ironwood for a few hours and when he came back it had been 2 days shouldn't that mean that Angrboda had less time to change because of the different time flow, not more.

[@dishmeup]

what u said about graduation and how you feel after is very accurate and makes alot of sense with how angribroda feels I've been graded for a few years now and still have moments where idk what to especially after moving on my own a few months ago

[@QuestionableLifeChoices]

i didn't find her and atreus' dialogue marvel-esque at all; i'm actually surprised and confused why people would say that? it came off more to me as awkward and slightly snarky but mostly sincere and goodhearted teenagers sidebar: when atreus started aggressively tossing the marbles back into the bag (which clip you included), i cringed so hard. like atreus, read the fucking room and be gentle, shit! lol

[@marywilcox3102]

Because a lot of the haters don't know that teenagers are naturally awkward and trying to find themselves and their places in the world.

[@corbinames5069]

Just wanted to give you a shout. Been in the process of moving and have to do a lot of work to the new house before moving in. Been overwhelmed at times woth the amount of work for the small amount of time. Been watching your videos while working and they've been a huge help in having a comfort to keep me focused. Videos are great and I thoroughly enjoy listening/watching. Thanks for the effort man!

[@jmitterii2]

I loved it. Was good to see the boy interact with someone his age.

[@grumble]

Really enjoyed this! While playing, I felt that they sailed close to the wind with Angrboda in the beginning because a Black female character walking up to the white boy protagonist saying "it's my destiny to make sure you get where you need to go" and taking care of him when he's scared/overwhelmed/angry falls right into the Mammy Trope. Showing her life in Ironwood in so much detail and having her show up again to help Atreus *when she chooses to* is a decent subversion of that, and I'm glad they did it that way. I wish we could've had more time with her, too.

[@bobjone8039]

I think that angrboda represents the human feeling that we can’t be anything greater than what we are, and this is disproven in the game at the end!

[@matrixmessiah6083]

Can we just appreciate the "GOOD friends" joke about the whole "they were roommates" topic 🤣

[@MykeGG]

Ironwood isn't exactly exciting but it's good to see Atreus finally be able to have fun like a child

[@rashadd2615]

Great video. I enjoyed Angroboda as a character and her realizing she can create her own path and write her own story opposed to being bound by destiny.

[@Reyma777]

. Overall, I liked Angrboda's role in the story. Even though I was confused by the time travel/ time distortion involved in her part of the story. As an aside: I think it would have made sense for Angrboda's father to be foreign God or divine figure. The shape shifting, African trickster god, Anansi the Spider would have made a good potential father for Angrboda were she not written as full Jotunn. God of War (2018) kept hinting at non-Norse and Greek gods. A foreign looking Jotunn could have been described as being fathered by a foreigner. However, I do believe the game hinted that Jotunn are found outside of the Norse realms.

[@ezoez7548]

I feel like the way the jotunn's or someone who was making these prophecies is that they are able to see many different paths to what the future will hold. Like when Dr. Strange saw a million different ways the battle with Thanos could go, and so the one who made the secret murals inside the murals, chose to wrote out the best path that the protagonists could go through and so leaves in details and other details are vague. That way the prophecys if found they may lead the characters to go on said path.

[@weewee3486]

The reason I grew to “like”, or more like not hate Ironwood is because Atteus and Angrboda are two children with large responsibilities, it only makes sense that they would like to forget about it for a bit

[@cruzzytv611]

This is more than a crush, more than a like like, more than a love

[@Prince-Shogun]

You actually brought that lyric from let it shine movie! XD

[@cruzzytv611]

@@Prince-Shogunobv💀💀😭

[@Prince-Shogun]

@@cruzzytv611 wow! it's been long time since watching the movie.

[@Imminent_Wrath]

angrboda is the perfect love interest and character arc to atreyus... she was written and presented so well

[@kin4386]

Way I look at Angrboda is that she is what happens when you make a side character aware of the fact that they are just that: A side character. When they know that they aren't the main character. That their purpose is to assist the main character on their journey rather than star in it. Which is why she's so blindly and bitterly accepting of the concept of being brushed to the side in the story once she gives Atreus what he needs. Now that she's fulfilled her purpose in HIS story, there's nothing left. And she's bittersweetly come to terms with that.

[@bli2z4rd]

I love the analogies you make between this game and aspects of life or other source of media. Great content. Subscribed.

[@EmeraldJinx3643]

I will forever hate having to collect those stupid fruits when I already filled the bucket in NG+.

[@gilbertotabares8196]

FatBrett: Odin chooses to not give a shit. Me: HA! Welp, you sure got his number!

[@dylanbass8451]

One of my favorite things about this game is that we get to see Atreus acting like a kid, especially with Angrboda. We get to see them both goofing around, which is great!

[@atlas956]

i just finished the ironwoods section for the first time, and i’m glad i’m not the only one who adores Angrboda as a character and example of great supporting character writing. The idea that she and Atreus would be cute together came very naturally, because the writers gave her an organic personality, story and interests… it did not feel like she was designed FOR Atreus, even though she likely was. She feels like a real person, which is so rare for love interests, especially teenage girls.

[@HotDogTimeMachine385]

Your videos are great, I found you because of your GoW analysis' and they're fantastic. It's interesting that Angrboda's story is about dealing with her story only being tied to Loki, when in Norse mythology she is only mentioned as a reference to Loki and Ragnarok.

[@villaniousmustache4898]

Every Atreus part was amazing!! I really loved his combos

[@mimitheechidna]

I'm hoping you do a video covering Faye and her role in the story, as well as the emotional impact she had on Kratos and Atreus. Her backstory and little tidbits about her fight with Thor were super interesting, as well as the chemistry between her and Kratos.

[@wizevmkloarm3462]

Your analysis of God of War is so great to just sit and watch, even rewatched your video on mimir to really get every detail.

[@ojvribeiro]

I happened to love your reviews. So I'm staying ♥

[@LordZaayl]

Since she believed all choices led to the same outcome, maybe she chose to see Atreus again under the assumption some string of fate would physically stop her, like a freak rock slide, anything but Atreus made her curious enough to try, just to see, she has nothing better to do. Then fate did nothing and she learned firsthand by making different choices, her own fate changed.

[@humansadness3749]

i like that angrboda’s part dragged on. i felt so..? calm? and couldn’t help but think about how much i missed having fun with angrboda when i was in midgard fighting enemies alone as atreus, i felt weak towards in comparison when i play kratos and just thought: this is probably how atreus feels all the time. it was nice to feel a bit of a slow moment in a game where everything is so face-paced with high stakes.

[@xoutlast1086]

Definitely agree with you on all points and I’d like to add on that angraboda section was an amazing breath of fresh air and the dialogue as well as angraboda was definitely interesting enough to take my mind off the slower parts and I love how they made her flushed out and not just a love interest as I think many future entertainment, and current ones could learn from her character definitely my favorite game of 2022

[@midnightjay]

An Agraboda video, let's gooooo! Agraboda is one of my top favorite characters and I really enjoyed this analysis of Agraboda and how her story is relatable to the transitioning into adulthood. Also, I 00% agree that the audience got to see her in the moment she shifted between "prophecy is absolute" to "I can make my own story". My thoughts is her grandmother's rantings after destroying the pot hit her too deep and after it she decided she wasn't going to just disappear. Still, I think it'd have been nice to see her have this moment since it's so crucial to her character development and how it ultimately leads her to Ragnarok. The game was already packed to the brim but if they want to slid DLC and we get to see that moment someway, somehow I'm game for it. With that said, Agraboda and her section is a breath of fresh air from the doom and gloom. It's levity and reminded me how Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood handles its story. Like GoWR it's very depressing with themes and characters are chipped away at as it progresses and some straight up die. To keep it from being a tragedy fest there's humor and lighthearted moments scattered methodically to give the audience a break. Ironwood and Agraboda works the same way imo From a gameplay perspective I can't argue since I can't play the game but maybe on new game plus (when they add it) and after people beat the game once they can add a feature to skip it or something. I know sometimes gameplay and storytelling do not always harmonize and for the core audience of GoW players and the criticism from a gameplay perspective sounds very fair. However, as a narrative experience I love Ironwood and Agraboda is such a cool character. I noticed she gets a lot of hate for...very bigoted reasons but she's awesome imo It was also so nice for Atreus to meet someone his age and can teach him his heritage. I think they have good chemistry too but beyond that Agraboda is insanely interesting given the circumstance she's introduced in. I'd like to know more of the time before she lost her parents then right after and how she managed. We'd learn so much about the Giants through her perspective and understand why Giants only live through prophecy and why they do not tend to try to avert it (like her father though she's said one way or another they come true so some probably did try and failed). Anyway, Agraboda's been through a lot but never loses herself in her grief. I like that about her and how she bounces back and remains a beacon in a sea of characters broken and/or fighting for recovery. Another thing this section does so well is how it snaps the audience out of this reprieve. Ironwood is not a complete break from game's tone, Agraboda's grandmother a wake up call and the antithesis of her; completely broken and stuck in her grief due to prophecy and how her son did nothing to fight it. After that boss fight its a reminder this is still GoW and this dreamlike sequence still has it's harsh reality. That and there's subtle hints of it too while traversing it you still see remnants of giants that were needlessly murdered and at the highest peak parts submerging from the mist. Ironwood is never far from the tone of the game but it is a contrast through the perspective and I find that fascinating. Also, I really like how Agraboda hammers home the theme of nature/prophecy. This was especially difficult for her since her culture is solidified in obeying prophecy. Her father died following prophecy and broke her grandmother. She was even beginning to feel the weight of what it meant ot follow prophecy realizing when Atreus leaves her part is over. So for her, prophecy has always loomed over her existence and been a prominent part of her life which explains her extreme take on it. Though, like Kratos, she decided to be better in her own way. I think it was after the harsh words from her grandmother. Being told she'd be forgotten, even by Atreus, and would be nothing more cut her deep. It's then we see her taking the baby steps to choose her own destiny rather than accept her fate prophecy had shown (or not shown) her. When she gets Fenrir she literally saves everyone at the end too. I like this comeback for her and it's a testament to what the story needed. She became a lot stronger changing her nature as Kratos and Atreus did. I would love to see more of her in dlc since there won;t be anymore games in Norse mythology (or so I heard). About the Giants prophecies: I have a theory. Notice how the Norns are surrounded by curtains of golden threads. Giant prophecies are always told and entrenched with the same color: gold and told with golden dust. My theory is Giants can tap into the prophecies of the Norns, threads that they touch through dreams. Or it has something to do with Norse mythos which I know nothing about lol Regardless, none in the game tend to care how they come about but what they say but I also wish this was given more time to explain. Another reason we need this story through Agraboda's perspective in the past to solidify lore (unless their notes in the game that explain it, no one share's those on gameplay vids lol).

[@marywilcox3102]

Nicely said.

[@polsandoval]

I, too, loved Ironwood. Played through the entire game three times!

[@acleverusername420]

I really loved Angrboda's character and Ironwood. Ironwood is one of my favorite parts of the game and I hope we see more of her in future games. Her struggling to circumvent her destiny really ties in with the theme of the game and other characters trying to do the same so she fits right in there. And I was glad that she got to do more than what her prophecy dictated she had to do. And yes her and Atreus are super cute. (edit) Came back to watch this video again after a re-watch playthrough and thinking about it, I feel like meeting Atreus and her finally confronting her grandmother who she seemed to be hiding from kind of pushes her to start taking action where she had been living with a 'well this is the way things are' mentality. She grew up with this strict 'prophecy is absolute' upbringing and it makes sense as she and her mother where giants who could see the future. If you go back to the first time you see her in Ironwood you see that she was even painting the first time she and Atreus met. Having visions of the future is sure to make you feel confident that you know how things play out and if you grow up isolated from different people only hearing one perspective, of course you believe that too. She even has a little dialogue with Atreus about how there have been people who have attempted to avoid their fate but though some details had changed they still overall followed their fate. Atreus showing up is meant to give her a different perspective than how she was raised, as she most likely never interacted with different people besides her family. Angrboda did want to do more and be more than she was supposed to and Atreus giving her the idea that "your part in this is as big as you want it to be" helped to make her think maybe she can do more after only being taught her life had to be a certain way and nothing else. Standing up to Gryla finally could have also helped to push her. Probably for the first time she actually did something to change her life. By stopping her grandmother from stealing the animal souls and now she no longer has to worry about soulless animals. Maybe it make her think 'If I can change that, then maybe I can change other things too.' I do think the game could have benefited from having parts separate from Kratos and Atreus where the other characters get to have their stories explored independently. Some character development moments feel a little janky because you only see these characters through their interaction with them, which means you miss things when they aren't there to witness them.

[@AntiDegenerate1971]

Ironwood was the worst section of this game

[@acleverusername420]

@@AntiDegenerate1971 That's your opinion, one I clearly don't share.

[@deffdefying4803]

@@AntiDegenerate1971 im in love with how OP crafted a beautiful explanation as to why they loved the scene then you kicked down the door and said "NO IT SUCKS" and just did not elaborate in the slightest. care to grace us with your own explanation?

[@davidgodfrey9780]

​@@deffdefying4803 he's definitely in the fourth grade.

[@nickpolatas8433]

So my understanding on the prophecies between the Norns and the Giants is that the Norns can see all of the potential futures and use their knowledge of people to chose the most likely one while the giants dream a vision of the future and assume that it’s the only way the future can go, becoming a self fulfilling prophecy.

[@jinn91]

The way that I see it is she was a character that had a lot of alone time off screen so she had plenty of time to think about what atreyas had said and contemplated and then change her mind

[@rottenwalrus7103]

Giants, and the Giant race, are themselves, future tellers. They have dreams and visions of other people’s stories and professes. Stores that they themselves play a small part in. Faye is an example of this. She knew she would die, and she knew her husband and sons journey. Because she is a giant and saw visions of it. Angroboda is a sad example of this. She and her mother had dreams of Atreyus’s journey and her part in it. And so she based and prepared her entire life for the moment that she gets to play a part in HIS story. Because most for giants, that’s their only purpose in life. Is so fulfill others professes.

[@siltstrider6812]

Gryla's house reminded me of the Little Nightmare game.

[@TheJonkler1]

Fun fact:Angrboda is(or was idk anymore)the wife of Loki in the myths from what I could find

[@adeadarcadia]

Was this written by Atreus? (Mostly /s) Really glad to see her get appreciation, lately I feel like I've been seeing more people argue about whether she or Thrud will end up with Atreus (somehow an actual thought for some people, I was surprised) than talk about her personal arc and emotional development, which is clearly a story all on it's own that she has even if we don't really see all of it. I thought it was adorable to see Atreus basically go 💖🥰💖 when he's with her, and to see him get a moment to be a 15 year old boy get flustered over a pretty girl--something a boy his age deserves a chance to have--but even that got surpassed by them growing together, really showing some maturity that they unfortunately have from trauma and elements beyond their control, and it was amazing to see them taking control back.

[@ysgramornorris2452]

I did notice that Angrboda seemed to realize that her role in the story was just to be a side character in Loki's tale, and to not like it one bit.

[@kuroshu7071]

The confusion in Atreus' face when he sees the circle button

[@Aureilius2112]

I really hate when people say something being similar to the MCU is a negative.

[@teodoraslozoraitis7409]

I felr that, dude. The MCU movies legirimitely brought me a lor of.comfort during time times.its a downer that the writers dont.care about teeling good stories about it anymore.

[@Aureilius2112]

@@teodoraslozoraitis7409 Yeah. I think they just got too big and Kevin couldn’t keep quality control. I think they’ve gotten the message after the marvels though.

[@immagoingbacktobed1742]

I think the point for her change off screen is to show that her story runs independent to the main narrative.

[@Gennetha_Pang2299]

It’s like Steven universe!

[@ethanfinlay3365]

I think the sudden change in belief it is a clear sign of a rich internal monologue that were not privy to

[@wholethedogsout880]

i love her so much

[@kaijufan2001]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that enjoys the Ironwood section, I felt like it was a really nice change of pace from all the violence, darkness, and destruction we would see throughout the rest of the game. Plus seeing Atreus and Angrboda interact as well as give some character depth to these two, Atreus not wanting to go with what Prophecy says and Angrboda learning to take fate into her own hands and forge her own story.

[@rudydaberry122]

What you said about school was true. I loved school and loved my friends i had all through school. I loved that my day was scheduled and seen all my friends everyday. When I graduated in 2018 it was such a shock to me and I went through a deep depression. The fact that everything I knew for over a decade was over in 1 day was a terrible shock

[@filipvadas7602]

I was a bit iffy on her at first and it didn't help that her chapter of the game slows the pacing to a screeching halt But, by the end I loved her character because in the midst of all these characters obsessed with destiny and preventing it, she decides to face hers head on and with happiness in mind, only changing her mind on it once she realises how lost she is now that her job is done with Atreus being there to help her through it Overall, she ended up being a pretty good addition and her friendship with Atreus was a nice break from the otherwise intense and emotional story

[@minibeast21]

I couldn't agree more with video's point, Angroboda & Artreus' section was a nice moment of levity in an otherwise very bleak & sombre (still enjoyable) theme of rest of the game

[@XENON3120]

people be like when they getting married? its a child, hold your horses

[@D_eggo_]

"Oden chooses to no give a shit" had me rolling 🤣