GoW Ragnarok: How Did Faye Die Explained

Updated:

12 Apr 2023

God of War Ragnarok has answered many questions but one character remains shrouded in mystery - Faye, Kratos' wife and Atreus' mother. Her final wish of scattering ashes from the highest peak of all realms leads Kratos and Atreus on a journey through the nine realms, and yet, her history with them and the giants remains a mystery. This article seeks to explore Faye's death, her role in Kratos' journey towards godhood, and her goals.

Faye's Background and Appearance in God of War Ragnarok

For those of you who have played the God of War series, you will know that Faye is an essential character in the game's narrative. In the beginning of God of War, we are introduced to Faye at her funeral. It is revealed that she was married to Kratos and was the mother of their son, Atreus. Her death is what sets off the events of the game, as it leads to the discovery of Kratos and Atreus' existence by the Aesir.

But who was Faye, really? In Norse mythology, Faye's mother, Laufey, was a frost giant and the mother of Loki. Despite her sparse appearances in the myths, Laufey is known as the mother of one of the most significant figures in Norse mythology. Similarly, Faye is best known for being the wife of Kratos and the mother of Atreus. However, as we learn in God of War Ragnarok, there is much more to Faye than just being a catalyst for the game's story.

In God of War Ragnarok, Faye makes an appearance in flashbacks, and we finally get to see who she was. She was a tall, impressive woman, nearly as tall as Kratos himself, which gives credence to the stories of her being a formidable warrior. Her appearance in the game is portrayed by Deborah Ann Woll, who many will recognize from her appearances on the TV shows True Blood and Daredevil.

Faye was a kind and conscientious person, someone who cared deeply about the world around her. Her love for her family and her devotion to them is evident throughout the game. In the flashbacks, we see Faye teaching Atreus about the world and helping him understand the importance of respecting nature and the creatures that inhabit it.

Faye's backstory and her appearance in the game add an essential layer of depth to the game's narrative. While she may not have been a significant figure in Norse mythology, Faye was undoubtedly a crucial part of Kratos and Atreus' lives. Her death is what sets off the events of the game, but her legacy lives on through her teachings and the love that she shared with her family.

Faye's death: What We Know So Far

Faye's sudden death has not been explored or answered in either of the two games. However, there are hints towards the end of God of War Ragnarok, which point towards the real answer behind Faye's death. It is suggested that she might have died of the wounds she suffered when she fought Thor, the God of Thunder. Faye being a mortal might have also contributed to her eventual demise. However, there are also hints that Thor is the one who was behind her death. It is possible that Faye could have fallen ill to an unknown ailment, but given her nature as a warrior, it feels anti-climactic that Faye would've died to just an ordinary illness.

Faye's influence on Kratos and Atreus' journey

From the start of the Norse saga, Faye had a prominent role in influencing the actions of both Kratos and Atreus. She had foreseen the journey, challenges, and hardships Kratos and Atreus would have to endure in order to fulfill their destiny. Faye's intentions weren't just relegated to getting the father-and-son duo to Jotunheim, but to ultimately see Kratos and Atreus grow and reach their actual destinations, not because of what is foretold in a prophecy, but because that is what is necessary. Her history as a Jotun, capable of catching a glimpse into the future, came as a shocking revelation to both Kratos and Atreus, who were oblivious to Faye's actual motives. By the end of God of War Ragnarok, the father-and-son duo, despite going their separate ways, are united in a common purpose, a greater purpose.

Faye's ultimate goal

Faye's ultimate goal was not limited to seeing Kratos and Atreus reach the highest peak of all realms but something more, something grand. She wanted Kratos to become a god of peace, one who is worshiped not out of fear, but out of love and admiration for his actions. Faye wanted to see Atreus embrace his role as Loki while staying true to his identity as "Atreus." Her goal was for Kratos and Atreus to grow and ultimately become something more, something that they were not born to be. Faye's intentions were not just for her family, but for the realms as a whole, to bring peace and restore balance.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Faye's death and her influence on Kratos and Atreus' journey are crucial elements in the God of War Ragnarok story. Her character's presence is felt throughout both games, with hints dropped about her ultimate goal and her past. As Kratos and Atreus embark on their journey, they discover Faye's true intentions, and her ultimate goal, which is achieved in the end. Although Faye may not be physically present, her memory and influence remain throughout the Norse saga.