God of War Lore: What is Fimbulwinter? Does it lead to Ragnarok?

The ending of God of War (2018) marks the beginning of Fimbulwinter in the game. In Norse Mythology, Fimbulwinter is a prophesied winter event in Midgard and is the winter to end all winters. The winter spans over three years causing violent storms, blizzards, and heavy snow in Midgard. At the beginning of God of War Ragnarok, we see how Kratos and Atreus have been surviving Fimbulwinter and how they’ve been adapting to harsh circumstances. 

In the God of War series, Fimbulwinter starts as soon as Kratos snaps Baldur’s neck. This incident is accurate to Norse Mythology, except that Kratos wasn’t the one who killed Baldur. After Baldur’s death, snowfall and storms seized Midgard and The Lake of Nine was completely frozen. 

In the secret/true ending of God of War (2018), Atreus had a premonition where Fimbulwinter was ending and he saw himself and Kratos encountering Thor at their house in Midgard. In God of War Ragnarok, we see that Atreus’ premonition indeed became true as Thor showed up at their house to talk before breaking into a brutal fight with Kratos. 

Does Fimbulwinter lead to Ragnarok?

Fimbulwinter indeed leads to Ragnarok. Ragnarok is also known as the Twilight of the Gods, which leads to the annihilation of the Norse world that includes all nine realms, killing many Gods such as Odin and Thor. Surtr is prophesied to destroy Earth with his fiery sword in the battle. 

In God of War Ragnarok, Kratos is understandably worried about what will happen to Atreus in Ragnarok, and they don’t know what part they’re playing in the battle. But as the story unfolds, everything becomes clear as Kratos and Atreus are prophesied to play a huge part in the battle of Ragnarok.

About God of War Ragnarok

God of War Ragnarok is an action-adventure game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It was released on November 9, 2022, for PS4 and PS5.

Ragnarok is the ninth installment in the God of War series, chronologically, and the sequel to 2018’s God of War. Loosely based on Norse mythology, the game is set in ancient Norway and features series protagonists Kratos and his young son Atreus. The events of the game are expected to initiate Ragnarok – a series of events that, according to Norse lore, bring about the end of days and the death of the Norse gods.