Norse Mythology Expert REACTS to God Of War

Dr Natalie Van Deusen, a renowned scholar of Norse mythology, joins us for an exciting episode where she will be watching and analyzing the critically acclaimed video games, God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök. As we delve into the rich and immersive worlds crafted by Santa Monica Studio, Dr Van Deusen will share her vast knowledge and unique perspective on the mythological elements that form the foundation of these games. She will guide us through the intricate tapestry of Norse legends, shedding light on the gods, giants, and heroes that inhabit the Nine Realms.

Throughout the episode, Dr Van Deusen will break down the mythological references and inspirations behind the captivating characters, epic storylines, and breathtaking settings that have made the God of War series a gaming phenomenon. We'll explore how the developers have adapted and reimagined the tales of Odin, Thor, Loki, and other iconic figures from Norse mythology, weaving them into the narrative of Kratos and Atreus' journey. From the majestic halls of Asgard to the icy depths of Helheim, Dr Van Deusen will provide fascinating insights into the mythological significance behind each location and how they contribute to the overall storytelling experience. Join us for a thrilling journey through the realms of Norse mythology as we uncover the secrets behind the God of War games.

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Dr Natalie Van Deusen:
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Thanks to Drakulis Cinematic Gaming for the Gameplay:
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Nordic History Expert REACTS to God Of War

[ProfessorNatalie]

Thank you all for your comments and feedback! I absolutely want to play this game now (and the one before it). It was a lot of fun to see the clips I was shown, and I was really impressed with the game!

I am happy to provide references and citations for what I’m talking about here. I know what I know about Norse mythology thanks to a lot of amazing experts in the field, who have written some great books and articles that I consult regularly as I teach this material!

And if you’re at the UofA, I’ll be teaching myth again in the fall term and Vikings in the winter 😊

[NSEBMB]

Man she really needed more context than they gave here to fully understand what she was watching

[MedskiPurnamski]

It's totally easy to miss or maybe it's just skipped in the video but Kratos is actually referred to by the murals and one of the Norns as Farbauti, or 'cruel striker'. In the mythology Farbauti is Loki's dad, so the developers actually found a clever way to insert him into the Norse mythology as if he was always meant to be there.

[devilpupbear]

Speaking of Baldur, did you know he's blessed with invulnerability from all threats physical or magical?

[Tango_Mike]

If I studied where she teaches I would not miss a single class. You can see a shine in her eyes when she recognizes something and proceeds to explain it.

[depresespres]

She needs to do this again but with actual context to the story and events as written by the games. We’ll get better interpretations.

[travismurtland]

Nothing but respect for Doc Natalie, but man y'all gotta give her some context. Even an expert can't give the information 100% straight when they don't have context.

[Connor-ONeill]

In the game "Frigg" was a pet name Odin used to try and keep Freya more separated from the Vanir.

[DoomsDayx]

This video would have been 10 times better if you had just given her some context about the game!!!! It would have been so amazing to hear her take on Kratos being Fárbauti, husband of Laufey.

[AJTho]

Liked Natalie a lot more than the other guy (forgot his name) who was just so focused on what the norse mythology studies have shown, saying this was wrong and that was wrong and this never happened. Natalie just gave extra information on the characters to give more of a background, finding it interesting what they choose to put in the game vs what actual studies on norse mythology say. Really enjoyed this.

[redstonecircuitoffunmc]

5:08 I think I remember Freya telling us that this isn't the actual world tree but a smaller version.

[TheBritishGuy]

The Idunn Apples are actually in the game in the form of collectibles. They’re found on nornir chests which you need to solve a puzzle to open. They permanently increase your health bar. I don’t know if the apple that Heimdall was eating was a reference to an Idunn Apple but they are in the game.

[ChaosLORDish]

No way!! She was one of my professors at the University of Alberta. So cool to see her in this.

[DangerErin]

Dang we didn't get to see her talk about Tyr and Odin deceiving Freya when he was disguised as Tyr

[Papercut]

In the game the antagonists sometimes refer to Freya as Frigg, so it seems the developers went with the interpretation that the two names were for the same goddess.

[E-GeL]

I think she missed it but the Eitr notification at the first meeting of the World Serpent, it is poison and that's why Thor's belly wound didn't heal in the second game

[aisadal]

I've always loved mythology experts breaking down the different interpretations in videogames! I hope someday we get an expert breaking down the mythologies in Bayonetta; heck, I'd love to see Dr. Van Deusen return just for the Norse mythology in Bayonetta 2!

[Potetsmakergodt]

As a Norwegian i love people studying our culture

[Vadrexx]

5:12
It's actually not yggdrasil. It's just an artistic version of it. Freya says it during their alfein travel

[Bellarmin]

You can see how much love and dedication was put In this game