God of War: Ragnarok features Thor as a primary antagonist, who shares nothing in common with Marvel's Thor, a popular interpretation of the character. During PlayStation's 2021 Showcase, Santa Monica Studio released two trailers for God of War: Ragnarok, revealing more information about Kratos' newest nemesis. God of War's Thor takes after the Norse mythology version, whose morals and actions are far more merciless.
Marvel's Thor, however, is known for his cheerful, carefree attitude following his banishment to Midgard and joining Earth's Avengers team. Though he began as an arrogant, battle-hungry prince, the character soon became a humble, selfless warrior who defended the innocent. This version of Thor is a hero, with many admirable qualities that cement his goodness. Unfortunately, he holds almost nothing in common with God of War's Thor, a villainous murderer.
God of War's Thor is quite different from Marvel's interpretation and is much closer to the Norse mythology version of the God of Thunder. The most apparent difference is his appearance, which features ginger hair adjourned in braids, a prominent gut, Nordic tattoos, and Aesir-styled armor. His armor features engravings of Nordic and Aesir script that appeared throughout 2018's God of War. In addition, he bears a scar down his right eye, though its origin is unknown. Thor also wears a necklace with a circular pendant. Additionally, God of War's Thor's Mjolnir varies greatly from Marvel's Mjolnir and features a curved head resembling a battle hammer.
God Of War's Thor Is A Lot Different From The MCU's Version
God of War's Thor also differs significantly from the MCU's Thor's personality. Players will likely hear no light-hearted jests or celebratory toasts from Kratos' newest enemy. Instead, this version of Thor appears to spend most of his time committing genocide at the orders of Odin, his father. Most Giants in Midgard have fallen to Thor's rage, sparked by the Jotunn's refusal to share their magic with Odin. Additionally, Thor is not brothers with God of War's Loki, whose parentage includes Kratos and Laufey.
Aside from Thor's brutality in the God of War universe, his arrogance and short temper also set him apart from the MCU's. While Thor's first appearance featured some of these personality traits, his debut in the MCU quickly improved his rash, unlikable tendencies. God of War's Thor enjoyed no such pleasantries and regularly erupted into violent tantrums. During God of War's campaign, Mimir tells Atreus and Kratos the story of Thor and Hrungnir, which aptly displays the god's disregard for life. Hrungnir was a simpleton Giant born without a head or heart, which were replaced by stone. Due to his gullible nature, Odin tricked Hrungnir into becoming drunk and humiliated him in front of Asgard's court. When Thor arrived, he was enraged at the giant's demeanor and threw Mjolnir at his head, killing him instantly.
Despite the many differences in these versions of Thor, each character plays a critical role in their respective universes. Their development, personalities, and legends lead to different outcomes for their worlds. Though God of War's Thor is no hero, his monstrous behavior catalyzes Kratos and Atreus's quest. Thor's antagonistic role in God of War: Ragnarok is a unique take on the character and is sure to explore exciting new avenues of lore and mythology in-game. God of War: Ragnarok will release sometime in 2022 for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.