One of the most lingering mysteries in God of War (2018) occurs when Kratos carries a sick Atreus to Freya's home and a horn echoes across Lake of Nine to summon Jörmungandr. Because neither Kratos nor Mimir blew the horn at that moment, fans have spent years debating who was responsible for calling the World Serpent. Understanding who blew the horn and what it means for the narrative helps clarify key character motivations and lingering plot threads in the Norse saga.
The Mystery of the Horn Blast in Midgard
When the horn sounds, Kratos and Mimir both take note of the event, confirming that someone in Midgard summoned the giant serpent. This scene occurs at a critical juncture in the story, right when Atreus' health drops drastically and Kratos is forced to seek magical help. The timing suggests that whoever sounded the horn was keeping close tabs on the father and son's journey.
Because the World Serpent only communicates in the ancient tongue of the Giants, very few characters possess the ability to speak with him. This detail narrows down the list of potential culprits significantly, as average Aesir or mortals would not be able to hold a conversation with Jörmungandr. As a result, fans have spent extensive time analyzing every character capable of making that call.
Leading Theories Behind the Horn Blower
The most popular candidate among players has long been Baldur, who was actively hunting Kratos and Atreus throughout Midgard. Creative director Cory Barlog even hinted in past discussions that Baldur was pursuing the duo around that exact timeframe. However, critics point out that Baldur lacked the knowledge to speak Jötnar tongue, making a dialogue with Jörmungandr improbable.
Another prominent theory involves time travel, suggesting a future version of Atreus or Angrboda traveled back to interact with the serpent. Since the World Serpent itself was sent back in time during Ragnarök, time-bending mechanics are already established in the game's lore. Others suspect Laufey (Faye) or another Giant may have played a hidden role that influenced events from behind the scenes.
What the Unsolved Mystery Means for the Narrative
Leaving the identity of the horn blower unresolved adds a layer of depth and enduring intrigue to the God of War storyline. It highlights that Kratos and Atreus were never fully in control of their surroundings, operating within a realm full of hidden agendas and unseen forces. The mystery reinforces the overarching theme of destiny and how different factions sought to manipulate the timeline.
Ultimately, the unanswered horn call serves as a classic narrative hook that keeps the community engaged long after completing the main campaign. Whether revealed in a future spin-off or left as open-ended world-building, it demonstrates the developers' careful crafting of Norse mythology. It reminds players that the Norse realm contained far more secrets than Kratos and Atreus ever uncovered firsthand.
