One of the most lingering mysteries in Santa Monica Studio's 2018 action-adventure title involves the sudden horn blow that summons Jörmungandr while Kratos carries a sick Atreus to Freya. Players across the globe have spent years debating the identity of the unknown character responsible for calling the World Serpent during this pivotal story moment. Analyzing narrative clues, character motivations, and time-travel mechanics offers fascinating insights into who might have blown the horn.
The Critical Scene in Midgard
During the story sequence where Kratos carries an ailing Atreus to Freya's sanctuary, the Great Horn echoes across the Lake of Nine. This event surprises both Kratos and the player, as only a few individuals in the Norse realm know how to speak Jörmungandr's ancient tongue. Tracking updates in daily gaming news often reveals how lore enthusiasts continue to deconstruct this subtle narrative detail years after release.
Because Baldur is actively searching for the protagonists at this junction, many fans initially assumed he was the one who blew the horn. However, Baldur lacks the knowledge required to speak the Giant language needed to converse with the serpent. This inconsistency points toward a much more deliberate actor playing a hidden role in the timeline.
Popular Theories: Angrboda and Future Atreus
A prominent theory suggests that a future version of Loki or his companion Angrboda traveled back in time to call the serpent. Since Jörmungandr was splintered back in time during his battle with Thor at Ragnarök, temporal manipulation is already an established plot device within the franchise's lore. A future Loki would possess both the knowledge of the tongue and a clear motivation to ensure his younger self stays on the path of destiny.
Angrboda also stands out as a strong candidate due to her role as guardian of Giant prophecy and heritage. Her intimate familiarity with Jörmungandr makes her capable of blowing the horn and delivering crucial instructions to the leviathan off-screen. This action would help safeguard the sequence of events leading to the fulfillment of the mural prophecies in Jotunheim.
The Case for Heimdall or Odin's Agents
Another compelling line of thought involves Aesir manipulation, specifically through Heimdall or Odin's orders. Heimdall's foresight might have informed him of the horn's significance, prompting an attempt to lure the serpent into a tactical trap or gather intelligence. Odin's obsessive quest for knowledge also makes it plausible that he commanded an agent to summon the creature to monitor its movements.
Despite Aesir interest, Jörmungandr's hostile disposition toward Asgardian deities makes an Aesir caller risky. The serpent would likely attack anyone aligned with Odin upon arrival rather than holding a peaceful dialogue. This aggressive tendency reinforces the belief that the horn blower was someone Jörmungandr viewed as an ally.
Narrative Legacy and Future Answers
While God of War Ragnarök addressed many lingering plot threads, the mystery of the horn blower remains an open subject of discussion among lore scholars. Creative director Cory Barlog has previously hinted that certain narrative seeds were planted specifically for long-term storytelling. Whether revisited in future expansions or left as a piece of mythic ambiguity, the identity of the caller remains one of Midgard's best secrets.
