In Norse mythology, the Vanir are one of two groups of gods, the other being the Aesir. These groups both appear in the latest God of War, as old enemies who warred long ago. While Odin leads the Aesir in Asgard, the group portrayed most clearly as the game’s antagonists, the God of War Vanir have sealed themselves away in the realm of Vanaheim. Only one Vanir appeared in God of War; the goddess Freyja. Given her role, what sort of role can fans expect the Vanir to play in God of War 5.
The Vanir in God of War
In myth, the Vanir are traditionally associated with fertility and wisdom; they tend to be less warlike than the Aesir. There are also fewer members of the group than there are of the Aesir. Among their number, Freyja and her twin brother Freyr are probably the most renowned. Freyja played a major role in God of War, and ended the game determined to wreak revenge on Kratos and Atreus.
Given that she was formerly married to Odin, it’s possible she could return to the Aesir for assistance. However, it’s also possible that she could seek to contact her fellow Vanir. In the game, she stated that she is trapped in Midgard, and as such, cannot explain to her fellows that she did not betray them. However, if she were to meet one of the Vanir, she might get that opportunity… and a chance to enlist their aid against Kratos.
Possible Allies of Freyja or Kratos
Her brother Freyr would seem the most obvious choice of ally. According to God of War, the ruler of Alfheim has gone missing. The Light Elves have set out in search of him. As the bearer of numerous fantastical magic items, and a major figure in myth, Freyr is very likely to appear in God of War 5. However, there is one other major Vanir who could prove a dangerous adversary if enlisted against Kratos; Njordr.
Njordr is the father of Freyja and Freyr, and could very well be the Vanir leader. He is traditionally seen as a god of the sea, wind, and fishing, and was worshiped by fishermen and sailors. A village in Midgard devoted to his worship was destroyed in God of War when Thor killed Thamur and the giant fell upon it. Njordr is foretold to survive Ragnarok in some accounts, making him one of the few gods predicted to do so. Kvasir, the source of the Mead of Poetry, was also considered to be a Vanir. While not very physically powerful, he could be a very interesting addition to the cast.
If Freyja is unable to gain the aid of the Vanir, however; they are perhaps the best source of allies for Kratos against Odin and the Aesir. They were powerful enough to fight the Aesir to a standstill during the Aesir-Vanir War, after all. For now, only time will tell what role the God of War Vanir will play in God of War 5.