“Anatomy of Hope” is one of God of War’s many Favors. These side-quests are scattered all across the game, and are often given to you by the restless spirits of the dead. In this case, Anatomy of Hope sends you on a long journey around the Lake of Nine so that you can recover the bones of a woman named Gullveig.
Once you have completed the quest “A New Destination”, you will lower the waters of the Lake of Nine. You will also be able to access a new area called The Mason’s Channel. Once you enter the channel, you will see a restless spirit on the beach (or hear, as he will be shouting at you). This spirit asks you to find the bones of his beloved Gullveig, giving you the Anatomy of Hope Favor. The first step is to go to three map markers; one at Alfheim Tower, one at Forgotten Caverns, and one at Ruins of the Ancient.
Alfheim Tower
Leave The Mason’s Channel and follow the marker toward Alfheim Tower. On your left after you pass through the gates will be a beach. Land there and climb a wall, where you can spot one of Odin’s Ravens atop the nearest statue of an oarsman. Turn around from there and you will find the first of Gullveig’s bones on your left. If you feel so inclined, there is a Realm Tear nearby, filled with Hel-Walkers, that you can take on. It is unrelated to this Favor, however. If you climb a ledge on the left-most end of the cliff, turn right, and climb down, you’ll find a shatter crystal that you can use. If you destroy the rocks and carry along that path, you will find yourself in the area to complete the Flight of Fafnir Favor.
Forgotten Caverns
From Alfheim Tower, head west until you reach a beach outside the Forgotten Caverns. The restless spirit who gives you the Dead Freight Favor will be nearby. Enter the cave to find a Mystic Gateway, then turn to the right and find the next cave. Clear out the Wulvers inside, and pick up a Finder’s Fee treasure map that’s lying on the floor. From there, climb a wall in the cave, turn right, climb up to a ledge, and then jump across to another area. If you climb another ledge and turn right, you’ll find the second of Gullveig’s bones. If you keep climbing, you can leave the area via a zipline that takes you back to the beach.
Ruins of the Ancient
Leave the Forgotten Caverns behind and make your way north, where you will find a beach at the Ruins of the Ancient to your left. If you wish to take on the Soul Devourer optional boss, you will pass by it here; climb over a pillar and you should see it up ahead. The boss isn’t aggressive until you attack, so pass by safely and you can plunder a Legendary chest and find The Historian treasure map. Follow the Soul Devourer’s loop and head left, and you will find the last of Gullveig’s bones in a small hole in the wall close to the beach.
With your collection of bones complete, return to The Mason’s Channel. There, you can speak to the spirit to finish the quest. Unfortunately, the spirit lied to you and proceeds to turn Gullveig’s bones into a Revenant. Once you have defeated her, you are rewarded with hacksilver, XP, and an Offering to Tyr for your trouble.