Summary
God of War: Ragnarokhas its fair share of headline acts, from the fan-favorite Kratos to the All-Father ofNorse mythology, Odin. In light of the chaos of Fimbulwinter and starry cast members, it is easy for other quality contributors to get lost in the frenzy that envelopes the fantasy world. One such character is the official of Svartalfheim, Durlin, a dwarf with particularly intriguing lore and a marvel of visual design. Consigned to a small role in the events of Santa Monica’s flagship blockbuster release, Durlin impressed gamers with his tenacity and backstory, and his persona is worth expanding on inGod of War’s next installment.
Durlin is a dwarf with a unique appearance that reflects his character and culture. Stout of stature, he adorns a long beard and a braided monocle that wraps around his right eye. His deep brown skin is a testament to his heritage, and he carries multiple scrolls securely tied to his body. A battle scar sets him apart from his peers inGod of War’s Svartalfheim, a constant reminder of his failed attempt to overthrow the Aesir. The most striking aspect of his appearance to players is his Kraken pet, Dinner, which hangs on his shoulder. Durlin’s role inGod of War: Ragnarokmay have been small, but his impact was significant on the title’s turn of events, becoming involved in the fight against Odin.
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Durlin’s Dogged Nature Fits Right In With Kratos
Joining forces with Lauretta The Just, the dwarves orchestrated a coup to resist the Aesir, crafting a hammer that would eventually become the sigil of the Dwarven Resistance. The dwarves fell short of their goal, unfortunately, with the Aesir firmly stamping out the incursion. Repercussions followed shortly after, with the Aesier confiscating Durlin’s hammer and Heimdall punishing Durlin by setting his head on fire. InGod of War Ragnarok, players come across the dwarf when Kratos and Atreus are seeking Tyr for answers on how to stop Odin.
Sindhi instructs gamers to enlist Durlin’s help, and he eventually gives them a map that leads toTyr’s Temple. With Odin on the hunt for the God of War, his flame of resistance reignites, and the dwarf sends Kratos on a mission to locate the Lost Forge Hammer to inspire solidarity among the dwarves. Once Kratos finds the Hammer, Durlin uses it to fend off the All-Father’s attacks on his city with renewed vigor and purpose. The dwarf’s continued resistance against beings more powerful than himself endeared him to fans ofGod of War, as he refused to be weathered and defended his people.
This behavioral quality fits in with theGod of Waraesthetic, as players are used to grueling playthroughs in the quest for success, and Durlin’s character has a strong case for more screen time in the franchise’s next game. With an expanded focus on Durlin’s lore, longstanding questions about the franchise’s overarching plot could finally be answered, especially given his closerelationship with Kratos' wife. Faye has a few loose ends in her backstory that Durlin could help to tie up once and for all.
Apart from bringing some ofGod of War’s oldest mysteriesto light, Santa Monica could use Durlin’s experiences as a rebel leader to aid Kratos and Atreus in future quests. The dwarf has a keen eye for strategy and a vast knowledge of the Nine Realms, which could prove invaluable for hurdling past challenges and uncovering secrets. Furthermore, Durlin is an exceptionally skilled craftsperson, and he could aid father and son in forging quality weapons and armor. Additionally, Durlin’s character arc harmoniously aligns with Kratos and Atreus, as he is considered one of the God of War’s handful of allies. His strong emotional connections to the main characters, breathtaking design, and lore-unlocking potential warrant a more dominant role in future editions of the franchise.
God of War Ragnarokis available now on PS4 and PS5.
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