Who is Laufey in God of War? Explained

The God of War franchise has introduced players to gods, monsters, and some legendary warriors across multiple mythologies. However, a handful of characters have carried an emotional weight and a sense of mystery, on the same level as Laufey. Long before Kratos and Atreus journeyed across the Nine Realms, the story of God of War Laufey quietly shaped everything that followed. So, the question naturally arises: exactly who is Laufey in God of War?

Laufey is more affectionately known as Faye, and she has remained largely unseen in God of War (2018). But her influence has guided nearly every major event in the Norse saga. Fans who once only knew Faye to be Kratos’ second wife will now learn why she was feared by gods and respected by giants. So, check this guide to learn all about Laufey in God of War and how her mythology is connected to the latest game.

God of War Laufey Mythology Explained: Who is Faye?

To understand God of War Laufey, it is important to separate two versions of this character – the mythological figure and Santa Monica’s reimagined warrior.

In Laufey Norse mythology, she is sometimes called Nál. She is also best known as the mother of Loki and the partner of Fárbauti. Laufey appears in ancient Norse texts, where Loki is referred to as Laufeyjarson, which literally translates to Laufey’s Son.

However, in the God of War universe, Laufey is better known as Faye, a legendary Jötunn warrior from Jötunheim. Rather than being the mother of Loki, here, she is the second wife of Kratos and the mother of Atreus, who is later revealed to be Loki. However, Faye has always kept a massive secret from both of them and led a simple, calmer life in her last few years.

Laufey was a Giant and known as Laufey the Just among her people. Her reputation stretched across the Nine Realms, and according to Mimir, Faye defended the weak, resisting Odin’s rule. She fought against the cruelty of the Aesir and was also the last protector of the Jötnar.

One of the most fascinating parts of God of War Laufey lore is her connection to the Leviathan Axe. It originally belonged to Faye, and the Huldra brothers, Brok and Sindri, forged it specially for her.

Long before the story of God of War (2018) begins, Faye already knew the journey Kratos and Atreus would undertake. She marked the trees surrounding their home, arranged a funeral pyre, and carefully set the events so that the father and son duo could start their journey to Jötunheim and learn about the bigger truth.

The newly announced God of War Laufey’s main focus is Faye, and finally, the franchise places her at the center stage. According to the latest PlayStation State of Play trailer, the story begins immediately after her funeral. Faye awakens inside a mysterious realm called Everywhen, which is described as an afterlife of gods where the magical and mythological beings come together.

Faye also learns that her plan to protect Kratos and Atreus might be in danger. So, she forces her to battle through the strange lands while searching for a path home.

How Did Faye Die in God of War?

One of the biggest mysteries surrounding Laufey in God of War is the cause of her death. By the opening of God of War (2018), Faye has already died, while Kratos and Atreus are preparing for her last wish.

Although the exact details are unknown, several clues suggest Faye’s death may have been natural or at least an expected one. Moreover, Faye herself appears fully aware that her time was coming.

In God of War Ragnarök, flashbacks and dream sequences state that Faye has been preparing for her passing, as she spoke to Kratos openly about mortality. She even marked the trees needed for her cremation and also planned the journey that Kratos and Atreus would follow. This seemed like a deliberate act tied to a prophecy and her personal choice.

Laufey also instructed them to scatter her ashes at the highest peak in all realms. She perfectly knew that this would obviously lead them to Jötunheim, where they would discover her giant heritage, Atreus’ identity as Loki, and the murals revealing the future she had foreseen.

Now, in God of War Laufey, we may finally understand what happened after her death and why she carefully crafted such an enormous plan for the father-son duo.