Gunnr

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Gunnr is one of the nine corrupted Valkyries and optional side bosses in God of War. Located in Thamur's Corpse, the game is guiding the player to fight this specific Valkyrie first and with good reason. Gunnr ranks as the easiest of all nine foes and is excellent practice for the difficult battles ahead.

Norse Mythology

Gunnr (alternatively guðr) is an Old Norse term meaning "battle". It is the name of a Valkyrie in Norse mythology, and was also used as a feminine given name. The modern forms Gun and Gunn remain in use as a feminine given name in Scandinavia. 

Gunnr is also mentioned in the Völuspá in a list of valkyries, Gunnr, Hildr, Göndul / ok Geirskögul. The Darraðarljóð gives Guðr as one of six names of Valkyries.

In the Prose Edda, Gunnr is one of three Valkyries who always ride out to choose the slain and decide the outcome of the battle. The others are Róta and Skuld.

God of War (2018)

When Kratos, Atreus and Mimir arrive in her chamber, she attacks the trio remorselessly. She is eventually killed by Kratos, who tears the wings from her back. This frees her spirit from her corrupted form, enabling her to communicate with the trio. Before passing on, she requests the trio free her sisters from their respective curses, offering her helm to aid Kratos in his task.

Abilities

Gunnr relies mostly on melee combat, either using her wings or conjured scythe to attack Kratos with highly damaging strikes and deter reckless offensive approach. The key to fight her is knowing when to Block, Parry and retaliate. Her combat could be considered as an introduction to fundamental Valkyrie capabilities.

Gallery

Trivia

• In legend, Gunnr is the Mistress of War. She would appear during the aftermath of any conflict, big or small, as the first to arrive and search for worthy souls for a trip to Vahalla. It was considered a gruesome task but she took with pride. Her judgement of the fallen was unparallaled and an invaluable resource to Odin, thus making her one of his favorites.
• Gunnr's Scythe attacks are blockable, but it will break the defensive stance and leave Kratos vulnerable to her quick follow up attack. This makes parrying her Scythe attacks an obvious choice over blocking.