| “ | Oh, I'd recognize it anywhere. Ask me, was one of our best... infused with the echoing screams of twenty frost trolls. Give or take. | ” |
–Sindri when recognized the Axe. | ||
The Leviathan Axe is introduced in God of War (2018) as Kratos’ main weapon throughout the Norse Era. Specifically forged by the blacksmiths Brok and Sindri to fight off the power of Mjölnir, the Axe has been granted to the Guardian before the latter offered it to Kratos prior to her death.
Replacing the old Blades of Chaos, this weapon personifies the change of heart and personality of the Ghost of Sparta by the time he inherits the Axe, having long abandoned the path of destruction he caused with his former Blades. The Leviathan Axe ultimately symbolized the clash of styles between a redeemed Kratos, who only fought to defend himself and a bloodthirsty Thor, who used Mjölnir to kill out of pleasure.
About[]
| “ | Least it was good to see the Axe hold her own. Kinda the point, after all. | ” |
–Brok's comment, after witnessing Kratos' fight with Thor in Midgard. | ||
It was forged by the Huldra Brothers, Sindri and Brok, who also forged Thor's hammer, Mjölnir, after feeling responsible for the destruction brought about by Thor. As a weapon made to oppose the power of Mjölnir and inspired by the epic size of Jörmungandr, Brok suggests the axe be named Leviathan.[1] According to Sindri when first meeting him, the weapon was infused with the echoing screams of twenty frost trolls (give or take) and it was made for and given to Laufey who passed it on to her husband Kratos, before her death.
The axe has several runes inscribed on the blade that grants it different powers, among them the use of ice, and the ability to recall the weapon from any distance. It also has two slots for Runic Attacks to be placed in, a heavy and light attack for each slot. The Axe Pommel is customizable with pommels found throughout the Realms or bought from Brok and Sindri.
During Kratos' journey to spread Faye's ashes, he encounters Brok and Sindri, who each upgrade the axe, improving its magic and attack strength. Upon bringing one of the brothers a Frozen Flame, the axe can be further upgraded, increasing the size of the blade and adding ornate gold to the blade and handle.
By the events of Ragnarök, the effects of Fimbulwinter had caused the Leviathan Axe, along with the Blades of Chaos, to revert to its original form. However, like before, the Huldra Brothers (and later on, Lúnda) were able to upgrade it with the use of Frozen Flames. Upgrades to the axe, like in the 2018 game, caused its appearance to change every two upgrades, adding gold ornamentation and increasing the blade's size. However, the design on the fully-upgraded axe was different from before; instead of Nordic runes on the blade's edge, an ornate pattern appeared, and a gold design resembling Jörmungandr wound its way up the axe's handle, it's head pointing towards the top.
Kratos would use the axe frequently in his journey to spread Faye’s ashes and to prepare himself for Ragnarök, most notably during his fights with Thor, where he used the axe extensively in order to counter Mjölnir’s offensive capabilities.
Move List (2018)[]
Unlocked from start
Light Attack:
- Description: A standard attack that deals some damage and allows a quick parry if needed. (
) - Cost- N/A
- Bonuses- N/A
Heavy Attack:
- Description: A stronger attack that deals a lot more damage but leaves you exposed for longer after performing. ()
- Cost- N/A
- Bonuses- N/A
Light Throw:
- Description- A throwing attack which causes the axe to bounce off the target. ( Hold, to Aim, )
- Cost- N/A
- Bonuses- N/A
Heavy Throw:
- Description- A throwing attack which causes the axe to stick into the target and freeze the target. ( Hold, to Aim, )
- Cost- N/A
- Bonuses- N/A
Note: Throw Attacks disarm Kratos.
Level 1 Skills
Executioner's Cleave:
- Description- A brutal cleaving axe attack that deals massive damage. ( Hold)
- Cost- 500 XP
- Bonuses- Shortens Charge Time - Requires 100 Cooldown
Grinding Storm:
- Description- An axe attack that hits enemies multiple times and locks them down. ( Hold)
- Cost- 500 XP
- Bonuses- Inflicts additional Frost Damage during the attack - Requires 125 Runic
Pride of the Frost:
- Description- A Heavy Attack finisher at the end of the Light Attack Combo. (, , , )
- Cost- 500 XP
- Bonuses- Adds an explosion of Frost Damage on impact - Requires 200 Runic
Level 2 Skills
Freezing Burst:
- Description- A charged up variant of the heavy throw that causes an explosion on impact that inflicts Frost Damage. ( Hold, to Aim, Hold)
- Cost- 1,000 XP
- Bonuses- Shortens Charge Time - Requires 100 Cooldown
Precision Throw Combo:
- Description: After landing a precision axe throw (weak points and headshots), press during the flash to recall the Leviathan Axe and cause the next throw or melee attack to explode on contact, inflicting Frost Damage.
- Cost: 1,000 XP
- Additional Bonus: Unlocks an axe throw finisher after 2 consecutive precision throws - Requires 125 Cooldown
Frost Rush:
- Description: While sprinting, Press to perform a leaping attack.
- Cost: 1,000 XP
- Additional Bonus: Increases resistance to interruption during this attack - Requires 125 Vitality
Permafrost:
- Description: Performs attacks in quick succession without sustaining damage to power up the Leviathan Axe and inflict Frost damage on every hit.
- Cost: 1,000 XP
- Additional Bonus: N/A
Whirling Storm:
- Description: While evading, hold forward and press to perform a quick axe attack.
- Cost: 1,000 XP
- Additional Bonus: Increases resistance to interruption during this attack - Requires 75 Vitality
Level 3 Skills
Hunter-Killer I:
- Description: Aim and Hold to select 3 targets on a single enemy or across 3 separate enemies
- Cost: 1,500 XP
- Additional Bonus: Increases resistance to interruption during this attack - Requires 200 Vitality
Precision Frost Burst:
- Description: Precision Throw Combo now creates a massive explosion on impact.
- Cost: 2,000 XP
- Additional Bonus: N/A
Leviathan's Fury:
- Description: While sprinting, press to perform a massive leaping attack.
- Cost: 2,000 XP
- Additional Bonus: Adds an explosion of Frost Damage on impact - Requires 175 Runic
Glacial Permafrost:
- Description: Increases the amount of Permafrost gained on every successful axe hit.
- Cost: 2,000 XP
- Additional Bonus: N/A
Evasive Storm:
- Description: While evading, hold forward and press to perform a quick boomerang throw.
- Cost: 2,000 XP
- Additional Bonus: Inflicts additional Frost Damage during the attack - Requires 125 Runic
Level 4 Skills
Hunter Killer II:
- Description: Increases the maximum number of targets to 5.
- Cost: 2,000 XP
- Additional Bonus: Increases resistance to interruption during this attack - Requires 200 Vitality
Returning Whirlwind:
- Description: While Bare-Handed, aim and press to instantly recall the Leviathan Axe and perform a powerful spinning attack.
- Cost: 1,400 XP
- Additional Bonus: Increases resistance to interruption during this attack - Requires 200 Vitality
Whirlwind Sweep:
- Description: Switch stances by pausing momentarily after any Leviathan Axe attack. Once in new stance, pres to perform a sweeping attack.
- Cost: 3,000 XP
- Additional Bonus: Increases resistance to interruption during this attack - Requires 200 Vitality
Double Whirlwind:
- Description: Unlock a second, follow-up combo while in the switched stance.
- Cost: 1,000 XP
- Additional Bonus: Increases resistance to interruption during this attack - Requires 200 Vitality
Whirlwind Throw:
- Description: Switch stances by pausing momentarily after any Leviathan Axe attack. Once in new stance, press to perform a ranged attack.
- Cost: 1,500 XP
- Additional Bonus: Increases resistance to interruption during this attack - Requires 200 Vitality
Level 5 Skills
Hunter Killer III:
- Description: Increases the maximum number of targets to 8.
- Cost: 3000 XP
- Additional Bonus: Increases resistance to interruption during this attack - Requires 200 Vitality
Returning Storm:
- Description: While Bare-Handed, aim and press to instantly recall the Leviathan Axe and perform a powerful slam attack.
- Cost: 2000 XP
- Additional Bonus: Adds an explosion of Frost Damage on impact - Requires 250 Runic
Raging Whirlwind:
- Description: Unlock a third and final attack while in the switched stance.
- Cost: 2,000 XP
- Additional Bonus: Increases resistance to interruption during this attack - Requires 200 Vitality
Whirlwind Fury:
- Description: Switch stances by pausing momentarily after any Leviathan Axe attack. Once in new stance, press , to perform a heavy ranged combo.
- Cost: 3,000 XP
- Additional Bonus: Increases resistance to interruption during this attack - Requires 200 Vitality
Move List (Ragnarok)[]
| Technique Skills | |
|---|---|
| Skill | Costs/Requirements |
| Frost Awaken 1 | Unlocked from the Start. |
Hold  to imbue the Leviathan Axe with ice and power up the next Melee or Ranged Attack with high Frost.
| |
| Frozen Breach | Unlocked from the Start. |
Press  during Frost Awaken to do a wide swing and apply Frost to nearby enemies.
| |
| Frozen Ascent | - Axe Level 2 - 750 XP |
Press  during Frost Awaken to slash upwards with a chilling wave to Launch enemies in an area and apply high Frost.
| |
| Frost Awaken 2 | - Axe Level 4 - Frozen Ascent - 1500 XP |
| Hold while sprinting to activate Frost Awaken quickly.
| |
| Frozen Spike | Unlocked from the Start. |
| Aim and Press during Frost Awaken to quickly throw the Leviathan Axe and create a Frost explosion on impact.
| |
| Frozen Lance | - Axe Level 3 - 1000 XP |
| Aim and Press during Frost Awaken to throw the Leviathan Axe with extreme force, knocking the target backwards. Deals very high damage and Frost, and can break an enemy's guard.
| |
| Frost Awaken 3 | - Axe Level 5 - Frozen Lance - 3000 XP |
| Hold while recalling the axe to quickly activate Frost Awaken.
| |
| Frost Awaken 4 | - Axe Level 6 - Frost Awaken 2 - Frost Awaken 3 - 5000 XP |
| Frost Awaken can be instantly charged when is pressed momentarily after any Leviathan Axe attack.
| |
| Extinguish Flames | - 250 XP |
| Axe Melee Attacks against Burning enemies deal bonus damage. | |
| Permafrost | - Axe Level 2 - 500 XP |
| Perform Melee Attacks in quick succession without sustaining damage to power up the Leviathan Axe and inflict Frost damage on every hit. Bonus to LUCK and RUNIC while active. | |
| Glacial Permafrost | - Axe Level 3 - Permafrost - 1500 XP |
While Permafrost is full, press  + to consume the meter and activate. Enhances all Leviathan Axe Melee Attacks with far reaching waves of Frost for a duration.
| |
| Ranged Skills | |
|---|---|
| Skill | Costs/Requirements |
| Axe Throw | Unlocked from the Start. |
| Aim and Press to quickly throw the Leviathan Axe forward. Can cause a more severe reaction when striking an enemy in the head or legs.
| |
| Vengeful Sickle 1 | - 500 XP |
| Aim and Hold to charge up the Leviathan Axe, causing it to spin and slice for multiple hits against an enemy when thrown.
| |
| Vengeful Sickle 2 | - Axe Level 3 - Vengeful Sickle 1 - 1500 XP |
| Increases the duration and damage of Vengeful Sickle. | |
| Freezing Throw 1 | Unlocked from the Start. |
| Aim and Press to throw the Leviathan Axe forward with force. Can freeze weaker enemies for a short duration.
| |
| Freezing Throw 2 | - 750 XP |
| Aim and Hold to charge up the Leviathan Axe to add a Frost explosion to Freezing Throw on impact.
| |
| Returning Whirlwind | - Axe Level 3 - 1000 XP |
| Press + while Bare-Handed to quickly recall the Leviathan Axe and perform a powerful spinning attack. Press immediately after for a follow-up slash.
| |
| Returning Storm | - Axe Level 4 - Returning Whirlwind - 2000 XP |
| Press + while Bare-Handed to quickly recall the Leviathan Axe and perform a powerful leaping slam attack that knocks enemies backward and deals high Frost.
| |
| Melee Skills | |
|---|---|
| Skill | Costs/Requirements |
| Frost Rush | Unlocked from the Start. |
| While sprinting, Press to perform a leaping slash attack.
| |
| Leviathan's Fury | Unlocked from the Start. |
| While sprinting, Press to perform a massive leaping attack applying Frost.
| |
| Whirling Storm | - 500 XP |
While evading, Hold  forward and Press to perform a quick spinning double slash.
| |
| Evasive Storm | - 500 XP |
| While evading, Hold back and Press to for a quick boomerang throw.
| |
| Glacial Rake | - 750 XP |
| Hold to drag the Axe through the ground and rip out ice shards that travel forward and strike repeatedly with high Frost.
| |
| Serpent's Snare | - Axe Level 2 - 1000 XP |
| Hold for a brutal Axe attack that throws the enemy to apply massive damage. Weaker foes are thrown to create an explosion of Frost on impact that Launches other nearby enemies.
| |
| Whirlwind Sweep | - Axe Level 3 - 1000 XP |
| Switch stances by pausing momentarily after any Leviathan Axe attack. Once in a new stance, Press , , to perform a sweeping combo.
| |
| Whirlwind Throw | - Axe Level 4 - Whirlwind Sweep - 2000 XP |
| Switch stances by pausing momentarily after any Leviathan Axe attack. Once in a new stance, Press , to perform a Ranged Attack combo that Launches enemies.
| |
| Pride of the Frost 1 | - Axe Level 4 - 2000 XP |
| A Heavy Attack Finisher at the end of the Light Attack Combo. Press , , , to perform. Deals high damage and Frost, and Launches enemies.
| |
| Pride of the Frost 2 | - Axe Level 5 - Pride of the Frost 1 - 4000 XP |
| Extend Pride of the Frost with additional slams by Pressing , .
| |
Gallery[]
Concept Arts[]
Trivia[]
- The "Leviathan" is a sea monster mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and although it has nothing to do with Nordic Mythology, it is very similar to Jörmungandr, which ends up being the reason for the name lore-wise. According to Creative Director Cory Barlog, however, there's a reason why they (the writers) chose that name.[2]
- The name Leviathan is strictly tied to the Judeo-Christian religions, so its use to describe the World Serpent is unusual.
- It is speculated that this is related to the original ending David Jaffe intended for God of War III, where monotheism is established. In Barlog's words, "it's a name that […] is carried through-out history, so it might have some intersections with later parts of history, perhaps".[2] This implies that monotheistic religions are actually inspired by the different mythological worlds and that the Leviathan survived Ragnarok.
- According to The Lost Pages, Brok and Sindri suggest they name it after Jormungandr, citing that it is "without equal" to anything else in the Nine Realms.[3]
- In Norse Mythology there is a weapon mentioned in the Prose Edda's called Lævateinn that is almost certainly connected in some way to the god Loki. The Lævateinn is a weapon crafted by Loki, and is usually described as being a wand or a spear.
- Kratos can throw and call back the Leviathan Axe similar to Thor's hammer, Mjölnir. This is not surprising considering both weapons were forged by Brok and Sindri.
- The Leviathan Axe is very rarely, if not never, mentioned by its name in the 2018 game. It is mostly referred simply as "axe" or "frost axe" by characters in the game. A similar case happens to the Blades of Chaos. In God of War Ragnarök, however, there is one point where Atreus explicitly calls it "Leviathan".
- Cory Barlog said that he always wanted Kratos to wield an axe as his main weapon after the end of his Greek Era. He wanted him to be able to throw the axe, but during the alpha-stage, it became a hassle for testers to have to pick up the axe from wherever they threw it to, creating the need to be able to recall it from anywhere as Thor could.
- Brok and Sindri's brand bears resemblance to the rune Odal (ᛟ), which translates to "heritage", "possession" or "estate".
- Brok describes the rune as being fork-shaped, a better description for the rune Algiz (ᛉ), which translates to "elk".
- While resting on Kratos' back, the Leviathan Axe hangs from a hook that is shaped as the serpent-like Greek letter Omega, which has always been incorporated in the "God of War" titles' graphic.
- When fully upgraded, there is a stanza in Elder Futhark written on the axe's blade.
- In the official novelization of the game, Atreus says to Kratos “You could have told me the axe only returns for you!” after using the axe to defend himself from the Dark Elves while Kratos was in the Light of Alfheim. This confirms that while others may use the axe in combat, they are not automatically granted the power to also recall it.
- In God of War: Ragnarok, Atreus asks his father if he has a favorite weapon. Kratos initially responds that they are just tools for the occasion. However, after Atreus says he likes the axe, Kratos admits he does as well.
- According to Lunda in her Workshop Notes, she considers the axe as the Huldra Brothers' greatest work.
References[]
- ↑ The Lost Page "The Forging of Leviathan"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Game Informer Interview with Cory Barlog.
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6WwJ_vOMVY