One of the most intriguing mysteries in the 2018 reboot of God of War centers on the Horn of the World Serpent. While Kratos and Atreus are tending to a sick Freya, someone blows the horn to summon Jormungandr in Lake of Nine. This pivotal moment sparked endless debate among fans, as the game never explicitly reveals who summoned the giant creature at that exact time.
The Timeline Mystery of Lake Nine
The horn blowing occurs during a critical story moment when Kratos is carrying Atreus to Freya for medical help. Since only a handful of characters are fluent in the ancient tongue required to speak with Jormungandr, the list of potential horn-blowers is remarkably short. Understanding this sequence requires analyzing character movements and plot developments during Kratos's journey.
Many players following daily gaming news and story breakdowns have analyzed the game's timeline to identify who was nearby. Baldur remains a primary suspect since he was actively tracking the protagonists across Midgard. However, whether Baldur possessed the knowledge to speak the ancient tongue remains a major point of contention.
Popular Fan Theories and Time Travel
The most compelling narrative theory suggests that a future version of Atreus or Loki traveled back in time to sound the horn. In Norse lore and the game's established mythology, Jormungandr was sent back in time after his colossal battle with Thor at Ragnarok splintered the World Tree. A future Atreus could have blown the horn to ensure his past self stayed on the path toward fulfilling destiny.
Another theory points toward Angrboda or another Giant who survived Odin's purge. Since the Giants possessed foresight and deep connections to time manipulation, orchestrating events from behind the scenes fits their overall strategy. This theory aligns well with the broader lore established later in God of War Ragnarok.
Baldur and the Aesir Connection
Some players believe Baldur blew the horn out of frustration or in an attempt to draw out Kratos. Baldur was desperate for answers and tracked every disturbance across the realms to find a way to break his curse. If he suspected the serpent held answers, he might have attempted to interact with it directly, even without mastering the language.
However, critics of this theory argue that Jormungandr would have attacked Baldur on sight due to the serpent's burning hatred for the Aesir gods. Because no battle took place at the lake during that interval, it makes Baldur's involvement far less likely unless the serpent simply chose to ignore him.
Why Santa Monica Kept It Mysterious
Leaving the identity of the horn blower unresolved added layer of mystery that kept the gaming community engaged long after release. The narrative design allows for retrofitted lore, creating narrative space for sequel reveals while deepening the sense of a living, complex mythic world. Unraveling these narrative threads remains one of the highlights of the modern God of War saga.
