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InGod of War Ragnarök, Odin, the All-Father, is the main antagonist of the gamer. But more than that, he is an example of masterful character design and writing, and it’s all thanks to Raf Grassetti’s work on his physical appearance.
As the game’s art director, Grassetti faced immense challenges bringing Odin to life, but the result is a character that has multiple layers of depth not just in the narrative but also in design. With Grassetti’s recent reveal of his new position at Naughty Dog, we can only hope that his next work will be just as deep.
Raf Grassetti’s Work inGod of War Ragnarökis Simply Beautiful
Raf Grassetti described Odin as the most challenging character to design in Ragnarök with an intention to go beyond traditional expectations. Odin is usually portrayed as a warrior-king, armed and imposing. In Ragnarök, Grassetti took a different approach that was still faithful to the character’s lore but was also surprising for players. As this fan said in a Reddit post, “Odin looking frail, decrepit and dare I say harmless is intentionally done.”
This reinvention of Odin aligns withGod of War’s commitment to grounding mythical figures in human complexity. Many fans appreciated how Odin and Thor were reimagined in the Norse duology, praising their depth. Odin is depicted less as an all-powerful deity and more as a sleazy mob boss, whose charm hides his true evil.
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Odin’s frail and almost harmless appearance is no accident. Raf Grassetti and his team intentionally avoided the clichéd, muscular depictions of Norse gods, instead embracing the mythological aspect of Odin as a manipulative trickster. His thin frame, understated attire, and calm demeanor create an illusion of safety, making him seem more like a scholarly elder than a strong enemy.
This way of showing him is the perfect way to show how he is a master manipulator who wields words and schemes with more precision than physical might. As one fan aptly put it, “He IS a god of poetry, so him being a master manipulator who does more harm with words than actions is an intensely refreshing take on him”
There is Always a Purpose Behind Everything
The reception of Odin’s design has highlighted a broader discussion about character creation in video games. While some fans initially criticized his underwhelming look, many have since come to appreciate the intentionality behind it. As one fan pointed out. “Character design is done with a purpose. They look some way because there’s a reason behind it.“
The voice performance by Richard Schiff also deserves praise for bringing Odin to life. Schiff’s portrayal captures the subtle menace and charisma of the All-Father. Fans have compared his performance to a master manipulator from a crime drama. Smooth-talking, persuasive, and utterly self-serving. It’s one of themany things that make the game great.
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Despite the initial backlash from some fans, Odin’s portrayal inGod of War Ragnarokhas become a celebrated aspect of the game’s storytelling. By defying traditional tropes, the developers created a villain who feels scary in a way beyond what we already know.
Raf Grassetti’s work onRagnarök’scharacters, including Odin, will forever be an example of the power of purposeful design. After a decade with Santa Monica Studio, Grassetti’s departure to join Naughty Dog marks the end of an era. Whether his next project isThe Last of Us Part 3or something else entirely, we can’t wait what he cooks up next.
Did you notice this detail about Odin’s design inGod of War Ragnarök? Let us know in the comments!
Daniel Royte
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1370
As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. You can also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.
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