How Volgarr the Viking 2 Cleverly Incorporates Norse Mythology

Norse mythology is something of a hot trend in modern gaming, and upcoming indie title Volgarr the Viking 2 is continuing this tradition, steeping itself in the world of Norse gods, monsters, and magic. But Volgarr the Viking 2 is taking a slightly different approach than its contemporaries, only adapting the loose framework of the famous Scandinavian sagas to stand out from the crowd.

While games like the newer God of War releases take a direct approach to Norse mythology, Volgarr the Viking 2 is less beholden to its source material. As its name suggests, Volgarr the Viking follows a Viking warrior as he tears through hordes of enemies in pursuit of his goals. The first game, released back in 2013, saw the titular Volgarr on a quest from Odin himself. During this quest, Volgarr is aided by the likes of Thor, though in a much more subtle way than one might expect. The sequel takes place several years after the first game, and Volgarr is older, wiser, and more influential, though the story's approach to adapting Norse mythology takes a similar route as its predecessor.

Volgarr the Viking 2's Developer Talks About the Game's "Viking Fantasy" Setting

Volgarr the Viking 2 Isn't a Traditional Mythology Story

Though Volgarr 2 doesn't totally change elements from Norse mythology, it attacks the subject from a different angle. The game's lead developer, Krisofor Dürrschmidt, told The Best War Games a bit about how it handles its mythological backdrop:

I would categorize it as Viking fantasy, because there's magic and stuff in this world, sort of how the sagas describe it. But it's not tightly tied to Norse mythology. It shares some major story beats, the gods are all the same gods, their motivations are very similar to what they're described as being in the sagas, but outside of that, it's basically a Viking Conan the Barbarian.

Krisofor Dürrschmidt went on to say that Volgarr the Viking 2 blends western fantasy elements into its setting, but that the majority of enemies that players will encounter are "derived from Norse mythology." When explaining why Volgarr 2 is taking a less direct approach to Norse mythology, he said that "mortals don't influence what the gods do. The gods influence what mortals do." Unlike someone like God of War's Kratos, Volgarr is a mortal. A powerful and formidable mortal, yes, but a mortal nonetheless. He can obtain the gods' favor, but he is not one of them.

This narrative decision ostensibly ties into the gameplay of Volgarr the Viking 2. Like the first Volgarr the Viking Volgarr 2 is brutally difficult. The many enemies of its world can and will kill the player in a single hit, perhaps a few more, depending on what gear they have obtained. By keeping Volgarr within the realm of humankind, influenced by the gods and serving them, the game hammers home its humbling message: the world is dangerous, risky, and threatening, and only perseverance and skill can save a mere mortal.

That said, Volgarr the Viking 2 is far from a grounded game. Players may not interact with many gods directly, but they can certainly feel their importance. Volgarr's omnipresent shield, for instance, is imprinted with the sigil of Mjolnir, Thor's hammer, and its power is related to the God of Thunder. Though they aren't gods, the Valkyries, Asgard's fabled shield maidens, are key allies for Volgarr as well, lending the game a decidedly mythical feel. Dürrschmidt also mentioned a "pivotal encounter" with a major god in Volgarr the Viking 2, saying "It's a very critical turning point if you're able to achieve it."

Volgarr the Viking 2 is launching for PS5, PC, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and last-gen consoles on August 6, 2024.