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Hafgufa

“ Great Gefjon's ghost! That's the largest bloody Hafgufa I've ever laid eyes on! ”

–Mimir upon seeing the Hafgufa

Hafgufa are giant jellyfish-like creatures that live in Alfheim. There are two that can be encountered in God of War Ragnarök.

Quick Answers

What is the origin of the name Hafgufa? toggle section
Hafgufa, a creature from Norse mythology, derives its name from Old Norse. 'Haf' translates to 'sea' and 'gufa' to 'steam', thus the name is often interpreted as 'sea-reek' or 'sea-steamer'. The creature is associated with the waters of Iceland and Helluland.
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What is the role of Hafgufa in Norse mythology? toggle section
Hafgufa, in Norse mythology, is a sea creature inhabiting the waters around Iceland and extending southward to Helluland. Initially perceived as a sea monster, later interpretations suggest its tales arose from a unique feeding method. In the 'God of War' series, Hafgufa is portrayed as a colossal creature resembling a jellyfish, residing in Alfheim.
Provided by: Fandom
What is the appearance and habitat of Hafgufa in God of War Ragnarök? toggle section
In God of War Ragnarök, Hafgufa is a giant creature resembling a jellyfish. Originating from Norse mythology, it resides in the waters of Iceland and Helluland. In the game, two Hafgufas are encountered in Alfheim, one of which is found trapped in a Hive in the Barrens and is nicknamed 'Lúnch'.
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What is the real-life creature that Hafgufa is based on? toggle section
In Norse mythology, Hafgufa is a sea monster, represented as a giant jellyfish in the God of War Ragnarök game. The creature's large size mirrors real-life deep-sea organisms that grow significantly due to the cold, dark conditions of their environment.
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How can you free the second Hafgufa in God of War Ragnarök? toggle section
In the Barrens during God of War: Ragnarök, Kratos and his team free the second Hafgufa in a second cavern. This follows the liberation of the first Hafgufa. Once both creatures are freed, they perform a sky dance, leading to the cessation of the Barrens' sandstorm.
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In Norse Mythology

Hafgufa (Old Norse: "haf" for "sea", Old Norse: "gufa" For "steam"; "sea-reek" Or "sea-steamer") is a sea creature that inhabits Iceland's waters and southward towards Helluland. Although it was thought to be a sea monster, research suggests that the stories originated from a specialised feeding technique among whales known as trap-feeding.

In 'God of War' series

Background

At some point in the game's history, through unknown reason and means - a pair of Hafgufas were trapped underground with Hive material, presumably by the Light Elves. This caused a sandstorm in The Barrens due to the creatures being in pain.

In 'God of War: Ragnarök'

While in Alfheim, Atreus heard there was a creature in pain somewhere in the Barrens. After investigating and finding a cavern, they soon encountered a large Hafgufa, trapped in a Hive. Mimir is in awe upon seeing the creature, saying that he had never seen one this large. Atreus would nickname this Hafgufa “Lúnch”, similarly to how Durlin named his pet squidopus “Dínner”.

After freeing the first Hafgufa, Kratos and his companions explore the second cavern to find another one to be freed for. While on their way, Mimir and Freya (should Kratos travel with her during these quests) explains about how this creature grew to such a large size and how they breed. Soon, they encountered the second Hafgufa and freed it. They were relieved after freeing the Hafgufas and they saw the pair dancing together in the sky. Following this, the sandstorm in the Barrens is finally ended as the sky is filled with innumerable newborn Hafgufas.

Codex Description

“ We have discovered that the source of the sandstorm in the Barrens was a creature Mimir calls a "Hafgufa." I encountered something like this as a boy, but it was a much smaller sea creature that did not fly Now that the storm has subsided, we can explore the desert freely and collect resources. To the west, we can see another sandstorm, likely caused by another Hafgufa. We should Ease this creature's pain when the time is right. The Hafgufas have been released and the sandstorms in the deserts have subsided. Once reunited, they mated, gave birth, and died. Their species will live on I am pleased we were able to free them, and that I was able to spend this time with those who are close to me. These creatures offer a reminder that the time we have with our loved ones is short, and never guaranteed. I will remember this moment fondly. ”

-Kratos

Appearance

Hafgufas appeared as a large-sized jellyfish-like creature with bluish skins and emits light, though this is because they were imprisoned underground and had no access to the Light of Alfheim. It also known that they have a life cycle and can produce offspring. However, in order to breed, the adults must pass their light on to their children. This would make the adults' light fade away, and thus, killing them to ensure their offspring's survival.

Trivia

  • According to Kratos, he encountered a similar but smaller creature in the sea when he was young back in the lands of Greece. This literally referring to jellyfish.
    • Hafgufa is associated with a sea creature - a sea monster. This might be why it take an appearance as a giant jellyfish.
  • Hafgufa's abnormally large size is caused by the lack of fresh light on their environment and have no offspring to feed on. In real life, some sea creatures that lives on a deep depth and dark ocean usually comes in a large size due of cold temperature and slow metabolism.
  • Upon freeing both Hafgufas and ending the sandstorm in the Barrens, the achievement “Full Gufa” is unlocked. The trophy's title is a pun on how the “Haf” in Hafgufa is pronounced as “half”.

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