Summary
Norse mythology has become a pretty popular source of inspiration for the video game world over the last few years, andHellblade: Senua’s Sacrificewas one of the first in recent memory to fully embrace that particular folklore. From fighting Hela herself tosolving Valravn’s puzzlesto learning about various gods and the Nine Realms,Hellbladeis fully entrenched in Norse mythology, as is its recently released sequel,Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2.
Though it takes a little while for it to rear its head properly,Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2has plenty of Norse mythology baked into its DNA. One of the main story beats ofHellblade 2is that Senua needs to “kill” a series of Giants across the land. Along the way, she encounters a horrifying threat ripped right out of Norse mythology: the Draugr.
The Lore of Hellblade 2’s Draugr Explained
When players first encounterthe Draugr inSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, they’re portrayed as some kind of cult, ripping their slaves apart limb from limb. In most interpretations of Norse mythology, the Draugr are essentially zombies, deceased spirits that have reinhabited their corpses. Though Senua ends up fighting a few of these Draugr, it’s never made entirely clear what these beings are.
A few hours intoSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2’s main story, players get a few hints at how the Draugr came to be in this world. After convincing the Hiddenfolk that she’s the chosen one, Senua bears witness to a mystical retelling of the island’s history. During this sequence, players learn that the land was thrust into chaos years ago when a volcano erupted and wreaked havoc on the nation’s crops. With no food, people began to starve, and as a result of their starvation, many began to lose their sanity. It’s heavily implied that the Draugr are what became of these people, forced to kill and eat one another to keep their hunger at bay.
It’s never directly revealed whether these Draugr are actually undead beings or if they’re simply a crazed tribe of cannibals, but either way, they pose a very real threat to Senua.
The Draugr Lean Into Hellblade 2’s Horror
While the firstHellbladeleaned into its psychological horror elements often,Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2embraces them fully, while also adding in a splash of body horror and gore for good measure. Naturally, as the game’s main enemy, the Draugr are at the heart of most ofHellblade 2’s horror, and they’re used in some pretty interesting ways.
The first time players encounter the Draugr is during the ritual scene, in which it’s implied that the Draugr are breaking bones, tearing off limbs, and torturing their victims. As players don’t witness this violence directly, it builds a sense of unknown horror, and allows their imagination to fill in the gaps. By the time players are forced to fight the Draugr, they’re likely already quite intimidated by their presence, something that’s eventually reinforced by the fierce visual design of their character models. The second major encounter with the Draugr inHellblade 2sees Senua having to navigate a claustrophobic cave network. It’s a sequence that feels heavily inspired by themodern horror classicThe Descent, as Senua is stuck in tight caverns and passageways with the now-zombie-like Draugr lurking around every corner.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
WHERE TO PLAY
The sequel to the award winning Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Senua returns in a brutal journey of survival through the myth and torment of Viking Iceland. Intent on saving those who have fallen victim to the horrors of tyranny, Senua faces a battle of overcoming the darkness within and without.A crafted experience of cinematic immersion:Sink deep into Senua’s world and story, with beautifully realized visuals and encapsulating sound.Senua’s unique perspective:Experience the world through Senua’s eyes and ears, as a Celtic warrior who experiences psychosis.A journey into Viking Iceland:An epic journey across 10th century Iceland, recreated from real locations in stunning detail.Every fight tells a story:Brutal and visceral combat as Senua battles for survival.
