A Heartfelt Sidequest in God of War Ragnarok
When you dive into God of War Ragnarok, you’ll soon discover a little gem tucked away among its epic quests. The journey of Jari and Somr is more than a Norse love story—it’s a poignant ode to a beloved friend from the studio whose memory still echoes in the halls of Santa Monica.
How the Story Unfolded
- Players must travel across the Nine Realms hunting for flavors that will keep the Eternal Campfire blazing in Midgard.
- These ingredients are gathered through the Across The Realms Favor quest, a magical “cook‑off” that stitches together the lore of every world.
- Behind the scenes, a sweet real‑life tale inspired this quest: a partnership between Sam Handrick and Jake Snipes, two devs whose love story began when Jake joined Santa Monica in 2019.
- Crazy about shared adventures, they started cooking treats for their teammates and later dreamed of leaving a lasting mark in the game.
- Jake suggested a heart etched with their initials in Norse runes—a simple, yet powerful symbol. The team turned this bold idea into the story of Jari and Somr: two men who find one another in a harsh world and become each other’s sanctuary.
The Touching Pay‑No‑Attention
In the opening scene of this sidequest, you’ll see the two heroes pause at a campfire, exchanging whispers that hint at a secret love story. The emotional pacing is carefully tailored to remind players of the real‑world couple’s bond, especially after Jake passed away.
Through gameplay and dialogue, the story offers a subtle but profound message: no matter how brutal the cosmos, there is always a place where love and companionship can flourish.
Why It Matters
This sidequest does more than provide extra cooking fun—it bridges the gap between the virtual and the personal. Gamers who felt the loss of Jake can find solace in the fact that his spirit lives on in the game’s walnut‑wood heart. It’s a beautiful reminder that stories created in a studio can become part of the broader narrative everyone shares.
In Retrospect
Emily Schwartz from Geek Culture spotted the subtle references early on, noting how the sidequest felt like a “salute to a colleague” rather than just another collectible. By embedding the love story in a constructed myth, the developers ensured that every player encounters a piece of the studio’s heart and history.
If you’re exploring Kratos and Atreus’s grand saga, take a moment to taste the campfire stew—feel the warmth of a bond that transcends the battlefield. And remember: even in mythology, the sweetest victories come from genuine connections.
