Unleashing the Epic Bond: The Extraordinary Connection Between Final Fantasy 16 and God of War Ragnarok's Pet Companions

WARNING: Proceed at your own risk as this contains major spoilers for Final Fantasy 16.

In Final Fantasy 16 and God of War Ragnarok, there exists a fascinating connection between the four-legged companions. Torgal, the captivating grey wolf who accompanies Clive on his extraordinary journey in Final Fantasy 16, shares a profound bond with the mythological wolves that accompany Kratos and Atreus.

Players of God of War Ragnarok may recall the trio of wolf companions, Speki, Svanna, and Fenrir, who aided Kratos and Atreus on their journey through Midgard. Speki and Svanna, cherished pets of Atreus, played a crucial role in navigating Fimbulwinter. As for Fenrir, he initially appeared as an older and ailing wolf but was resurrected by Atreus in Helheim. In contrast, Final Fantasy 16 lacks such companions, but Torgal more than compensates. Particularly after completing the game's twenty-eighth main mission, "Capital Punishment," it is revealed that Torgal is the sole four-legged Dominant in the game.

Torgal the Dominant and God of War Ragnarok's Fenrir

During a tense and overwhelming moment when Jill, Clive's companion, is about to face execution, Torgal transforms into the Domiant of Fenrir. In this form, Torgal rescues Jill and astonishes the other NPCs who are present. It is subsequently revealed that despite being Clive's constant companion in their travels and battles, the mythology of the Dominants in Final Fantasy 16 states that the Dominant of Fenrir is determined by their companionship with the Dominant of Eikon Shiva. As Clive reflects after the revelation, "Torgal and Jill were inseparable. He grew up as a loyal companion to the Dominant of Shiva, and now, years later, his powers awaken at the exact moment his master needed him the most."

Torgal's connections with Jill and Clive mirror the relationship between Fenrir and Atreus as well as Angrboda in God of War Ragnarok. In both scenarios, the original owner or creator of the wolf, such as Jill or Atreus, passes on the ownership to a loved one who either requires companionship or is better equipped to take care of the animal, like Clive or Angrboda. As the story unfolds, the wolf proves to be a loyal companion to both parties. Torgal not only offers protection to Jill and aids Clive in battles, but also utilizes Torgal's Animal Instincts to assist in locating objects.

Furthermore, Fenrir serves as a connection between Final Fantasy 16 and God of War Ragnarok, linking them to the Norse narratives that inspire their respective wolf companions. Interestingly, both games also feature their own interpretations of an adversarial Odin. While the versions of the wolf in these games differ from the Fenrir depicted in Norse mythology, they symbolize a comparable transformation taking place within the game's storyline. The arrival of Fenrir in both games, as well as in mythology, signifies a shift in power dynamics and marks the end of the previous world as characters once knew it.

Change is a recurring theme in both the Final Fantasy and God of War series. While Fenrir makes his initial appearance in God of War Ragnarok, he is a significant character in the Final Fantasy series. Fenrir serves as a summon in Final Fantasy 6, 9, and 11. Similar to the Eikons in Final Fantasy 16, these summons are intricately tied to the magic and lore of the games, but their impact and transformation are overshadowed by Torgal's. Additionally, Fenrir can be utilized as a formidable mount in Final Fantasy 14.

In both Final Fantasy 16 and God of War Ragnarok, players have the opportunity to interact with and utilize these loyal companions. They prove to be valuable allies during combat. While Fenrir has a lesser presence in God of War Ragnarok compared to Torgal in Final Fantasy 16, he does assist Atreus and Kratos during the climactic battle in Asgard. Torgal, on the other hand, remains a constant companion to Clive, providing aid through his attacks on enemies and healing capabilities.

Final Fantasy 16 is available now for PS5. God of War Ragnarok is available for both PS4 and PS5.