As you guide Kratos and Atreus through the grand vistas of Midgard in God of War Ragnarök, beware – powerful forces conspire against you. Monsters roam the land, the gods oppose your quest, and destiny itself hangs in the balance. But with cunning and determination, you can tip fate in your favor.
Seek out Nornir Chests scattered across the realms. Succeed in their trials, and the all-seeing Nornir Sisters will grant you their favor. Today we brave the shimmering Lake of Nine to conquer The Oarsmen – your first step on the path to victory.
The Mysterious Gift-Givers of Fate
Ever felt that fate was against you? According to Norse myth, you can blame (or thank) the Nornir Sisters. These enigmatic figures shaped the destinies of all in the mortal realms and beyond, etching fates into the roots of Yggdrasil itself.
The eldest Nornir was Urðr, whose name meant "that which has happened." She watched over the past. Verðandi represented the ever-changing present, while Skuld gazed far into the mists of what may come. Together, their interwoven threads determined the course of all existence.
Now these shadowy oracles have placed Nornir Chests as trials across the realms. Succeed, and they generously boost your own skills and powers, tipping destiny in your favor. But fail, and you must return wiser and stronger before fate will relent.
Brave the Shores of Midgard‘s Lake
Your goal lies on the southern shores of the Lake of Nine – a vast inland sea surrounded by sheer cliffs and bucolic ruins. From the River Pass, head south past the abandoned settlement known as the Ruins of the Ancient.
As the lake comes into view, you‘ll reach a rocky overlook known as The Oarsmen. Gaze out from the central platform and you‘ll spot a small island with your prize – a sealed Nornir Chest etched with the sigils R, C, and N. Clever trial or cruel trick? Fate awaits your answer.
Now comes the time for action. Let‘s circle around and reach those runestones!
Scaling the Mountain‘s Hidden Cracks
While good for a brisk swim, leaping straight into the Lake of Nine now would squander precious time. Instead, turn left and look for a climbable fissure in the sheer mountain walls that hem in the overlook.
Use jumps and ledge grabs to ascend carefully – don‘t leap blindly! Pausing in Photo Mode can help spot stable perches.
Once atop the windswept precipice, squeeze through a barricade on your right and you‘ll spot a small shrine structure nestled against the mountainside. Quickly now – the Nornir surely test your patience!
Blast Through With Sonic Force
The shrine entrance before you appears blocked by heavy wooden debris – an obstacle from the past. But in the present, we have the perfect tool to clear the way!
Equip the Leviathan Axe and hold L2 to channel its Sonic elemental power. Release a shockwave that will burst the barricade into splinters! The path now opens to fulfill your future victory.
Achieve Your Destiny: Unlock the Runes
Head to the rear of the shrine and look left to finally reveal your prize again – The Oarsmen Nornir Chest. Study the surrounding runestones closely. Their message is clear for those who have eyes to see fate‘s plan.
To prove worthy of the Nornir‘s blessing, strike the runes in this precise order:
- Rune on the right
- Center rune
- Nornir rune on the left
Follow these steps, and the chest will unlock with a satisfying clunk! Destiny now flows through you. Claim your reward!
Receive the Gift of Strength
Inside awaits a Horn of Blood Mead – the first of many you‘ll need to fully upgrade your Rage meter for use in powerful attacks. With the Nornir‘s blessing, you‘ll gradually become an unstoppable force.
But beware – 10 Horns are needed to maximize your Rage potential across all upgrades. You‘ll need to track down Nornir Chests in every realm if you hope to gather them all and fulfill your ultimate fate.
Tips and Tricks from Fate‘s Champions
Even champions of fate stumble on their journey. Should The Oarsmen‘s trial trouble you, wise advice may help overcome the challenge:
- Activate Navigation Assist to mark rune locations, and enable Extended Timing in Puzzle Settings to slow the sequence.
- Equip Amulets boosting Runic magic to freeze runes for easy striking.
- Note chest locations on your map to revisit when stronger. Many hold artifacts amplifying Rage.
- Watch walkthrough videos to master the precise axe throws needed.
Embrace these gifts of fate and claim your destiny! The Nornir smile upon perseverance.
Now depart the shores of Midgard with your prize in hand, ever wiser and stronger. More trials await across the realms. But for today, destiny itself is yours to command!
