Týr (God of War)

Týr is a major character from the Norse Era in the franchise. He is the Norse God of War, son of Odin and Hróðr, and half-brother of Thor, Baldur and Heimdall. 
Despite being the God of War, Týr was extremely benevolent compared to his Aesir brethren, scarcely using his power as the God of War to spread conflict. Instead, Týr sought to expand his knowledge and help others by visiting many other lands. He aided the Giants in cutting off their realm from Odin, and was subsequently imprisoned by his father for going against him. 
He is voiced by Ben Prendergast. In the Japanese dub of the game, he is voiced by , who also voiced Noriaki Kakyoin from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, and Loki Laufeyson from Marvel Cinematic Universe.
==Personality==
Despite being an Aesir and the God of War, Týr is practically nothing like his fellow brethren or Greek counterparts. Whereas the Greek Gods of War like Ares and Kratos used their status to spread conflict and conquer other lands, Týr chose to use his powers for selfless reasons and for the betterment of others. Týr would spend his time traveling other realms and learn about the cultures of other realms, sharing the knowledge he gained, a sharp contrast to Odin, who would covetously horde whatever knowledge he could find. 
Due to his altruistic nature, almost all the beings in the Nine Realms adored Týr, aiding him in developing the Temple at the Lake of Nine to create gateways to each realm. His noble demeanor was such that even the Giants, who held a deep mistrust and loathing toward the Aesir, chose to entrust Týr with their deepest secrets and the means to access their homeland. They would even go so far as to bestow Týr mystical eyes that would grant him access to all the Nine Realms. 
Týr was a very clever and crafty individual. He created a multitude of complex traps within his temple to prevent trespassers from venturing in too deeply, and also hid the Jötunheim realm tower in the Realm Between Realms, the one area Odin couldn't enter. 
Týr had a tendency to see the good in people. It was for this reason that he attempted to broker a peace between the Aesir and Giants, choosing to believe that Odin would honor the peace agreements and establish positive relations between the two races. However, Týr came to underestimate his father's greed and lust for knowledge, which led him to try and steal the knowledge of the Giants. After Odin was banished from Jötunheim and ordered the Giants in Midgard slaughtered, Týr chose to help the Giants in sealing their realm off, likely feeling guilty for his role in the Giants' decimation in Midgard. 
When Týr made his first formal appearance in the series, Týr displayed the pacifism he'd been known for. However, unlike his father's imitation of Týr as a broken God and a suicidal pacifist who absolutely refused to fight, Týr was shown to have a positive and hopeful demeanor, proving that his years of imprisonment did not truly break his spirit as Odin believed it would. Furthermore, Tyr also commended Freya for leading the final charge against Odin at Ragnarok, showing he was indeed prepared to go to war if the situation called for it. As he spent time visiting the other realms, Týr showed a very introspective and empathetic side, comforting both Freya and Mimir about their respective feelings of guilt over leaving Vanaheim and imprisoning the lyngbakr.
==History==
Týr was born to the Aesir God, Odin, and the Giant Hróðr. He is the younger half-brother of Thor and the older half-brother of Baldur and Heimdall. Unlike his Aesir brethren, Týr fought for peace in spite of his status as the God of War. He would often spend his time visiting other realms in order to expand his knowledge and gain wisdom from the different cultures. During his travels, he would store the relics he acquired in his personal vault. Tyr would also construct the Temple at the Lake of Nine in order to create easier travel between the Nine Realms. 
At some time in the past, the wolf pup Garm began growing in size and spreading havoc in Midgard. With its unique ability to erase any concepts it consumes, it ate several mountain ranges in Midgard, the season that came after winter but before spring, and the word to describe the feeling of getting so hungry you stop feeling hungry. To stop his rampage, Týr lured Garm to the Temple, distracting him by allowing Garm to lightly chew on his arm. While Garm was distracted, chains were placed around Garm and the gate to Helheim was opened. In retribution, Garm ripped Týr's arm off, though Týr eventually found a way to grow it back.
At some point, Týr attempted to broker peace between the Giants and the Aesir, so he arranged a meeting with Odin and the Giants. However, the Giants correctly suspected that Odin intended to steal their wisdom, and expelled him from Jötunheim. In retribution, Odin ordered Thor to slaughter all of the Giants in Midgard. Feeling guilt in his role of the Jotnar's decimation in Midgard, Týr helped the Giants cut off their realm from the others to prevent Odin and the Aesir from invading. He helped the Guardian of the Jötnar, Faye, hide the gate to Jötunheim in the Realm Between Realms, preventing Odin from getting direct access to Jötunheim. However, Tyr was still capable of visiting Jötunheim through the use of the Unity Stone.
Odin began suspecting Týr of secretly cooperating with the Jotnar and as a threat to his power. Thus, Odin secretly imprisoned him in Niflheim while spreading the rumor that Týr was dead in order to possibly exploit Týr's knowledge and skills in the future. As a result, nearly everyone in the Nine Realms believed that Týr had been killed.
Although Týr does not make a physical appearance in God of War (2018), his presence and previous actions play a significant role in the story. Kratos and Atreus learn of Týr's benevolence and peaceful nature from Mimir and several murals spread across the realms. Kratos is inspired by Týr's actions to follow his example and be better. In addition, it is thanks to the Unity Stone used by Tyr that Kratos and Atreus were capable of finding the hidden Jötunheim realm tower and visiting Jötunheim to spread Faye's ashes. 
Týr would make his first appearance in God of War: Ragnarok. Atreus had been secretly visiting shrines across Midgard to try and discover where Týr could be imprisoned in order to gain his support in the upcoming conflict. However, Odin posed as Týr in a mine in Svartalfheim to infiltrate the base of his enemies and subtly manipulate Kratos and Atreus. Eventually, his ruse was discovered by Brok. When the final battle of Ragnarok concluded, Týr managed to survive due to still being imprisoned.
Eventually, Týr was discovered and freed by Kratos, Freya and Mimir when they visit the ruined prison in Niflheim. Kratos initially assumes that it is another illusion, but Mimir assures Kratos this is the real Týr. Týr vaguely recognizes Kratos' name, and is pleased to see both Freya and Mimir. Týr is informed that Ragnarok has ended and the realms have been freed from Odin's tyranny after so many centuries. Týr asks the others that he be left alone to process everything that he had heard. Mimir and Freya realized the prison on Niflheim of purpose for Odin to imitiate his prisoners though Odin wanted Tyr dead for mulitude reasons, but found that Tyr is useful alive.
Týr can be seen visiting the other realms: 
*In Midgard, Tyr is seen standing under the bridge of his temple. When Freya tries to talk to him, he said he wants to be in peace which Freya agreed of his wish.
* In Muspelheim, Týr is seen standing on the edge of the Spark of the World, pondering whether Surtur had found peace after his sacrifice. He somberly remarks on how he heard Sinmara grieving for Surtur when he was in Niflheim.
* In Alfheim, Týr can be seen between the Strond and the Temple of Light Mystic Gateway, expressing his desire to have the peace Freyr had created between the Light Elves and Dark Elves. He asks the others to leave him alone so he could pay homage to Freyr in his own manner.
*In Helheim, Týr is standing on Hel's Perch, holding a silent communication with Hraesvelgr.
*In Svartalfheim, he is sitting on the watchtower and observing the recently freed lyngbakr. Týr comforts Mimir over the lyngbakr refusing to leave its pen, noting how both he and Mimir had once been captives of Odin themselves and the freedom they'd gained, and that just as Mimir was grateful to Kratos for freeing him even without his body, the lyngbakr must have felt grateful for being freed.
* In Vanaheim, Týr is practicing Tai Chi at Freyr's camp. When Kratos, Freya and Mimir come to visit, Týr assures Freya that she saved her people once she returned. Freya tells him she did nothing, though Týr reminds her that he'd done nothing as he'd been imprisoned when Ragnarok occurred. Týr tells her that by returning to Vanaheim despite the anger her people held towards her, she played a vital role in the final battle against Odin.
9 days after his freedom, having had time to adjust to what had happened, Týr seemingly traveled to Greece, seeking to know more of Kratos's history, where he discovered how Greece had been able to rebuild due to Kratos releasing Hope into the world and also learned everything about Kratos's actions before he entered the Nine Realms. Returning to the Nine Realms, Týr made up his mind that as he had became too much of a legendary figure amongst the people of the Realms, he could no longer occupy the seat of the God of War and aware of Freya's council, avoided them as he knew they would choose Kratos, the only other alternative to Týr in being a God of War.
However, Týr knew well that Kratos would be unwilling to take up his old position due to his past regrets and traumatic experience as Greece's God of War, so he decided to sent a letter to Kratos, inviting him to challenge Valhalla in order to master himself. Waiting for Kratos in the deeper parts of Valhalla, he greeted him and Mimir when they finally reached the place where he stood. Expressing understanding for Kratos's struggles, Týr challenged Kratos to a duel in order to prepare him for what lies ahead, the two God of Wars fighting fiercely until Kratos eventually began to overwhelm Týr, causing him to yield.
Since Kratos wasn't ready to confront what was inside the door, Týr ensured him he just needed time and he would help him prepare. Living up to his word, Týr proceeded to guide Kratos as he made his way back to the throne room that resembled the throne he had as the God of War and processed the memory, getting Kratos to describe who he was before he made that deal with Ares and admitting he chose Kratos to become the next God of War because Kratos was the hero that won Ragnarok and had the qualifications needed. They eventually spar for the second time, with Týr using a macuahuitl and magic from the Mayan region and prodding at Kratos's motivations at making his deal with Ares while insisting there was more on the surface. Once Kratos made him yield again, Týr provided his insight that Kratos's actions that day weren't wholelly selfish, as he did fight to protect his homeland and his only other choice was allowing his people and family to be slaughtered and enslaved.
==Power and Abilities==
As the Norse God of War and the second oldest of Odin's sons, Týr is naturally an incredibly powerful being, and his travels through the Nine Realms have seemingly enhanced his powers. Despite his peaceful personality, the Norse God of War proved to live up to his legend when he sparred with Kratos on Valhalla, Kratos acknowledging him as one of the most formidable opponents he ever fought.
===Powers===
*Immortality: Due to being a God, Týr is naturally immortal. Only sufficiently powerful beings or divine weapons can kill him.
*Immense Physical Prowess: As the Norse God of War and second son of Odin, Týr has incredible levels of divine strength, speed, durability, and stamina, enough that he was capable of fighting competitively with Kratos for a prolonged period of time. He can move swiftly enough to dodge Kratos's attacks up close and get behind his back, and is agile enough to casually jump high enough to reach one of the pillars of their sparring arena. His attacks have enough force to hurt Kratos, and Týr is strong enough to hold a strong deadlock with Kratos that he needed to put in considerable effort to overcome, able to easily toss him away with enough force to briefly daze him if given the chance. He even caught Kratos's punch shortly after being thrown around with enough force to create a shockwave, and came out of the fight showing minimum pain from Kratos's attacks and hardly, if any, injuries.
*Magical eyes: Like Mimir, Tyr was gifted magical eyes by the Jotnar. These eyes were constructed with Bifrost crystals and allow him to project magical images, as well as reveal certain secrets. He can also use them to inflict Bifrost on Kratos when grappling with him.
*Inter-dimensional travel: With the Unity Stone, Týr is capable of going to several different realms, even realms of different mythologies, such as the Greek, Egyptian, Japanese, Mayan, and Celtic realms. It also allowed him to go to Jötunheim, which Odin became incapable of doing despite his ability to block realm travel. Even without the Unity Stone, after being freed, he is still capable of traveling from one realm to another, indicating that he has other means to allow travel between the Nine realms or locate pathways to travel through the Realms without the Unity Stone.
*Regenerative Healing Factor: Týr possesses a regenerative healing factor. Even after his arm had been bitten off by Garm, he found a way to regrow it. Given the Egyptian hieroglyphs on his arm, it implies he gained this ability with Egyptian magic.
*Magical Mastery: Unlike most of the Aesir, in a similar vein to his father, Týr has proven to be an exceptional master of magic, using both the magics of the Nine Realms and the magics he learned from his travels to foreign lands, capable of performing a variety of magical spells proficiently in the field of battle.
**Weapon Summoning: Týr is capable of magically summoning his weapons to him, ranging from his spear and shield to the weapons he had gained from other lands.
**Umbrakinesis: Týr is able to use egyptian magic to cast a powerful curse of darkness, shrouding his entire surrounding with darkness potent enough to keep someone as powerful as Kratos unable to see while trapped inside, leaving only a singular pocket of light that would allow sight.
**Necromancy/Monster Summoning: Týr was able to summon both reanimated soldiers and monsters from Greece in Valhalla to distract Kratos.
**Blood Manipulation: Through spells of Mayan origin, Týr can manipulate his blood to create a ring of red orbs that expands outwards to hit Kratos. He could also drain blood from his summons to heal himself at the cost of their vitality.
**Duplication: Týr had the ability to create temporary duplicates of himself to confuse Kratos.
**Teleportation: Týr was able to teleport in a flash of energy.
**Magical Energy Manipulation: Týr can manipulate powerful golden magical energy for various purposes: He can project bolts that emanate a field of golden energy and explode after a while on the ground, create shockwaves through his weapons or channeling the energy directly from his own body, and is even able to create a line-like wave of golden orbs.
**Elemental Manipulation: Týr can use his Macahuitl to create an explosive shockwave of fire. With a katana, he can coat the sword with ice and launch ranged ice projectiles.
===Abilities===
*Master Combatant: As expected of the Norse God of War, Týr is an exceptionally proficient warrior, his skills further heightened by years of traveling to other pantheons and assimilating their teachings into his fighting style. Týr's combat prowess allowed him to contend with Kratos despite the Greek God of War's own overwhelming experience and mastery of battle, with Kratos admitting Týr put up a good fight and was one of the deadliest opponents he ever fought, even stating Týr's prowess inspired him to develop his skills even more.
**Spear Mastery: His primary weapon, Týr is extremely skilled at using a spear, seamlessly switching and combining one or two-handed grips for either strength or speed focus to proficiently execute swift charges, lunges, or jabs. He can also throw his spear at great speed with impeccable accuracy to channel his magic through it.
**Shield Mastery: Supplementing his spearwork with a shield, Týr can skillfully block most attacks using his shield, even from someone of Kratos's level of skill.
**Hand-to-Hand Skills: Although preferring to fight with weapons, Týr is also proficient in hand-to-hand combat, displaying remarkable skill with grappling techniques and also at punching, capable of landing successful unarmed attacks on Kratos and using subtle shifts in weight to skillfully grapple with Kratos, forcing Kratos to put in effort to overcome his techniques.
*Intellectual Genius: Týr is an exceptionally intelligent, clever, wise, cunning, creative and unpredictable and god. He earned great fame for his impeccable diplomatic skills, to the point where he was deeply admired by most people through the Nine Realms for his ability to create the best solutions for parties engaged in conflicts, and was even able to earn the respect and trust of foreign pantheons to the point of being bestowed with many gifts. His diplomatic efficiency was such that even the Aesir-hating Giants trusted the God of War of their deepest secrets. He was also an exceptional and charismatic leader who succeeded to bring together many of the races through the Nine Realms to construct his temple and negotiate to allow access to all the Realms. His intelligence and creative grasp of the situation, combined with a remarkable degree of inventing skill, allowed him to craft dozens of dangerous traps and puzzles and place them throughout his temple in such a manner that gave considerable amounts of difficulty for even the likes of Kratos, Atreus, and Mimir working together, all three individuals holding considerable amounts of intellectual experience, cunning, and wisdom in their own right, in solving. He was strategically able to outsmart all of the Aesir, including even Odin himself, not only able to leave behind so little traces that Odin only managed to discover his true intentions after a very long period of time, but was also ultimately able to completely cover his traces in his efforts to hide all entrances to Jötunheim and all Jötnar secrets without leaving traces so that Odin will never learn from their secrets even if he was tortured or killed in the process. Týr's emotional perception and wisdom also allowed him to connect with Kratos, as he quickly analyzed the emotional troubles of the former God of War of Greece and was able to provide successful inspiration to allow Kratos to find peace with them.
==Trivia==
*According to Cory Barlog, he intended to make Týr and Odin to be responsible for the downfall of the Troll civilization, by having Týr manipulate various tribes against each other and later launching a genocide against their race with Odin, causing the survivors to become bitter against everyone. This was however cut from the game.
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