Let’s be honest. Nobody actually likes hearing that metallic screech while they're trying to enjoy a nice, quiet boat ride through Svartalfheim. You know the sound. It’s that high-pitched, shimmering caw that tells you one of Odin's green, translucent spies is watching you from a rafters or a distant cliffside.
In the 2018 game, hunting these birds felt like a chore. It was basically just a trophy hunt. But in Odin's Ravens God of War Ragnarok, the developers at Santa Monica Studio actually made the "Eyes of Odin" Favor worth your time. Like, genuinely worth it. You’re not just clearing a checklist; you’re uncovering a pretty messed-up piece of lore involving child souls and a secret boss that most casual players never even see.
The Grimy Truth Behind the 48 Ravens
You’ve probably noticed that when you smack one of these birds with your axe, it doesn't just die. It poofs into a green mist and sends a soul back to the Raven Tree in Niflheim. Most people think they’re just magical drones.
They aren't.
If you stick with the quest long enough, you find out the Raven Keeper—an old Seidr witch and acolyte of Odin—actually created these things by stealing the souls of children. Yeah, it’s dark. Even for Kratos. She "freed" them from their lives and turned them into eternal, unblinking eyes for the All-Father. When you’re destroying them, you aren't just breaking property; you’re essentially conducting a massive exorcism across the Nine Realms.
How many are we talking about?
There are 48 of them. Exactly.
You’ll find them spread out like this:
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- Svartalfheim: 13 birds (lots of them hide in the mines and the Bay of Bounty).
- Alfheim: 10 birds (check the Forbidden Sands—one is hidden behind a breakable wall in the Light Elf library).
- Vanaheim: 15 birds (this is the big one, especially once the Crater opens up).
- Midgard: 6 birds (mostly around the Lake of Nine and the Oarsmen).
- Helheim: 2 birds (one is literally just flying in circles right at the start).
- Muspelheim: 2 birds (found near Surtr’s Forge).
Basically, if you see a green glow or hear that "tink-tink" metallic chirp, stop what you're doing.
Opening the Chests in Niflheim
The real reason most people care about Odin's Ravens God of War Ragnarok is the loot. If you haven't visited the Raven Tree in Niflheim lately, go there. There are six Legendary Chests sitting under the tree, and they unlock as you hit specific milestones.
It’s not just random crafting mats, either. You get the Raven Tears armor set, which is honestly top-tier if you’re a player who struggles with health. The set bonus increases the healing you get from Healthstones and Rage. It basically turns you into a tank.
The breakdown of rewards is pretty straightforward, though it takes a while to get the good stuff. After the first 6 ravens, you get the Girdle. At 12, the Bracers. At 18, you get the Cuirass (the chest piece).
But wait. The back half of the chests are where the "holy crap" rewards live. We’re talking about some of the most powerful Heavy Runic attacks in the game:
- 28 Ravens: Breath of Thamur (Leviathan Axe). It’s a massive AOE ice storm.
- 38 Ravens: Meteoric Slam (Blades of Chaos). It’s exactly what it sounds like—fire raining from the sky.
- 48 Ravens: The Finger of Ruin (Draupnir Spear). This creates a literal tornado that sucks up enemies.
The Boss Fight Nobody Prepares For
So, you got all 48. You opened the last chest. You’re feeling like a god.
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Then she shows up.
The Raven Keeper isn't just a cutscene. She’s a full-on boss fight that triggers in the training arena right next to the tree. If you’ve fought Revenants before, you know the drill: they’re annoying, they teleport, and they scream a lot. She does all of that, but she also summons waves of enemies to distract you.
The kicker? When she gets down to about a quarter of her health, she summons The Pale One.
It’s a massive frost dragon.
Suddenly, you’re not just fighting a witch; you’re dodging dragon breath and trying to ground a flying lizard while the witch throws ice at your head. It’s one of the best secret encounters in the game. If you win, you get the Hilt of Forsbrandr, a relic that pushes enemies back and gives you a protective aura. It's essential for anyone trying to 100% the game on "Give Me God of War" difficulty.
Pro Tips for the Hunt
Look, some of these birds are annoying. You’ll see one flying in a circle and spend ten minutes throwing your axe and missing.
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Don't do that.
Instead, find the point in the bird's flight path where it’s closest to you. Aim your reticle at a fixed spot on that path and just wait. Let the bird fly into your axe. It’s way easier than trying to "lead" the shot like you’re playing a first-person shooter.
Also, don't stress about finding them all during the main story. A lot of them are locked behind the Draupnir Spear, which you don't get until about midway through the game. If you see a wind vent (those little sparkles on a wall) but can't reach a raven, just mark it on your map and move on. You'll have to come back anyway.
Is it actually worth the grind?
Honestly? Yes.
Usually, "collect-a-thons" in games feel like filler. But the rewards here—specifically the Finger of Ruin and the Hilt of Forsbrandr—are game-changers for the late-game Berserker fights. Plus, seeing the Raven Tree go silent after you've freed all those souls is weirdly satisfying.
If you're stuck at 47 out of 48, check the "Forbidden Sands" in Alfheim again. There’s a raven there hidden in a hole in the ground that catches everyone. Just smash the rocks near the entrance to the library.
Your next step is simple: Open your map and look at the realm completion list. See which area is missing a raven, fast travel to the nearest Mystic Gateway, and listen for the chirp. Once you hit 48, go straight to Niflheim—don't forget to upgrade your gear before talking to the Keeper.