Record of Ragnarok

I'll summarize how Ragnarok begins in the anime (Shūmatsu no Valkyrie), clearly and directly:

1. The Council of the Gods and the voting. Every thousand years, the gods convene in the Council to decide whether humanity should be extinguished for its crimes and decadence. In the anime, the majority votes to wipe out humanity; there's an atmosphere of weariness and contempt for mortals.

2. Brunhilde's intervention. Brunhilde—the eldest of the Valkyries—bursts in and challenges the gods: she proposes giving humanity one last chance by pitting them against each other in single combat. Her provocation (“the gods are cowardly”) infuriates divine pride, and, not wanting to be outdone in honor and arrogance, the gods themselves agree to hold the tournament. That scene is the spark that ignites the Ragnarok of the anime.

3. The rules and the bets. A tournament is held: 13 humans versus 13 gods; the first side to reach 7 victories wins. If the gods win, humanity will be exterminated; if the humans win, the Earth receives 1,000 more years of existence. Heimdall and Zeus act as announcers/authorities within the ritual.

4. The Valkyries and the Völundr. To level the playing field, Brunhilde gathers her 13 sisters (the Valkyries). Each Valkyrie bonds with a human through the Völundr: the Valkyries embody divine weapons or equipment that empower the human combatant—at the Valkyrie's own risk—and allow mortals to face the power of the gods. These fusions are key for humanity to stand a chance.

5. Selection of the champions and start of the tournament. Brunhilde travels through history and gathers the 13 most iconic human champions (from Adam and Lu Bu to figures like Buddha, Qin, Tesla, Leonidas…). With the arena prepared and the Valkyries ready, the series of battles you see in the anime begins. The first episode/acts show precisely the voting, the discussion, and Brunhilde's explosive provocation that culminates in the acceptance

Hidden mythological references and symbolism

The work is peppered with mythological allusions. For example, the statue of Artemis and the lunar bow evoke Apollo's relationship with his sister; Thor's living hammer alludes to the belief that Mjölnir was a sentient being; Lulu Bu's "wrecking ball" resembles the historical figure's divine Sky Piercer spear. Subtle cultural touches are also present: the Roman Colosseum appears when Hercules (12 labors) is mentioned, the Great Wall of China during Qin Shi Huang's reign, and so on. Some fan theories point to parallels (e.g., that the 13 gods resemble the 12 Kamen Riders plus a "master of the universe"—reminiscent of the tokusatsu genre). While not officially confirmed, these references add layers of meaning for the attentive reader.

Brunhilde's emotional evolution

Brunhilde begins the story resolute and optimistic, with the confidence of a leader who believes wholeheartedly in human strength. As the tournament progresses, she experiences growing grief: she weeps inconsolably each time she loses a beloved Valkyrie (especially after Randgriz and then Hrist, and even more so with Hlökk's death). The strain takes its toll on her emotionally: we see increased vulnerability in her eyes. Yet, despite the tragedy, Brunhilde maintains her faith in humanity. Her relationship with Loki (whom she occasionally manipulates with her determination) and with the other gods also reflects her burden: she occasionally insults the gods in anger when she becomes enraged by the circumstances. By the end of the rounds shown, Brunhilde remains the pillar of resistance—her heroism lies in not surrendering, even at a high personal cost.

Kairos, God of Eternal Time

Kairos is an original deity introduced into the Record of Ragnarok universe (not originating from any classical pantheon). He is depicted as the "God of Eternal Time," a being who governs the flow of time. He possesses the ability to manipulate pasts and futures: he could stop time, accelerate fate, and foresee potential futures. Kairos has a distant and timeless temperament; he is unaware of aging. He is determined to challenge the tournament's rules. In the proposed narrative, Kairos was chosen as the divine fighter for the 10th round. His human opponent is an unrevealed character ({{user}}), so no information is given about him. The Kairos-human match represents a duel outside the original canon: it is an extra, hypothetical encounter. Kairos would illustrate how time itself becomes a weapon, facing a mortal adversary of human will.

Divine Weapons and Combat Scenarios

Mjölnir (Thor's Hammer): It is Thor's sacred weapon. In the story, Mjölnir must "awaken" to withstand Thor's power. Only then does it take its living form, Geirrød, a greater hammer. Before awakening, Thor complemented Mjölnir with Járngreipr gloves.

Poseidon's Trident: Although not described in detail, in Record of Ragnarok the trident is Poseidon's primary weapon. It symbolizes his dominion over the seas. It is depicted as a golden, triple-pronged weapon, with which he intended to attack Kojiro.

Spartan shield (Volundr of Geirölul): This is the shield used by Leonidas. In combat, Geirölul can transform it into a sword or other offensive weapons. It represents Spartan valor.

Judgment Hall: The name of the stage where each round takes place. It is a circular arena with a backdrop of sky and a divine crowd. For Round 1, Thor teleports his hammer to the center from outside (a spectacular scene). Subsequent rounds occur in different suggested locations (e.g., Ancient Greece is mentioned for Apollo-Leonidas).

Thermopylae Arena: An allusion to the Leonidas-Apollo duel, it evokes the legendary Battle of Thermopylae where 300 Spartans fought to the death. The manga partially recreates it by invoking Artemis-Luna.

Mythological Backdrop: Almost all the fights feature visible mythological elements: in Round 9, the statue of Artemis appears on stage, along with divine lights, living arrows, thunder from Valhalla, etc. These scenic additions imbue each fight with mythological epicness.

Völundr System

The Völundr is the Valkyries' key power: by merging their soul with that of a human, the Valkyrie embodies a divine weapon. The result is a weapon that rivals a god's divine weapon, capable of harming gods and allowing the human to fight at their full potential. Each Volundr is unique to the Valkyrie: for example, Thor's hammer merges with him upon "awakening," or Leonidas' shield (Geirölul's Volundr) changes shape. The Volundr levels the playing field: it grants humans divine power. This allows a mere mortal to strike a god (e.g., Adam vs. Zeus). Valkyries are trained in the Hall of Volundr, where they forge these weapons. The system is inspired by the Norse legend of the smith Völund.

The tournament spectator (Audience)

The Ragnarok tournament is watched live by all the deities and humans who have ever existed. In the arena, the stands are filled with gods from every pantheon, demigods, fallen heroes, and ancestors of humankind. They cheer on their respective representatives (the humans). Earthly humans do not participate directly; however, it is said that after Jack's victory, humanity (perhaps through their dead or symbolically) celebrated by cheering the executioner of Hercules. The concept emphasizes that each round is a cosmic spectacle.

Ragnarok Rules (Combat Contest)

According to the story, every 1,000 years the gods convene a Council to decide humanity's fate. If the majority votes for its extinction, the Result (Art. 62) mandates its immediate end. Brunhilde invokes a hidden clause: instead of extermination, they convene a tournament (Ragnarok) to give humans one last chance. The tournament rules are: 1-on-1 combat, no interference, until death or surrender; each side chooses one human and one divine champion for each round (13 vs. 13 total). A "Völkerrat" (council of valkyries) organizes the pairings. The use of Volundr (human-valkyrie fusion) and divine weapons is permitted. In case of a tie in any round, there are specific rules (not detailed here). At any time, any god can withdraw their votes from the Council and destroy humans, but Brunhilde will ensure that the fights continue. These rules appear at the beginning of the manga/anime.

Council of the Gods and Valhalla

The Council of the Gods is an ancient congress that decides whether to annihilate or spare humanity. It meets in the Great Hall of Asgard (Valhalla), where each pantheon of gods gathers. At the final meeting (21st century), almost all vote to destroy humans except Brunhilde. There, Zeus (as president) decides to initiate the tournament in revenge for Brunhilde's insult. It is mentioned that they can overturn the vote by winning at Ragnarok. The Council reflects a blend of cultures: it is a sacred parliament with rules (the Constitution of Valhalla) that combine principles of free will, punishment, and divine justice. Thus, the Valhalla Arena (where they fight) is the official venue for this tradition.

Buddhist/Christian/Egyptian mythology

Buddhism appears with Buddha as a human hero (new Buddhist demigods are also mentioned in spin-offs). Christianity/Abrahamic mythology is represented through figures like Beelzebub (a demon) and biblical quotes (the reference to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the story of Adam). There is also an invocation of the Ten Commandments in a humorous scene. Egyptian mythology appears with Anubis and later Ra-Horakhty in "Gods' Apocalypse," representing classical Egyptian gods. Icons such as the Eye of Ra (Anubis) and the jackal form are used. In short, the world combines multiple mythologies (Greek, Norse, Hindu, Japanese, Buddhist, Christian, Egyptian, etc.) adapting them to the context of the tournament: all the gods coexist according to a sacred constitution in Valhalla.

Hindu mythology

The traditional Hindu pantheon is revisited in the form of gods like Shiva, the destroyer-renewer, and references to Buddhism are introduced (Buddha is referred to as "God-Buddha"). Other Hindu gods appear in parades or cameos (for example, in flipbook illustrations). Furthermore, the character Zerofuku/Hajun blends Buddhist and demonic elements from India (seven gods of fortune, demons of the underworld). Indra (king of Hindu gods) and others like Shiva form the core of the Hindu pantheon that acts on the Council. Concepts such as Samsara, implicit in the Buddha's rebirth, are also explored.

Japanese/Shintō Mythology

Japanese mythology is incorporated primarily through the god Susano'o (god of storms and winds) and the Seven Lucky Gods (who together form Zerofuku). Emperor Qin (from China, but adapted with a samurai spirit) and legendary figures (Okita, the Shinsengumi) also appear. Japanese symbols (the katana, the sword, maritime traditions) are very prominent. The series balances Japanese religious and historical elements: the samurai character of the Japanese people is reflected in its representatives, and Japanese gods are honored on par with Olympian deities.

Greek Mythology

The manga extensively incorporates Greek mythology: all twelve Olympians appear (Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Apollo, Ares, Hermes, Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Atlas, Dionysus, etc.). Zeus is the Patriarch of Olympus; Poseidon is the powerful God of the Sea; Hades rules the underworld; Apollo is a craftsman and the archetypal prophet. Even demigods (Heracles) and mythical heroes (Achilles in a spin-off, Helen) are integrated. Classical legends are reinterpreted: for example, the statue of Artemis and Apollo's bow in Round 9 evoke Apollo's lunar hunt in mythology. Overall, the Greek pantheon faithfully adheres to their roles (warrior/archer gods, Zeus's trickster nature, etc.) but emphasizes Olympian pride.

Norse mythology

From the title itself (“Valkyrie” refers to Norse mythology), the Norse pantheon is fundamental. Thor, Odin, Loki, and Heimdall are all present gods of Asgard. Thor is depicted as the ultimate champion (wielding Mjölnir and possessing great physical strength). The Valkyries are crucial elements (adapted directly from Germanic folklore). Valhalla is the seat of the Council of the Gods, where the fate of humanity is decided every 1,000 years. The series introduces Niflhel (another name for the Norse underworld). The Norse approach is interwoven with key symbols: the hammer Mjölnir awakens, Yggdrasil appears as a mysterious element (sealing the primordial gods), and so on.

Other supporting characters

Brunhilde (Valkyrie leader): already covered above.

Höðr: slave warrior without an official group, appears briefly.

Ares: the Greek god of war. He attended the Council and tried to participate in punishments (he requested to destroy Thebes himself). He is haughty, bloodthirsty, and eager to enter into battle.

Hermes: messenger of Zeus. He attends Valhalla as an observer, enjoying watching battles (in fact, he plays the violin out of excitement while watching a fight). He is calm, sarcastic, and aloof.

Heimdall: Norse guardian, watches over the tournament from Asgard. He never fights; he comments on the matches alongside Loki.

Huginn and Muninn: Odin's ravens, appear following the battles from the air.

Göll: Valkyrie/deuteragonist, anxious with Brunhilde.

Loki and Odin: already mentioned in the gods section.

Anubis: Ancient Egyptian god assigned to Round 10 (replaced). He appears in Council observing, with the appearance of a jackal. These secondary characters enrich the lore: by attending the Council or commenting on fights, they add color to the plot.

Valkyrie: Radgridr

Radgridr is the eighth Valkyrie. She is paired with Simo Häyhä. Her Volundr takes the form of an M28-30 rifle with the "Reaper's Contract" ability. This allows her to sacrifice any chosen organ to create lethal ammunition. With Simo, she transforms his organs into projectiles with enough force to pierce the defenses of the gods. Radgridr is cold and calculating, mirroring the deadly sniper. She has not yet fought in the story, but her determination implies that she will support her partner without hesitation.

Valkyrie: Skeggjöld

Skeggjöld is the twelfth Valkyrie. She is paired with Kintarō. Her Volundr is a divine axe of as-yet-unknown power. As Hlökk's twin sister, she shares the same design, wearing light armor and gloves. Her power is not yet explained in the manga. Skeggjöld seems happy to serve Kintarō (who was a friend of Buddha); she displays compassion and optimism. How her Volundr will evolve is unknown.

Valkyrie: Alvitr

Alvitr is the tenth Valkyrie. In Round 7, she serves as Qin Shi Huang's Volundr. Her form is a heavy suit of armor that covers the Emperor's body. Even while sustaining severe damage, she survives the battle. Alvitr demonstrates courage: she is able to withstand Hades' advance long enough to allow Qin to win. Her Volundr evolves; it transforms from armor into a sword throughout the fight (as mentioned, she can change shape). Stoic and loyal, she fulfills her mission without hesitation.

Valkyrie: Gondul

Göndul is the ninth Valkyrie. Her Volundr serves Nikola Tesla: she creates the "Super Automaton Beta," a mechanical suit equipped with three Tesla coils. Thanks to Göndul, Tesla can channel his designs into actual combat using pure electricity. Göndul is calm and analytical, complementing Tesla's innovation. Even after Tesla's defeat, she maintains her faith in his scientific vision.

Valkyrie: Geirölul

Geirölul is the fifth Valkyrie. Her Volundr is paired with Leonidas I: a Spartan shield that can transform into other weapons for her offensive maneuvers. Geirölul has a proud and direct personality, very similar to the Spartan king; they insult Apollo together during the fight. She serves more as an ally than a guardian; the two display sisterly bonds. After Leonidas's death, Geirölul shows anger and desolation, wishing to humiliate the god responsible. She is loyal and faithful, reflecting Spartan bravery.

Valkyrie: Skalmöld

Skalmöld is the sixth Valkyrie. In Round 10, she will become Okita Sōji's Volundr. Her Volundr weapon is a sword called "Age of the Sword," which fuses all of Okita's past, present, and future skills. Although she hasn't fought in the nine official rounds, it is anticipated that she will grant Okita ultimate swordsmanship power. Skalmöld is usually calm and observant, knowing that her task is to prepare Okita's hidden power for combat.

Valkyrie: Hlökk

Hlökk is the eleventh Valkyrie. In Round 4, she is forced to fight alongside Jack the Ripper. Her Volundr, the gloves "The Unstable," transforms anything she touches into a divine weapon. Initially, she hates the idea of ​​equipping herself with a criminal, resisting the bond; Jack psychologically manipulates her to force her to act. During the fight, she appears tense, but after Jack's victory, Hlökk understands his cause. Despite her reluctance, she demonstrates great flexibility and eventually forms a friendship with Jack. Hlökk is reserved and conflicted at first, but she evolves, showing empathy toward her partner.

Valkyrie: Thrud

Thrud is the third Valkyrie. She appears as a gigantic woman with disproportionate muscles; although she has a fierce appearance, she is actually sweet and shy. In Round 5, she becomes a Volundr for Raiden Tameemon: she transforms the fighter's mawashi into a set of golden tattoos that enhance his strength. During the fight, Thrud instantly falls in love with Raiden (her gentle nature connects with his courage). After Raiden's defeat at the hands of Shiva, Thrud remains unharmed. She refuses Raiden's request to undo the Volundr so as not to die with him; she chooses to live for her newfound love. Thrud symbolizes the reciprocal strength of love; her emotional evolution goes from a cold warrior to a woman in love who protects life.

Valkyrie: Randgriz

Randgriz is the fourth of the Valkyrie Sisters. She participates in Round 1, willingly merging her soul with Lü Bu to create her spear, Volundr, "Shield Breaker." Her design features dark skin and long white hair. Randgriz is shown to be brave and determined: she dies in combat during that first round, becoming the first Valkyrie to fight a god and the first to die. Her sacrifice and loyalty inspire the other Valkyries.

Valkyrie: Reginleif

Reginleif is the seventh Valkyrie sister. Her Volundr assists Adam (forming a metallic fist, the "Fist of Steel"). She has dark hair and attire befitting the Hebrew/Abrahamic god. During Round 2, she displays great compassion: she fights side-by-side with Adam against Zeus and dies alongside him when her body can no longer endure. Her devotion to the "Father of Humanity" is absolute.

Valkyrie: Hrist

Hrist is the second Valkyrie. Her Volundr for Sasaki Kojirō is a massive nodachi, which she wields herself. During Round 3, Poseidon cuts the sword in half, but Hrist survives thanks to Kojirō's fighting spirit, as they re-evolve the weapon into two katanas. This allows them to defeat the sea god. Hrist, with her serious demeanor (dark hair) and strong will, demonstrates a deep bond with Kojirō. She is the first Valkyrie to survive a battle and is recognized for her essential role in humanity's victory.

Valkyrie: Brunhilde

Brunhilde is the first and eldest of the 13 Valkyries. She leads her sisters in the challenge against the gods in order to save humanity. She appears as a beautiful woman in golden armor with blue hair (in the manga/anime). She possesses deep determination and compassion; she acts as a guide for humans, choosing worthy warriors. During the tournament, Brunhilde suffers greatly with the death of each of her comrades: she weeps bitterly for Randgriz, Hrist, and especially for Hlökk and Thrud. However, she maintains hope for her fallen sisters. Brunhilde practices Völundr with the chosen one, but ultimately chooses to retain her humanity. She is the emotional core of the series and the 'heroine' who drives the plot: she persuaded the gods to initiate Ragnarok to give humanity a chance.

Valkyrie: Goll

Göll is the thirteenth and youngest of the Valkyries. She serves as Brunhilde's attendant. We rarely see her in battle; she usually accompanies Brunhilde in the Valhalla box, anxiously watching each fight. Göll is shy, empathetic, and constantly concerned for the fate of the human fighters. Her role is one of moral support; in fact, she sometimes comforts Brunhilde after each defeat. She does not fight herself in the rounds shown. She represents innocence and the pain suffered in silence.

Human: Sakata Kintarō

Kintarō (金太郎), a figure from Japanese folklore, is presented as a combatant in the tournament and a close friend of Buddha. He is a robust young man with superhuman strength (in legend, he tamed bears). He is portrayed as Thrud's romantic partner. His personality is cheerful and determined. Although he has not yet fought, it is implied that he will use an axe (Volundr of Skeggjöld). His presence reinforces the alliance between legendary humans and the message of camaraderie (he was Buddha's best friend during his lifetime).

Human: Michel de Nostradamus

Michel de Nostradamus is the 16th-century French prophet. In the tournament, he appears as a fighter (a future contender). He is calm, enigmatic, and confident. He dresses as a Renaissance monk. He hasn't yet fought in the known rounds, but his inclusion suggests prophetic elements: he speaks with futuristic perception. He could represent religious mysticism or prophecies. His Scorpio technique (seen in the manga) is a supernatural attack of deadly poison. Nostradamus brings the Renaissance European element to the human cast.

Human: Leonidas I

Leonidas I was the king of Sparta, famous for his heroic resistance at the Battle of Thermopylae. In the series, he is the human representative of the 9th round against Apollo. He is portrayed as a fierce king, brave to the last breath. His main weapon is a Spartan shield (the Volundr of the Valkyrie Geirölul) that can transform as needed. Leonidas shares a fighting spirit with Geirölul (whose personalities are very similar), and together they hurl insults at Apollo during the clash. During the fight, he battles with pride until Apollo transforms himself into a divine arrow that pierces his shield and mortally wounds him. Falling with honor strengthens the narrative: Leonidas dies fulfilling his Spartan duty, and earns Apollo's respect.

Human: Okita Sōji

Okita Sōji (沖田総司) was the captain of the Japanese Shinsengumi. In the tournament, he is chosen as the human fighter for Round 10 (against Susano'o). Although he has not yet fought, he is described as a skilled, brave, and loyal samurai. He is always accompanied by his friend Kondō Isami. His Volundr, granted by the valkyrie Skalmöld, is a sword that channels all his past, present, and future abilities into a single technique, condensing his swordsmanship to its maximum. Okita is expected to employ samurai honor and supreme skill in his upcoming confrontation.

Human: Simo Häyhä

Simo Häyhä (シモ・ヘイヘ) was a Finnish sniper nicknamed "The White Death" for his more than 500 kills during the Winter War. In the series, he appears as one of the selected human fighters (likely for a future round). He is portrayed as quiet, precise, and lethal. Although he doesn't fight until the later arc, official information describes him preparing his rifle with meticulous care. His inclusion highlights the diversity of real-life heroes summoned.

Human: Qin Shi Huang

Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇, Shi Huang Di) was the first emperor of China (Qin Dynasty) in the 3rd century BC. In the story, he is chosen for Round 7 against Hades. As a human, he is calculating and extremely proud; he expresses great patriotism for his people and country. In combat, he wields his imperial sword, "Epic of the Dynasty." Although he loses an arm, he uses his determination and ultimate sword technique to break Hades' spear and defeat him. His victory is colossal: for the first time in the tournament, a god is defeated with a final maneuver. Qin embodies the energy of the Chinese statesman (making drastic decisions for the good of his empire), and his inclusion highlights the presence of Asian cultures.

Human: Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla is the renowned Serbian-American inventor of the 19th and 20th centuries. In Round 8, he represents humanity against Beelzebub. In the series, he is described as "the unlucky genius"; he is humble, sincere, and a dreamer, with great faith in science. His weapon is the Volundr, provided by the Valkyrie Göndul, which takes the form of a mechanical combat suit with Tesla coils. With it, he can create devastating electric fields. However, despite his brilliance, in the fight, his naiveté clashes with demonic evil. In the end, he is defeated by Beelzebub, but dies creating a beacon of hope for humanity. After his defeat, his legacy inspires other humans in the tournament.

Human: Raiden Tameemon

Raiden Tameemon (雷電爲右エ門) was a legendary Japanese sumo wrestler from the Edo period. In the series, he represents Japan in Round 5 against Shiva. Raiden is humble and kind outside the ring; he grew up using his strength only to help others. However, beneath his muscular physique lies a warrior's pride. He never became a yokozuna (by his own choice), but he is considered the greatest rikishi in history. His body was born with tremendous strength that he had to contain. Together with the valkyrie Thrud, he creates a Volundr by tattooing power ribbons onto his skin, reinforcing his muscle mass. This allows him to unleash his power against Shiva (he manages to destroy three of the god's arms). Although he is ultimately defeated, his composure and generosity earn him respect. His final act of asking to undo the Volundr so that Thrud will not die alongside him (a request she refuses) reflects his nobility.

Human: Gautama Buddha (Shaka)

Gautama Buddha (釈迦, Shaka) is the historical founder of Buddhism. In Record of Ragnarok, he is considered an enlightened, semi-divine being. In real life, he was a prince who renounced the world after understanding human suffering. In the series, he is presented as a serene and compassionate warrior. In Round 6, instead of fighting under Zeus's command, he chooses to fight for humanity against Zerofuku/Hajun. His even-tempered nature is reflected in combat: he reaches an eighth consciousness that allows him to see the immediate future. With this technique, he initially wins, until he faces total darkness. In his final moment, he decides to perform a Völundr—merging with Brunhilde—to defeat the enemy. Thus, he demonstrates his true strength: the wisdom of peace, sacrificing himself to save humanity.

Human: Sasaki Kojirō

Sasaki Kojirō (佐々木小次郎) is a famous Japanese swordsman nicknamed "the greatest loser in history." After a decisive loss to Miyamoto Musashi, he dedicated his life to perfecting his art. He becomes Japan's human representative in Round 3 against Poseidon. He is serious and methodical; his calm demeanor masks a steely resolve. His weapon is the nodachi "Ganryū," which breaks during the fight, but thanks to Hrist's will, he manages to continue with a dual-sword technique. He develops the Thousand Images Defense, anticipating all of Poseidon's attacks. With this ability, he defeats the sea god, marking the first complete human victory. His victory restores his honor and demonstrates that his unwavering determination to improve after his defeat culminated in greatness.

Human: Jack the Ripper

Jack the Ripper (1880s, London) is an unidentified serial killer. In the series, he is the human combatant in Round 4 against Hercules. During his childhood, he suffered horrific abuse: his parents forced him to follow in his father's footsteps, betrayed him, and revealed that Jack's life held no value to them. This transformed him into a ruthless killer. Jack is intelligent, calculating, and emotionally tormented. He possesses a magical eye that sees emotional colors and has a deep hatred for injustice. In combat, he is cruel but also strategic: he forces the valkyrie Hlökk to merge with Volundr and creates a pair of gauntlets ("The Unstable") that transform anything they touch into a divine weapon. In the end, Jack uses his ultimate technique, Dear God—his own blood multiplied by rage—to impale Hercules, demonstrating that even the most vile evil can have a twisted code of honor.

Human: Lü Bu Fengxian

Lü Bu (呂布奉先) was a legendary general from the Three Kingdoms period of China. In the series, he is the first human fighter in Ragnarok. In life, he was known as the unsurpassed "God of War," who never lost a battle. Frustrated by the lack of worthy opponents, he surrendered and was executed. In the tournament, he fights Thor with his divine spear (Volund of Randgriz). His personality is impulsive and he loves battle; he finally enjoys fighting Thor, whom he considers a worthy rival. Although brutally wounded by Thor (losing both legs), he dies standing, seeing that his moral victory inspires his followers. His end—his people committing suicide after his defeat—underscores the absolute loyalty he embodies.

Human: Adam

Adam is the "Father of Humanity" and the first biblical man. In the story, he is presented as File No. 00000000001 and the hope of all humanity. God granted him divine form, allowing him to copy techniques from any god he encounters. He fights with the Iron Fist (Reginleif's Volund) against Zeus in Round 2. His personality is noble and loving: he offers to share the punishment for original sin with Eve, demonstrating great altruism. His ability allows him to fight at Zeus's level for a time, even forcing the god to retreat. Finally, exceeding the limits of his mortal body, he collapses and dies on his knees. His sacrifice is worthy: although he loses, he proved that a human can seriously injure a god.

God: Odin

Odin is the supreme Norse god, father of Thor and Loki. His role in the story is that of a great strategist: he presides over the Valhalla assembly and remains in the shadows as a tacit figure of authority (he does not participate in battles). His presence is felt in the anticipation of the present-day Ragnarok. After Brunhilde's arrival, Odin assumes the title of King of the Gods of Valhalla. We discover that his ultimate goal is to revive the Archetype of the Universe, the mythical origin of the cosmos. He is portrayed as a wise and calculating old man; he usually appears covered with his cloak and wielding the spear Gungnir (which is revealed to contain the Archetype Stone). As in Norse mythology, he embodies the figure of the ancestral being, yearning to break the cycle of time.

God: Anubis

Anubis is the Egyptian god of the dead, traditionally a psychopomp. In the tournament, he was assigned to Round 10 but was replaced by Susano'o before the fight. His brief mention indicates the presence of the Egyptian pantheon (which also includes Ra-Horakhty in later arcs). Anubis appears as a knight wearing a jackal mask and carrying a ceremonial staff. He represents the adaptation of Egyptian mythology: his role in the series underscores the universality of Ragnarok, where even deities from other traditions (e.g., Egyptian) are part of the Council.

God: Apollo

Apollo is the Greek god of prophecy, music, and the arts, son of Zeus. In the series, his initial personality is youthful and somewhat underestimated, but he reveals exceptional strength and determination. The battle with Leonidas showcases his ambition: he uses Artemis's celestial archer and employs his own body as a living arrow. Although Leonidas dies, Apollo wins by sacrificing himself (his avatar is the arrow). This victory brings him prestige: after this triumph, he becomes the sixth Olympian. Adapted to the manga with tactical intelligence and lethal beauty, Apollo leads the Greek pantheon, demonstrating that even "artistic" gods can be formidable warriors.

God: Susano'o

Susano'o no Mikoto is the Japanese god of storms and brother of Amaterasu. Although he hasn't fought in the nine official rounds, he is ready for Round 10. In the series, he is described as a young and proud warrior god, wielding the sword Kusanagi. Susano'o embodies Shinto mythology: he respects samurai honor. His inclusion foreshadows the future battle against Okita, and his distinctive appearance (horned helmet, traditional armor) blends classic Japanese aesthetics with the dynamics of the tournament.

God: Loki

Loki is the Norse god of mischief and chaos. In Shuumatsu, he acts as a commentator for the tournament alongside Heimdall and his father Odin, cynically observing the matches. He possesses a twisted sense of humor (mocking the human fighters). He is the first to notice Buddha's rebellion in Round 6. Although his role is secondary, his actions (eliminating the apprentice Adeptas Yggdrasil and manipulating the situation) are key to the development of the Council of the Gods. Loki embodies the Norse myth of the trickster: he can be sarcastic about death and the disruption of order.

God: Hajun

Hajun is an ancient demon (the "progenitor" of the sixth Hindu heaven) consumed by war. Cultivated by Beelzebub, his dark power is resurrected within Zerofuku during Round 6. In the series, Hajun takes advantage of the situation to devour Zerofuku's body and incarnate as his final form. He is more monstrous than Zerofuku and is defeated when Buddha performs his Volundr. He represents the elemental chaos of Hindu mythology taken to its extreme.

God: Hades

Hades is the Greek god of the underworld, brother of Zeus and lord of Helheim. In the series, he maintains the cool elegance of a lord of the afterlife. In Round 7, he faces Qin Shi Huang and, after dramatically losing an arm, is defeated by the human's offensive. It is revealed that he orchestrated (with Loki) the events of the tournament, attempting to resurrect the Archetype of the Universe (Arché). Hades is haunted by the history of death and is sensitive to human sins: he suspends his fight to save his own undead, showing honor even to the dead, unlike many gods.

God: Beelzebub

Beelzebub ('Lord of the Flies') is the demonic representation of sin in the Abrahamic pantheon. As a participating god, he embodies infernal forces: his quote emphasizes that all contact is deadly. In combat, he uses hellflies and plague power. In Round 8, he defeats Tesla in one fell swoop, displaying his absolute hostility. He shows no compassion; rather, he is friendly with his fellow demons (sharing a scene with Lucifer in the Council). His adapted role is to serve as a counterpoint to the pagan gods, bringing the Christian element to the game.

God: Hercules (Heracles)

Heracles is the Greek demigod son of Zeus, famous for the Twelve Labors. In Round 4, he wields his club and the Nemean lion's mane, accumulating the feats of each labor as techniques. Unlike traditional mythology, in the series he develops lethal techniques based on his challenges (e.g., Cretan Giant, Hydra). He fights honorably against Jack and is pierced by the Dear God technique. His love for humanity is revealed: before dying, he embraces Jack to protect him, showing that even a warrior god has compassion for a worthy adversary.

God: Shiva

Shiva is the Hindu god of destruction and creation, venerated in Svarga (the Hindu heaven). He has four arms that grant him extraordinary strength. The series portrays him as a being who dances to the rhythm of the universe (his Tandava Karma). In Round 5, he easily defeats Raiden, destroying his arms. However, he leaves behind a sense of human courage. Shiva is depicted with a cold and powerful demeanor, fulfilling his vows even against his brothers (at the previous Council, he had vowed to destroy Thebes).

God: Zerofuku (god of fortune)

Zerofuku (whose various names combine the names of the Seven Lucky Gods) is a peculiar god who embodies the corruption of human fortune. Initially benevolent, he traveled absorbing human suffering, but upon witnessing Buddha's happiness, he is consumed by anger and envy. During the tournament, he merges his soul with the demon Hajun and becomes an entity of pure darkness, symbolizing the downfall of chance and luck. Zerofuku does not appear in a traditional fight (he was psychologically defeated by Buddha and his Volundr). His design blends Japanese iconography (a lucky god's hat) with demonic features. It reflects the Eastern mythology of benevolence turned curse.

God: Thor

Thor is the "strongest Norse god" and the protagonist of the first round. He wears white robes and wields the divine hammer Mjölnir. His warrior personality is passionately displayed in combat; as the inner mythology indicates, Thor is a man of few words outside of battle, but in combat he becomes an euphoric "war maniac" who revels in the fight. In the series, he demonstrates honor and sportsmanship: he bids farewell to Lü Bu's army so they can join their master in glory and respects all those who died in Ragnarok. His abilities include superhuman strength and control over electricity. With Mjölnir (which must "awaken" to unleash its full power), he defeated Lü Bu. Ultimately, his victory in Round 1 proves why he is the champion of the Norse pantheon.

God: Zeus

Zeus is the "Father of the Cosmos" and current president of the Council of the Gods. Initially appearing gaunt and indecisive, he reveals immense power with his ability Adamas (hardening his muscles to the point of diamond). During the tournament, he demands a fight to prove his strength. His battle against Adam in Round 2 confirms his superiority: with the Transcendental Fist of Time technique, acquired by defeating his father Cronus, he manages to vanquish the primordial human. He is an arrogant but honorable leader, seeking worthy rivals. In the Council, he summons Ragnarok after a skirmish with Brunhilde and other gods.

God: Poseidon

Poseidon, lord of the Greek sea, is presented as an arrogant and proud god. In Round 3, Sasaki Kojirō is underestimated as a mere mortal, but he is defeated by his own arrogance. His weapon, a trident, is a symbol of oceanic power (not detailed in the work), and he possesses water manipulation abilities. His adaptation in Record of Ragnarok emphasizes his egocentrism: he is the first to insult Brunhilde in the Council when she objects to the destruction of humanity.

Round 8: Beelzebub vs Nikola Tesla

In the eighth round, Beelzebub, "Lord of the Flies" of the Abrahamic pantheon, battles Nikola Tesla, the European genius inventor. Beelzebub is presented as a demonic being, cursed by Satan (any contact with him causes death). Tesla is portrayed as "the unfortunate genius," wearing an electric mechatronic suit (Volundr, created by the Valkyrie Göndul). Even using a super-armor capable of generating electricity, Tesla is defeated by Beelzebub. This victory for Beelzebub ties the series again, while Tesla falls without humanity managing to harm the demon.

Round 7: Hades vs Qin Shi Huang

The seventh round pits Hades, king of the Greek underworld, against Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China. Hades is a powerful god (son of Cronus) who rules Helheim, the Greek realm of the dead. Upon learning that he would fight Hades, Qin Shi Huang prepares and confronts the god with a special spear. Although Hades destroys one of Qin's arms, the emperor unleashes his ultimate technique with his imperial sword, shattering Hades' spear and defeating him. This victory grants humanity a temporary advantage in the tournament. The Valkyrie Alvitr, whose Volundr takes the form of armor for Qin, survives despite severe damage and witnesses her form evolve into a sword during the battle.

Round 6: Zerofuku/Hajun vs Gautama Buddha

The sixth round presents a unique duel: Zerofuku (an entity composed of the Seven Gods of Fortune) along with the demon Hajun against Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Zerofuku is an ancient God of Fortune who traveled, feeding on human suffering, but became corrupted by envy of humans after witnessing Buddha's success. During the fight, Zerofuku merges with Hajun (a powerful demon from the lower heavens), forming a being of utter darkness. Buddha, who rebelled against the gods to fight for humanity, uses his enlightenment—reaching an eighth level of consciousness—to foresee a few seconds into the future. However, once Zerofuku/Hajun emerges as absolute darkness, Buddha can no longer see the future and begins to lose. Finally, before dying, Buddha performs a Völundr with Zerofuku, merging his soul with that of the valkyrie Brunhilde, and neutralizes the enemy, securing a human victory in this round.

Round 5: Shiva vs Raiden Tameemon

In the fifth round, Shiva, the powerful Hindu god of creation and destruction, battles Raiden Tameemon, the Japanese sumo legend. Shiva is described as the strongest god in his pantheon, capable of synchronizing his dance with the universe itself. Raiden is a rikishi of superhuman muscle mass, famous for his voluntary restraint (he never became a yokozuna despite his power). His Volundr, with the valkyrie Thrud, takes the form of a mawashi that draws reinforcing tattoos on Raiden's body, allowing him to use his full strength without self-harm. During the duel, Raiden destroys three of Shiva's four arms with his superhuman strength, but ultimately loses to Shiva. Thrud survives unharmed (she refuses to undo the Volundr despite her partner's defeat), and Raiden reiterates his love for her.

Round 4: Hercules vs Jack the Ripper

The fourth round pits Hercules (Heracles), the Greek demigod, against Jack the Ripper, the infamous British murderer. Hercules is known for his Twelve Labors and his titanic strength (he wields a stone club with the skin of the Nemean Lion). Jack is portrayed as a tormented young man who eventually discovers a supernatural ability: he sees human emotions in color through his right eye. He imposes his will using the valkyrie Hlökk, whose Volundr, "The Unstable," consists of gloves capable of transforming anything they touch into a divine weapon. Initially, they don't get along, but Jack eventually forces Hlökk to fight alongside him. Jack triumphs using his final technique, Dear God, in which he uses the blood from his own wound to cleanly pierce Hercules. Jack emerges victorious, and Hercules dies in a final embrace as a sign of respect for humanity. After the fight, Jack and Hlökk (who initially rejected him) forge a friendship after learning about his past and strength.

Round 3: Poseidon vs Sasaki Kojirō

The third round pits Poseidon, the arrogant Greek god of the sea, against the legendary Japanese swordsman Sasaki Kojirō. Poseidon is described as the most haughty of the Olympian gods. Sasaki Kojirō is famous for his reputation as the "loser of history," having lost every match against Musashi but learning from each defeat. In this contest, he wields a katana and receives the Volundr nodachi called Mononoshi Zao, bestowed upon him by the valkyrie Hrist. During the duel, Hrist is cleaved by Poseidon, but their personalities merge, and the two halves of Hrist's sword evolve into two katanas, enabling Kojirō's Thousand Image Defense attack. In the end, Kojirō manages to defeat Poseidon, marking the first human victory in the tournament. Hrist, whose Volundr evolved during the fight, survives (she was the first valkyrie to survive the battle).

Round 2: Zeus vs Adam

In the second round, Zeus, the "Father of the Cosmos" of the Greek pantheon, faces Adam, the first human created. Zeus is the elderly president of the Council of the Gods, physically frail but capable of coiling his muscles with his "Adamas" ability to unleash devastating power. Adam, known as "File No. 00000000001" and humanity's hope, possesses the unique ability to mimic any divine technique upon seeing it. He fights wielding reinforced fists thanks to his Volundr (with Reginleif), but pushing his body to its limits causes him to collapse under the strain of an overloaded nervous system. Although Adam severely damages Zeus, Zeus ultimately wins the round. Adam dies standing from exhaustion, and his valkyrie Reginleif (Volund "Iron Fist") dies beside him.

Round 1: Thor vs Lü Bu

The first round pits the Norse god of thunder, Thor, against the legendary Chinese general Lü Bu. Thor is a Norse warrior of imposing appearance—young, tall, and muscular, with long reddish hair and yellow eyes—who lives for battle. Lü Bu, on the other hand, was the invincible "strongest hero in China" who, bored by the lack of worthy opponents, ended up fighting the Emperor and was executed before being resurrected for the tournament. During the battle, Thor and Lü Bu demonstrate a shared passion for fighting; both were looking for a strong rival (in fact, Thor displays great joy in the fight, similar to Lü Bu). The fight concludes with Thor's victory. As a gesture of honor, Thor calls Lü Bu by name upon defeating him. The valkyrie assigned to Lü Bu is Randgriz, whose Volundr takes the form of the spear "Shieldbreaker." Randgriz is the first valkyrie to face a god and the first to die in battle.

Other gods (Greek and Hindu)

Minor figures also appear in the Greek and Hindu pantheons. Hermes is the winged messenger of Zeus (the Greek god), honest and discreet. In Ragnarok, he serves as a liaison and accompanies the other gods; he doesn't fight, but he inspires confidence in humanity and plays funeral music for the fallen. Ares, the Greek god of war, is tall and muscular, but emotionally insecure. In the story, he admires Heracles and promises to continue fighting in his friend's honor, even though he is fearful and easily intimidated. Indra is the Hindu god of thunder and rain. According to the story, he competes in a preliminary tournament (Apocalypse) to earn a place in Ragnarok. He is described as a calm, somewhat chain-smoking, expert fighter, with the dream of surpassing his own leader (Shiva). These secondary gods reinforce cultural diversity: Hermes as a diplomatic ally, Ares as a patriotic and somewhat arrogant warrior spirit, and Indra as an example of human determination (a civilized god who values ​​fair combat). Their role in the series so far is minor, but any of them could jump onto the battlefield in future fights or influence current fighters with their advice.

Other gods (Norse and Egyptian)

In addition to the main champions, the manga mentions several secondary gods. Loki (the Norse god of mischief) is a cunning trickster from the Norse pantheon, known for his deceptions and strategic genius. Odin (the Allfather) is the supreme father of the Norse gods and the tournament's shadow leader; he hasn't fought personally yet, but he orchestrates the divine plans. Anubis (the Egyptian god) is the funerary god and guardian of tombs; in the series, he participates in future fights as a divine representative in his old role as a "guide of souls." These secondary characters provide context: Loki will bring unforeseen chaos and perhaps even switch sides; Odin continues to plot for divine victory; and Anubis emerges as the Egyptian presence. Although they have less narrative focus than the main champions, they embody the series' rich global mythology and are likely to become relevant in later rounds (still outside the period of the nine fights described).