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Ending Explained
Hellblade 2 only has one possible ending, even if you collect all the Lorestangir and Hidden Faces throughout the game. This is a linear story from start to finish, but the ending might still feel a bit confusing. Who is the final giant and where did they all come from? We’ve got the answers below, but beware, this page contains major spoilers for Hellblade 2.
Hellblade 2 tells a relatively short story, so we’re covering the big reveals in the final chapter and how they relate to the rest of the game. Many moments can be left up to interpretation, so here’s what we got from Senua’s journey in this sequel.
Hellblade 2 Ending Explained
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The Hiddenfolk reveal most of the secrets and hidden backstories in the game when Senua is searching for answers, and they do the same in Chapter VI: Borgarvirki.
They reveal that the final giant is, in fact, the Godi, Aleifr – Thorgestr’s father. Aleifr once took care of his people during a time of extreme hardship, before the giants, so they followed him willingly as he provided for them. But once their situation became more hopeful and peaceful, the people no longer needed to follow Aleifr as a leader – they were safe and thriving.
He wanted that power and control over the people to return to him, so Aleifr created the giants. The phrase “created the giants” is difficult to understand and can mean one of two things: Aleifr actually brought real giants to his lands, or he used fictional giants as a way to explain natural disasters in the area. We believe the second meaning is true, but either way, this allowed him to rule through fear.
The second explanation makes sense for Illtauga – a giant who personifies volcanic eruption. Senua was alone when she fought and freed Illtauga, so we can reasonably assume that the battle happened within her mind. She also ventured through caves and tunnels to find Illtauga’s true name alongside her real child left for the Hiddenfolk to take care of.
Sjavarissi personifies storms at sea, but his situation is harder to explain because other men and women fought alongside Senua on the beach against the giant. Thorgestr also says he saw Sjavarissi turn to stone, but when you play the game again with other narrators, it’s stated that Senua isn’t the only person who sees the unseen. The fear of hardships created by the volcanic eruptions and severe storms may make people see and believe in supernatural elements that don’t exist.
The third giant, the Tyrant, doesn’t take the form of a giant at all. Aleifr appears to have supernatural strength through Senua’s eyes, but as she starts winning, she eventually says “There are no giants. It’s just you, Aleifr.” This reinforces the theory that the giants are just tall tales told by Aleifr to maintain control over the people.
In fact, as the battle progresses, the Godi looks weaker and older than he originally appeared. The orange fog disappears and the crowd comes into view as Senua reveals Aleifr’s lies. Some voices in the background call for his execution, but Senua chooses another path.
At the very end, Senua realizes she has a choice to make – either continue to rule and take advantage of fear like her father and Aleifr, or forge her own path where she refuses to give in to the corrupting power of being a tyrannical leader. Senua reaches her ending by realizing there is always a choice.
She doesn’t need to be like her father or her mother even though parts of both are in her mind as good and bad influences. During the final cutscene, the narrator says “Her story is not yet written,” meaning she can be her own person and make new decisions regardless of her past. She also chooses not to be alone through her struggles, despite what some of the voices in her head would have her believe.
