While God of War Ragnarök is known for its epic narrative and mythological battles, it also features a surprising number of lighter, more whimsical elements that add personality to its richly detailed world. One such example is the collectible known as the Bantam Melon. Despite its silly name, the Bantam Melon is actually part of a broader side quest with emotional depth and gameplay value. Players who explore thoroughly and pay attention to the smaller quests will come across this odd yet important item that ties into the themes of family, companionship, and the remnants of life in a war-torn realm.
The Importance of Bantam Melon in God of War Ragnarök
The Bantam Melon isn’t just a quirky fruit or throwaway joke it’s a key component in a favor (side quest) called Animal Instincts, which involves rescuing a group of spiritual chickens. These chickens, including the elusive Bantam Melon, were once the pets of a character named Birgir, a Vanir warrior who shares a connection with Freya. After his disappearance, the animals were left scattered across Vanaheim, and finding them becomes part of a heartfelt questline.
This mission is part of what makes God of War Ragnarök so immersive. It blends humor, mystery, and world-building through seemingly minor objectives. Completing the Bantam Melon quest not only brings closure to a personal story but also contributes to your exploration of Vanaheim and its recovery after the fall of Asgard’s grip.
What Is a Bantam Melon?
The term Bantam Melon in God of War Ragnarök actually refers to a small, magical chicken despite its name suggesting a fruit. The name is intentionally humorous, and the creature is one of several lost mystical chickens tied to Birgir’s past. The game uses names like Bantam Melon and Gallumufry to inject levity, reminding players that not everything in Kratos’ journey has to be grim and heavy.
These chickens are ethereal and glow with magical energy, indicating their unique status in the world. They serve more than a comic purpose; they symbolize hope, memory, and the fragments of peace that still exist in a realm recovering from war.
How to Start the Bantam Melon Quest
To begin the quest involving the Bantam Melon, players must first complete the main story arc and unlock access to the Crater in Vanaheim. This area becomes available later in the game and opens up a large, optional zone full of side quests, secret bosses, and unique wildlife events.
Steps to Unlock the Crater and Side Quests
- Complete the main story through the Creatures of Prophecy chapter.
- After the quest Scent of Survival, you’ll gain access to the Crater zone.
- Speak to Lúnda at Freyr’s Camp, who will mention Birgir’s lost companions.
- Begin the favor Animal Instincts and explore the Crater to find the missing animals.
Once you initiate this quest, the search for the Bantam Melon and its fellow chickens begins. Each chicken is located in a different region of the Crater, offering exploration challenges, puzzle-solving, and the occasional combat encounter.
Where to Find the Bantam Melon
The Bantam Melon can be found in the Jungle area of the Crater in Vanaheim. The Jungle is a lush, overgrown section of the map filled with dangerous enemies and hidden paths. Access to the Jungle may depend on changing the time of day using Celestial Altars, a mechanic unique to Vanaheim’s shifting landscape.
Finding the Chicken
- Travel to the Jungle region in the Crater.
- Make sure it is night to unlock certain pathways blocked during the day.
- Explore the northwest section where you’ll find a small ruined structure.
- Listen for clucking sounds and glowing light to locate the Bantam Melon.
- Interact with it to trigger a short cutscene and complete that part of the quest.
Collecting the Bantam Melon rewards players with XP, lore, and progression in the Animal Instincts favor. Once all chickens are found, players are directed back to Birgir, who offers heartfelt closure to this quirky storyline.
Thematic Meaning Behind the Chickens
On the surface, collecting chickens like the Bantam Melon may seem like a humorous distraction from the game’s heavier themes. But in truth, this questline ties deeply into the themes of loss, memory, and healing. Birgir’s animals are symbolic of a past life, a simpler time before war and gods tore the world apart. Rescuing them serves as a gesture of reclaiming what was lost.
The game often contrasts violence and destruction with quiet, peaceful moments like these. By caring for these spiritual animals, Kratos shows his evolving emotional state and growth as a father and warrior. These acts of kindness reflect his shift away from vengeance and into a more compassionate path, aligning with Atreus’ worldview.
Why the Bantam Melon Stands Out
Among the rescued animals, the Bantam Melon has become a fan favorite due to its quirky name and charming appearance. Players often reference it in discussions and fan art, showing how even small side objectives can have a lasting cultural impact within the community. The name Bantam Melon encapsulates the game’s tonal balance between seriousness and absurdity something that sets God of War Ragnarök apart from other action games.
Reasons It Became Popular:
- It has a ridiculous but memorable name.
- It’s part of an emotional side quest.
- It brings humor into an otherwise dark narrative.
- It rewards exploration and attention to detail.
Whether players seek it out for completion or are simply amused by its name, the Bantam Melon leaves a lasting impression. It’s a testament to how even the smallest characters and objects in God of War Ragnarök are crafted with intention and care.
Finding Joy in the Details
In a game as vast and emotionally charged as God of War Ragnarök, the inclusion of elements like the Bantam Melon adds depth, heart, and levity. It shows that the developers paid attention not only to gods and monsters but also to the quiet, meaningful stories tucked away in hidden corners of the world. The quest to find the Bantam Melon may be optional, but it offers a moment of peace and a glimpse into the enduring bonds between beings in a broken world.
Ultimately, the Bantam Melon is more than a silly chicken. It’s part of a carefully constructed narrative that encourages players to explore, empathize, and find meaning in the unexpected. Those who take the time to rescue it are rewarded not just with loot, but with a deeper understanding of the world Kratos and Atreus are trying to protect.