Did Kratos Die in God of War 4?
The 2018 game God of War (renamed God of War 2018 to avoid confusion with the 2007 original) has sparked a heated debate among fans and critics alike. One of the most pressing questions is whether Kratos, the game’s protagonist, died or lived throughout the game. In this article, we’ll delve into the storyline and explore the possible interpretations to answer this question.
The Plot
God of War 4 is an action-adventure game that takes place several years after the events of God of War III. Kratos, the god-slayer, is now an older man living in the Norse wilds with his son, Atreus. The game’s storyline revolves around Kratos’ attempt to scatter his wife’s ashes from the highest peak in the realms.
The Events Leading Up to Kratos’ Fate
Throughout the game, Kratos and Atreus face numerous challenges and battles against mythical creatures and gods. As they ascend the peaks, they encounter the Valkyries, a group of women who can see into the realms of the dead. One of them, Freya, briefly touches Kratos and reveals that he is not entirely of this world.
Interpretations
There are two dominant interpretations regarding Kratos’ fate:
- Kratos Lives: According to this interpretation, Kratos’ conversation with Freya implies that he is still alive, although he may not be entirely of this world. This view is supported by the fact that Kratos continues to appear in the game’s cinematics and cutscenes throughout the story.
- Kratos Dies: This interpretation suggests that Kratos dies during the final battle with Baldur, the god of light. This view is supported by the fact that Kratos is injured severely during the battle and fails to appear in the subsequent scenes.
The Final Battle and Kratos’ Fate
In the final battle, Kratos fights Baldur, who is extremely powerful and nearly kills him. As Kratos lies wounded and dying on the ground, Atreus shoots an arrow into the sky, calling upon the gods for help. The gods hear his plea and intervene, imbuing Kratos with some of their power. With his newfound strength, Kratos destroys Baldur and defeats him.
The Aftermath
After the battle, Kratos is no longer visible, and Atreus is left to scatter his ashes from the highest peak. It is unclear what happens to Kratos after this point, leaving the door open for interpretation.
Table: Possible Interpretations
| Kratos’ Fate | Supporting Evidence |
|---|---|
| Kratos Lives | Freya’s brief touch implies he’s still alive; Kratos appears in cinematics and cutscenes throughout the story. |
| Kratos Dies | Kratos is injured severely during the final battle; fails to appear in subsequent scenes. |
Kratos’ Fate: FAQ
- What did Freya say to Kratos? Freya revealed that Kratos is not entirely of this world, implying that he has some connection to the afterlife.
- Did Kratos die during the final battle? Yes, Kratos is wounded and dying on the ground, and it’s unclear what happens to him after.
- Is Kratos immortal? No, Kratos is not immortal, but he may have some connection to the gods and the afterlife.
- Is Atreus’ story the end of Kratos’ story? Yes, the story of God of War 4 focuses primarily on Atreus, although Kratos’ fate is left unclear.
- Will Kratos return in future games? At this point, it’s impossible to say, but the ending does leave room for a possible return.
- Did the gods help Kratos die? No, the gods intervened in the final battle to help Kratos defeat Baldur, but this does not necessarily mean they helped him die.
- Is Kratos still alive in the world? This is unclear, but some fans believe that Kratos may still be alive in some capacity, possibly in the afterlife.
- Will we ever learn what happens to Kratos? It’s possible that the fate of Kratos will be explored further in future games or media within the God of War franchise.