How Does Kratos Come Back After God of War 3?
The God of War franchise has been a beloved series for many fans, and the protagonist Kratos’ journey has been a central focus of the series. After the conclusion of God of War 3, Kratos seemingly meets his end by sacrificing himself to kill Zeus, but his story didn’t end there. Kratos makes a dramatic comeback in the soft reboot of the franchise, God of War (2018), which explores his father-son relationship with Atreus. But how does Kratos come back after God of War 3? Let’s dive in and find out.
The Aftermath of God of War 3
The original God of War trilogy concluded with God of War 3, where Kratos, now an old man, destroys Olympus and kills Zeus to avenge his family’s murder. In the aftermath, Kratos lies on the burning ruins of Olympus, critically injured and exhausted. In a poignant moment, he meets his long-lost daughter, Calliope, who has come to comfort him. However, her brief presence is short-lived, as she is killed by the Fates, who decide that Kratos’ daughter should not be part of the god’s future.
Kratos’ Reincarnation
Kratos, broken and filled with grief, drinks the Elixir of Immortality, which allows him to continue living but also erases his memories of his past life. Without his memories, Kratos’ personality changes, and he becomes the God of War (2018) Kratos, a more mature, quieter, and compassionate character. This marked a significant shift in Kratos’ character development, as he now prioritized his relationship with his son Atreus over his vendetta against the gods.
The Prophecy and Fate
According to the Noah’s Ark prophecy, Zeus’ downfall would lead to Kratos’ death, but the goddess Fates also predicted that Kratos would father a son who would bring about his own demise. The prophecy sparked a sense of inevitability surrounding Kratos’ fate, emphasizing the idea that he was destined to die to fulfill the prophecy.
Kratos’ Redemption
In the 2018 game, Kratos’ return is marked by his journey to spread his wife’s ashes from the highest peak in the Nine Realms. Alongside his son Atreus, Kratos embarks on a quest to heal and come to terms with his past. Throughout their journey, Kratos begins to reclaim his humanity, letting go of his vendetta against the gods. He forms a bond with Atreus, and in doing so, finds a sense of purpose and redemption.
Table: Major Events Leading to Kratos’ Comeback
| Event | Description |
|---|---|
| Kratos meets his daughter Calliope | |
| Calliope’s murder by the Fates | |
| Kratos drinks the Elixir of Immortality | Erases memories, makes him immortal |
| Prophecy foretells Kratos’ death and fate | Kratos’ son to kill him |
| Kratos reunites with his son Atreus | |
| Spreads his wife’s ashes from the highest peak | |
| Kratos’ redemption through Atreus’ bond |
FAQs: Kratos’ Comeback
Q1: What happens to Kratos after God of War 3?
A1: After God of War 3, Kratos lies critically injured on the ruins of Olympus, only to be revived and lost his memories.
Q2: Who kills Calliope in God of War 3?
A2: The Fates kill Calliope to prevent her from being part of Kratos’ future.
Q3: What is the Elixir of Immortality?
A3: The Elixir erases Kratos’ memories of his past life, allowing him to become the God of War (2018) Kratos.
Q4: What is the purpose of Kratos’ journey in God of War (2018)?
A4: Kratos’ journey is to spread his wife’s ashes from the highest peak and heal, finding redemption alongside his son Atreus.
Q5: Is Kratos alive in God of War (2018)?
A5: Yes, Kratos is alive in God of War (2018), having survived his initial death at the end of God of War 3.
Q6: Does Kratos still hate the gods in God of War (2018)?
A6: No, Kratos has moved away from his vendetta against the gods and focuses on his relationship with Atreus.
Q7: What is Kratos’ goal in God of War (2018)?
A7: Kratos’ primary goal is to spread his wife’s ashes, which serves as a symbol of his growth and redemption.
Q8: Does Kratos still hold the Blades of Chaos?
A8: No, Kratos no longer wields the Blades of Chaos in God of War (2018), instead, he uses magical abilities and relies on his strength to fight.
In conclusion, Kratos’ comeback in God of War (2018) is a result of his complex and intertwined storyline. His journey from an old man’s demise to a son’s quest for redemption is a poignant exploration of human connection and growth. With his redemption, Kratos finally finds a sense of purpose beyond his vendetta against the gods, demonstrating the franchise’s capacity for character development and innovation.