Was Kratos Originally Black? Exploring the Complex Character of the Ghost of Sparta
The simple answer is no, Kratos was not originally conceived as a Black character. His design evolved significantly during the development of the first God of War game, but the core concept was always a Spartan warrior of Greek origin. The character’s skin tone is naturally olive, typical of people from the Mediterranean region. The ashes of his family, which permanently cover his skin, give him his signature ghostly white appearance and contribute to the confusion surrounding his race.
The Evolution of Kratos’ Design
Early concepts for Kratos were drastically different. He was initially envisioned as a blue-skinned character, even sporting more clothing. However, concerns about similarities to the Barbarian character from Diablo II prompted a redesign. The developers settled on a red color scheme, marking a significant shift in his visual identity. This evolution illustrates how character design can be a fluid process, influenced by various factors including artistic vision, technical limitations, and even potential legal concerns.
From Blue Barbarian to Ghost of Sparta
The move from a blue-skinned barbarian-esque figure to the ashen Ghost of Sparta was crucial in defining Kratos’s unique identity. While race wasn’t a primary consideration, the final design cleverly incorporates the ashes as both a visual and narrative element, representing his immense guilt and tragic past.
The Role of Voice Actors and Representation
While Kratos is not Black, the character has been voiced by two talented Black actors: T. C. Carson in the original series and Christopher Judge in the Norse saga. This raises interesting questions about representation and how voice acting can influence audience perception of a character.
Voice Acting: More Than Just a Voice
Voice acting can deeply impact how a character is perceived, transcending visual appearance. The power and gravitas both Carson and Judge brought to Kratos undoubtedly contributed to his iconic status, adding layers of depth and complexity to his personality. Whether or not the voice actors’ race informed the development of Kratos’s personality is a matter of interpretation, but their performances undeniably resonated with audiences.
Deciphering Kratos’ True Race
The discourse around Kratos’s race often stems from the fact that his skin is perpetually covered in ashes. It’s crucial to distinguish between his original olive complexion and his ashen appearance. His original Greek heritage positions him as a character of Mediterranean descent, and the visual portrayal aims to reflect this.
Olive Skin and Mediterranean Heritage
Kratos’s original skin tone aligns with that of people from the Mediterranean region. Despite his ghostly appearance, hints of his natural complexion are still visible, especially in more recent games with improved graphics. His heritage remains a fundamental part of his identity.
Ashes, Guilt, and the Ghost of Sparta
The ashes that cover Kratos are not merely a cosmetic detail; they are a constant reminder of the tragic events that shaped his life. The ashes are a curse, an eternal punishment for a horrific mistake.
The Curse of the Ashes
The curse inflicted upon Kratos by the oracle after the massacre of his family is the defining element of his character’s look. The ashes of his dead wife and daughter are permanently bound to his skin. The pale, ghostly appearance that Kratos has because of the ashes also resulted in his moniker, “The Ghost of Sparta”.
Angrboda and Diversity in God of War
While Kratos himself isn’t Black, God of War Ragnarök features Angrboda, a prominent Black character. This inclusion reflects a broader effort to diversify the game’s cast, expanding its representation to include more diverse cultures and backgrounds within its world.
Expanding the World of God of War
Angrboda’s inclusion signifies a deliberate move towards greater diversity within the God of War universe. This helps create a richer, more relatable experience for players. The development team at Games Learning Society are interested in how inclusivity impacts players of all ethnicities.
The Enduring Legacy of Kratos
Kratos’s character has resonated with players across the world. His strength, his rage, and his eventual journey towards redemption have captivated audiences for years.
The Enduring Appeal of the God of War
Despite his violent past, Kratos is a complex character. Players connect with his struggle to control his anger, his determination to protect his son, and his willingness to confront his past mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that shed further light on Kratos and the nuances of his character:
1. What was Kratos originally supposed to look like?
Kratos was originally designed to be blue and wear more clothing, but this was changed to red to avoid similarities with the Barbarian from Diablo II.
2. Is Kratos Black in Greek mythology?
No, Kratos is not Black in Greek mythology or within the game’s narrative. He is portrayed as a Spartan warrior with an olive complexion.
3. Why did Kratos turn white?
Kratos didn’t “turn white.” He is covered in the ashes of his deceased wife and daughter, which permanently turned his skin pale white.
4. Is Kratos half-black?
No, Kratos is not half-black. He is the son of Zeus and a Spartan woman, making him a demigod of Greek descent.
5. How old is Kratos in God of War Ragnarök?
It is estimated that Kratos is around 1,055 years old in God of War Ragnarök.
6. Why doesn’t Kratos have hair?
Kratos’ bald head is part of his iconic look. The lack of hair doesn’t have a clear in-game reason, but it contributes to his fierce appearance.
7. What are the red marks on Kratos?
The red mark is a tattoo that Kratos got to honor his brother, Deimos, and it mirrors Deimos’s birthmarks.
8. What is the scar on Kratos’s stomach?
The scar is a self-inflicted wound from when Kratos impaled himself with the Blade of Olympus to release the power of Hope to the world.
9. Is Kratos still a god?
Kratos was originally a demigod, became the God of War after killing Ares, and then relinquished his godhood. In the Norse saga, he retains some of his divine power as a demigod.
10. What ethnicity is Atreus?
Atreus is of mixed heritage, being half Greek (Kratos’ son) and half Jötnar (Laufey’s son), making him a hybrid of both Greek and Norse mythologies.
11. Why is Kratos weaker in the Norse saga?
Kratos appears weaker because he lost his Greek magic when he left his homeland and is adapting to a new environment with different power dynamics.
12. How did Kratos end up in Norse lands?
It is implied that Kratos traveled to the Norse lands after the events of God of War III, wandering until he reached Midgard.
13. Is Kratos skin fading?
Yes, it’s been confirmed that the ashes on Kratos are fading. The game director, Cory Barlog, said that he did not care to give a reason.
14. Is Kratos still half-god?
As the son of Zeus, Kratos is still considered a demigod.
15. How tall is Kratos?
In the Greek era, Kratos is 7’6″. In the Norse era, he is 6’4″.
These questions and answers provide a comprehensive understanding of Kratos and his complex background. Hopefully, this article was enlightening.