Kratos’ Divine Body Count: How Many Gods Did He Slay in God of War 3?
Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, is renowned for his brutal efficiency in dispatching foes, both mortal and divine. His rampage through the Greek pantheon in God of War 3 is legendary. But just how many gods did he actually kill in this pivotal installment? The answer is a staggering six distinct Olympian deities directly slain by Kratos within the events of God of War 3. This doesn’t include the many titans, demigods, and monsters also felled during this epic saga, but focuses squarely on the core gods of Olympus.
Kratos’ God Kill List in God of War 3
Here’s a breakdown of the gods Kratos takes down in God of War 3:
1. Poseidon, God of the Sea
Poseidon is the first Olympian God that Kratos battles and kills in God of War 3, and it’s not a pretty one. Emerging as a colossal, water-based monstrosity, Poseidon is a brutal introduction to Kratos’ sheer power and the raw violence that defines the game. His death sets the tone for the game – showcasing the shocking visuals and bloody consequences that await. This encounter also highlights that the darkness of Pandora’s Box has already started to corrupt the gods.
2. Hades, God of the Underworld
After descending into the underworld, Kratos confronts Hades, the God of the Underworld. Their battle is a furious dance of blades and souls. Kratos ultimately defeats Hades, ripping his soul from his body and claiming the Claws of Hades as his own weapon, which is very fitting, considering that he literally goes to the Underworld to steal Hades’ soul. His demise also causes the souls in the underworld to be released.
3. Helios, God of the Sun
Helios, the God of the Sun, meets a grisly end at the hands of Kratos. In a particularly infamous scene, Kratos severs Helios’ head with his bare hands, an act that plunges the world into darkness. This brutal act clearly demonstrates just how far Kratos has fallen in his need to get his vengeance.
4. Hermes, the Messenger God
Hermes, the fleet-footed messenger god, is next to be hunted by Kratos. Their battle takes the form of a chase, culminating in Kratos tearing off Hermes’ legs, ending his speed and, effectively, his life. The game’s brutal and graphic style is on full display here.
5. Hera, Queen of the Gods
The spiteful Hera, Queen of the Gods and Zeus’s wife, is also among Kratos’ victims. While she doesn’t directly engage in combat, she is killed by Kratos as a consequence of her own actions. Her death by Kratos highlights how he doesn’t care about who he takes down in the way of his vengeance.
6. Zeus, King of the Gods
The final and most crucial kill is of Zeus, King of the Gods and Kratos’ own father. Their battle is a multi-stage epic showdown, involving several different planes of existence. After a long struggle, Kratos ultimately destroys Zeus, concluding his path of vengeance against the gods of Olympus. This marks a pivotal moment in Kratos’ journey and the game’s narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kratos and God Killing
To further clarify Kratos’ god-slaying exploits and the broader context of the God of War series, here are some frequently asked questions:
1. How many gods has Kratos killed in total?
The exact number is debatable depending on what is considered a “god”, but Kratos kills over a dozen significant gods across the God of War series, including the six main ones he kills in God of War 3. His kill count increases as the games go on, adding gods from different pantheons.
2. Did Kratos kill all the gods in God of War 3?
No, Kratos did not kill all the gods in God of War 3. While he eliminates many major figures from the Olympian pantheon, several lesser gods survive, as well as other minor figures.
3. Why did Kratos want to kill the gods?
Kratos’ motivation for killing the gods is rooted in betrayal and vengeance. Ares, the God of War, tricked him into killing his family. This, combined with the gods’ general mistreatment and manipulation of mortals, fueled his burning desire for revenge.
4. Why is Kratos called the Ghost of Sparta?
He earns the nickname “Ghost of Sparta” because his skin becomes pale after being forced to wear the ashes of his dead family, a haunting reminder of his past. This made him look like a ghostly, pale figure who was no longer connected to his humanity.
5. Can Kratos kill any god?
The games demonstrate that Kratos can indeed kill most gods, provided he possesses the power and means to do so. However, some gods are depicted as having abilities that might make them challenging to overcome. As the games progress, the abilities of each god are explored more closely.
6. How many times has Kratos died?
Kratos has been killed and revived a total of three times in the Greek saga. He dies during God of War 1 and 2, but escapes the Underworld. He also seemingly kills himself at the end of God of War 3.
7. Is Kratos a god?
While he was initially a demigod due to his lineage with Zeus, Kratos becomes the God of War after killing Ares. He is later revealed to be a full god due to his parentage.
8. Who was Kratos’ most powerful enemy?
Many would argue that Zeus, the King of the Gods, was Kratos’ most powerful and challenging opponent. Their long and intense battles throughout the series showcase Zeus’ raw power and resilience.
9. Why did Kratos kill Poseidon so brutally?
Poseidon’s brutal death is partly due to the influence of Pandora’s Box, which had corrupted him and the other gods, turning him into the monstrous beast seen at the start of God of War 3. This also sets the tone for the game’s brutal nature.
10. Does Kratos regret killing the gods?
In the later Norse saga (God of War 2018 and God of War Ragnarök), Kratos shows significant regret for his past actions, admitting that he killed many who were deserving and also many who were not. He now seeks redemption for his violent past.
11. What happened to the world after Kratos killed the gods?
Kratos’ actions at the end of God of War 3 plunge the world into chaos. The death of the gods results in earthquakes, floods, plagues, and widespread devastation, all because the gods were killed.
12. Who are some Greek gods Kratos did not kill?
Several lesser gods from Greek mythology managed to survive Kratos’ rampage. These include figures like Phobos (god of fear), Circe (goddess of magic), Amphitrite (Queen of the Sea), and Triton (god of the waves), among others.
13. What is Kratos’ most iconic weapon?
While Kratos uses many weapons throughout the series, the Blades of Chaos, chained to his arms, are his most recognizable and iconic. These were given to him by Ares and serve as a physical manifestation of his anger and rage.
14. Did Kratos kill himself at the end of God of War 3?
Yes, Kratos does seemingly kill himself at the end of God of War 3 in order to release “Hope”, the world’s greatest weapon, which he had unknowingly found in Pandora’s Box. This action has long been debated by fans as to how it happened.
15. How long is it between the end of God of War 3 and God of War 4 (2018)?
Roughly 999 years passed between the destruction of Sparta in God of War 3 and the events of God of War (2018), according to theories based on historical events referenced in the game and the series’ lore.
In conclusion, Kratos’ rampage in God of War 3 is one of the most defining events in the series, marked by the deaths of six major Greek gods. His actions have lasting consequences, reshaping not only his own destiny but also the world around him. Understanding his god-killing tally in God of War 3 is essential to grasp the scope of his vendetta against Olympus and his journey as a whole.