Is Freya Kratos’ Second Wife? Unraveling the Romantic Entanglements of the God of War
No, Freya is NOT Kratos’ second wife. Kratos’ second wife, as established in the Norse saga of the God of War franchise, is Faye (also known as Laufey the Just), the Jötunn warrior and mother of Atreus. Freya, while a significant character in the Norse saga and a close ally (and at times, rival) of Kratos, is Odin’s ex-wife. Their relationship is complex and fraught with tension, but it is never portrayed as romantic or marital in the games. The narrative meticulously differentiates between Freya and Faye, establishing them as distinct individuals with separate histories and relationships to Kratos.
Kratos’ Wives: A Deep Dive
Lysandra: The First Tragedy
Kratos’ first wife was Lysandra, a Spartan woman to whom he was deeply devoted. Their love produced a daughter, Calliope. This period of relative domestic tranquility was shattered when Kratos, blinded by his allegiance to Ares, the God of War, unknowingly murdered Lysandra and Calliope in a temple dedicated to Athena. Ares had tricked Kratos, and the ashes of his slain family became permanently fused to his skin, earning him the moniker “Ghost of Sparta.” This tragic event is the foundational trauma that fuels much of Kratos’ rage and motivates his quest for vengeance throughout the Greek saga of the God of War series.
Faye (Laufey the Just): A Second Chance at Love
Centuries after the tragedy that befell Lysandra and Calliope, Kratos found a semblance of peace and purpose in the Norse realms. Here, he met Faye, a powerful Jötunn warrior also known as Laufey. Faye saw beyond Kratos’ rage and scars, recognizing his capacity for love and redemption. Together, they had a son, Atreus, and built a life of quiet solitude, hiding their true identities from the Norse gods. Faye’s influence on Kratos was profound; she encouraged him to control his rage, to become a better father to Atreus, and to ultimately confront his past. Her death at the beginning of God of War (2018) sets in motion the events of the Norse saga, as Kratos and Atreus embark on a journey to fulfill her final wish: to scatter her ashes from the highest peak in all the realms.
The Misconception Around Freya and Faye
The confusion surrounding Freya and Faye stems from several factors:
- Similar-Sounding Names: The names “Freya” and “Faye” are phonetically similar, which can lead to accidental misremembering, especially for casual players or those unfamiliar with Norse mythology.
- Freya’s Prominent Role: Freya plays a significant role in the Norse saga, acting as both an ally and an antagonist to Kratos and Atreus. Her complex relationship with the duo makes her a constant presence in their lives, leading some to assume a closer, perhaps romantic, connection.
- Norse Mythology Complexity: Norse mythology is vast and intricate, with numerous gods, goddesses, and interconnected storylines. The sheer volume of information can be overwhelming, making it easy to conflate characters and their relationships.
- Freya’s Vanir Status: The article mentions Faye being called “Freyja or Freya” and a member of the Vanir. This is inaccurate. Faye is a Jötunn warrior. Freya is a Vanir Goddess.
Navigating Kratos’ Complicated Relationships: A Scholarly Perspective
The complexities of Kratos’ relationships, particularly his marriages and interactions with other powerful female figures like Freya, offer fertile ground for analysis from a scholarly perspective. Exploring these dynamics allows us to consider themes of grief, redemption, fatherhood, and the impact of trauma on interpersonal connections. Indeed, Games Learning Society explores these types of themes in video games. This intersection of narrative, character development, and mythological context underscores the God of War series’ potential as a subject of academic study. For more information on analyzing games, you can visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kratos and His Relationships
1. Was Kratos ever married to any other Goddess other than his wives?
No, there is no evidence within the God of War canon that Kratos has ever been married to any goddess besides his two wives, Lysandra and Faye. His relationship with Freya remains platonic, albeit complex.
2. Are Faye and Freya the same person?
No, Faye (Laufey the Just) and Freya are not the same person. Faye is Kratos’ second wife and the mother of Atreus, while Freya is a Vanir goddess and Odin’s ex-wife.
3. Why does Baldur hate Freya?
Baldur hates Freya because she cast a spell on him that made him invulnerable to all physical harm but also rendered him unable to feel anything. This “gift” was intended to protect him, but Baldur perceived it as a curse, as it robbed him of all sensation, including pleasure and pain.
4. What happened to Kratos’ first wife?
Kratos’ first wife, Lysandra, was tragically killed by Kratos himself when he was tricked by Ares, the God of War. He unknowingly slaughtered her and their daughter, Calliope, in a temple dedicated to Athena.
5. Why is Kratos’ skin white?
Kratos’ skin is white because the ashes of his first wife, Lysandra, and daughter, Calliope, became permanently fused to his skin after he unknowingly murdered them. This was a curse inflicted upon him by an oracle as a constant reminder of his terrible deed.
6. Did Faye know about Kratos’ past?
Yes, Faye knew about Kratos’ past. This is heavily implied throughout the game, and it is suggested that she had a vision of the future, including the events of the Norse saga.
7. Is Kratos stronger than Zeus?
Kratos is ultimately stronger than Zeus. While Zeus is incredibly powerful, Kratos defeats him in God of War III through a combination of his own strength, rage, and the power of Hope.
8. Does Atreus have any siblings?
Atreus does not have any full siblings. Calliope, Kratos’ daughter with Lysandra, is Atreus’ half-sister, although she died long before Atreus was born.
9. Why did Kratos leave Greece?
Kratos left Greece primarily to escape his past and the constant reminders of his tragic deeds. He sought a new life and a chance at redemption in a different land.
10. Will there be another God of War game?
While the Norse saga of God of War is considered complete, the ending of God of War Ragnarok leaves the possibility open for future installments. Whether these games will continue Kratos’ story or focus on Atreus remains to be seen.
11. Is Freya evil?
Freya is not inherently evil. She is a complex character with her own motivations and traumas. While she initially seeks revenge on Kratos for killing Baldur, she eventually forgives him and becomes a valuable ally.
12. What is Freya the goddess of?
Freya is the Norse goddess of love, beauty, fertility, gold, seiðr (magic), war, and death.
13. Did Kratos and Freya have a romantic relationship in Norse mythology?
No, within the God of War storyline that closely follows norse mythology, Kratos and Freya did not have a romantic relationship. Freya does help Atreus and Kratos along the way.
14. What is Kratos’ real name?
Kratos’ real name is simply Kratos. It’s a Greek name meaning “strength” or “power”.
15. How old is Kratos in God of War Ragnarok?
Determining Kratos’ exact age is difficult, but considering the events of the Greek saga and the time that has passed before the Norse saga, it’s estimated that Kratos is well over 1,000 years old in God of War Ragnarok.