The Pantheon That Endured: Gods Who Evaded Kratos’ Wrath

While Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, carved a bloody swathe through the Greek pantheon and beyond, a surprising number of deities managed to avoid his wrath. Based on the “God of War” series, the following gods were not killed by Kratos: Aphrodite, Hestia, Demeter, Artemis, Apollo, Dionysus, Phobos, Circe, Amphitrite, Triton, Nike, Eos, Selene, Eros, Hypnos, Morpheus, and Asclepius. While some of these gods barely appear or are merely referenced, their survival speaks to a complex narrative where even the most vengeful warrior shows moments of restraint or indifference.

A Chronicle of Carnage and Considerations

Kratos’ journey through the “God of War” franchise is defined by his rage and quest for vengeance. His primary targets were those directly responsible for his suffering or those who stood in his way. This resulted in the deaths of major figures like Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, and Hercules, reshaping the mythological landscape. However, certain gods were spared, either because they posed no direct threat, offered assistance, or simply weren’t relevant to Kratos’ immediate goals.

Factors Influencing Survival

Several factors contributed to a god’s survival in the face of Kratos’ wrath:

• Lack of Antagonism: Many of the surviving gods, like Aphrodite or Hestia, weren’t actively involved in the conflicts that fueled Kratos’ rampage. They either remained neutral or, in some cases, even provided assistance.

• Strategic Alliances: In some instances, gods like Aphrodite found ways to be useful to Kratos, ensuring their survival through strategic alliances.

• Limited Relevance to the Plot: Some gods, while existing within the “God of War” universe, simply didn’t play a significant role in the core narratives that drove Kratos forward.

• Change in Perspective: As Kratos matured and sought redemption, he became more selective with his violence, demonstrating a willingness to spare lives that he might have previously taken without hesitation. This is more evident in the Norse saga of the “God of War” games.

Unpacking the List of Survivors

Let’s delve deeper into some of the key deities that survived Kratos’ onslaught:

• Aphrodite: The goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, remains notably unslain, her beauty and persuasive nature perhaps influencing Kratos’ actions. This could also be attributed to the fact that Kratos had the potential to form a unique alliance with her.

• Artemis: Goddess of the hunt, wilderness, wild animals, the Moon, and archery. She gave Kratos a weapon to kill Ares.

• Hestia: The goddess of the hearth and home, Hestia‘s peaceful domain likely kept her far from the conflicts that drew Kratos’ attention.

• Demeter: The goddess of agriculture, harvest, and nourishment. She played a minor role in Greek mythology, and similarly had a minor role in the “God of War” games, and was never on Kratos’ radar to kill.

• Triton: A messenger of the sea, Triton‘s role and connection to Poseidon did not lead to him crossing paths with Kratos in a way that would result in his demise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many Greek gods did Kratos actually kill? The exact number is debated, but it’s estimated that Kratos killed over 20 prominent Greek gods, demigods, and mythical figures throughout the series. The number is about 23 Greek gods and people.

2. Why didn’t Kratos kill Aphrodite? The lore suggests Aphrodite‘s beauty and her usefulness to Kratos in certain situations, dissuaded him from attacking her. She posed no direct threat and offered benefits that made her more valuable alive than dead.

3. Is Kratos the only surviving god from the Greek pantheon? No, Kratos is not the only survivor. As listed above, numerous other gods, although some obscure, avoided Kratos’ wrath.

4. Who was the first god Kratos killed? In the God of War series, Poseidon was the first Greek god that Kratos killed.

5. Was Kratos a god from birth? No, Kratos was born a demigod, the son of Zeus and a mortal woman. He later became a full god after killing Ares.

6. Did Kratos kill all of Zeus’s children? No, Kratos did not kill all of Zeus‘s children. While he killed some prominent offspring like Hercules, many others, like Apollo and Artemis, survived.

7. Why is Kratos so powerful? Kratos’ power comes from a combination of his demigod heritage, divine blessings (and curses), powerful artifacts, and relentless rage. His training as a Spartan warrior also contributes to his formidable combat skills.

8. Does Kratos regret killing Zeus? The narrative implies that Kratos does experience some regret and questioning about his actions, particularly concerning his relationship with his father, Zeus.

9. What God is Kratos now? Following the events in the Greek saga, Kratos essentially redefines himself. In the Norse saga, he becomes a protector and mentor figure, moving away from the purely destructive role he once embraced.

10. How old is Kratos in God of War Ragnarök? In God of War Ragnarök, it’s likely that Kratos is around 1,055 years old.

11. Has Kratos ever lost a fight? Yes, Kratos briefly dies during the opening hours of God of War Ragnarök, though he is quickly revived. This shows he is not invincible, but incredibly resilient.

12. Who is the God that Kratos hates the most? He doesn’t “hate” the gods per se, but he hated Ares and Zeus. The rest he simply disliked.

13. What makes the God of War games so compelling? The “God of War” series is a complex exploration of violence, revenge, and redemption. The games’ compelling narratives, coupled with satisfying combat and stunning visuals, make the games beloved by many fans. The games can teach players about mythology and history, thus players can learn through play. For more information on how games can be educational, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

14. Did Kratos have a family? Yes, Kratos had a wife, Lysandra, and a daughter, Calliope, who were tragically killed due to Ares’ trickery, an event that haunts him throughout his journey.

15. Why is Kratos’ skin white? Kratos’ skin is white because he was cursed by an oracle after inadvertently killing his wife and daughter. Their ashes were permanently bonded to his skin, earning him the title “Ghost of Sparta.”