Did Kratos Save His Brother? A Deep Dive into the Complex Relationship of Kratos and Deimos
Yes, Kratos does save his brother, Deimos, from a plummeting fall at the Suicide Bluffs, though their reunion is far from simple, and tragically, not permanent. This pivotal event marks a significant turning point in their strained relationship, showcasing both the fierce loyalty and deep-seated resentment that exists between them. The rescue is not the end of their story, however, but rather a crucial moment leading to a joint battle against the God of Death, Thanatos. Understanding this dynamic is essential to grasp the complete narrative of their complex brotherhood and its tragic conclusion.
The Abduction and Torment of Deimos
A Prophecy and a Misunderstanding
The tragic story of Kratos and Deimos begins with a prophecy that foretold a “Marked Warrior” from the Spartan lineage would bring about the destruction of Olympus. Fearing this, the gods, led by Zeus, targeted Deimos, who bore a distinctive birthmark, believing him to be the prophesied warrior. Deimos was kidnapped and subjected to unimaginable torture within Thanatos’ domain, the Domain of Death, for years. This torment bred deep resentment in Deimos, not just toward the gods, but also toward Kratos, who he believed had abandoned him.
The Mark of Remembrance
Kratos, unaware of the true reason for Deimos’ disappearance, and believing his brother dead, marked himself with a red tattoo identical to Deimos’ birthmark. This act served as a lifelong tribute and a constant reminder of his perceived failure to protect his brother, fueling his rage and desire for vengeance. This internal guilt plays a crucial role in how Kratos interacts with Deimos later on.
The Reunion and the Rescue
Clash of Brothers
Years later, Kratos finally learns of Deimos’ fate and is drawn to the Suicide Bluffs, where Thanatos plans to kill Deimos as revenge for Kratos killing his daughter. He arrives just in time to see Deimos on the verge of falling to his death. In a powerful moment, Kratos intervenes and rescues his brother. However, their reunion is far from a warm embrace. Deimos, fueled by years of torture and resentment, attacks Kratos. This fight highlights the profound damage done to Deimos and the complex feelings both brothers harbor.
Forgiveness and an Alliance
Despite their initial hostility, the brothers eventually reconcile. Deimos, seeing Kratos’s unwavering commitment and the lengths he went through to save him, finally understands the truth of the situation. He forgives Kratos, and the two join forces to confront Thanatos. This alliance marks a significant turning point in their relationship, showcasing a sense of brotherly unity they had never experienced.
The Tragic End of Deimos
A Fight Against Thanatos
The brothers fight bravely against Thanatos, putting up a valiant fight together. Their combined strength is formidable, but ultimately, the encounter ends in tragedy. Despite their efforts, Thanatos kills Deimos in the final moments of the battle. This fulfills the promise Thanatos made to the Olympians and serves as his revenge for the death of his daughter at Kratos’ hands.
Vengeance and Grief
Enraged and heartbroken, Kratos swiftly retaliates, killing Thanatos shortly after. However, the victory is bittersweet. Deimos’s death leaves a gaping hole in Kratos’ heart, further fueling his hatred for the gods and his quest for vengeance. The loss of his brother solidifies his path towards destroying Olympus. Kratos, in his grief, buries Deimos next to their mother’s grave, vowing to avenge both of their suffering by destroying Olympus and everyone on it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Why was Deimos targeted by the gods?
Deimos was targeted because of a prophecy foretelling a “Marked Warrior” from the Spartan lineage would bring about the destruction of Olympus. His birthmark was believed to identify him as that warrior, causing Zeus to fear him. -
How did Deimos end up in Thanatos’ domain?
Deimos was kidnapped by the gods, led by Ares, as a child and subsequently imprisoned and tortured by Thanatos, the God of Death, in the Domain of Death. -
How did Kratos feel about Deimos’s disappearance initially?
Kratos believed Deimos was dead and was consumed by guilt, believing that he could have done something to prevent it, hence the red tattoo he received to honor his brother. -
What triggered the reconciliation between Kratos and Deimos?
Deimos eventually recognized the depth of Kratos’s unwavering loyalty and the lengths he went through to save him, which helped him to forgive his brother and fight alongside him. -
Why did Deimos initially attack Kratos upon their reunion?
Deimos attacked Kratos because he was filled with years of resentment and hatred, believing that Kratos had abandoned him to his torturers. -
Did Kratos actually let Deimos win in their fight?
Yes, the in-game trophy called “Let Him Win” confirms that Kratos deliberately lost to Deimos, driven by his own self-blame and guilt for what had happened to him. -
What does the tattoo symbolize for Kratos?
The red tattoo symbolizes Kratos’s remembrance of Deimos and his guilt over not protecting him from his fate. -
Did Deimos ever forgive Kratos?
Yes, Deimos eventually forgave Kratos, recognizing that his brother had always wanted to save him, but was unable to. -
What was Deimos’s role in Greek mythology?
In Greek mythology, Deimos is the personification of fear, the son of Ares and Aphrodite and the brother of Phobos (god of panic and rout). He is not portrayed in this way in the God of War universe, however. -
How did Kratos react to Deimos’s death?
Kratos was consumed by rage and grief over Deimos’s death, which fueled his hatred for the gods and his determination to destroy Olympus. -
Who killed Deimos?
Deimos was killed by Thanatos, the God of Death, who sought revenge on Kratos for killing his daughter, making his death the fulfillment of the deal he had made with the Gods. -
What was the ultimate fate of Thanatos?
Thanatos was killed by Kratos soon after killing Deimos as Kratos’s revenge for his brother’s death. -
How did Deimos’s death impact Kratos’s overall journey?
Deimos’ death solidified Kratos’s path towards vengeance on Olympus, solidifying the reasons for his war against the Gods and every God that resides there. -
Is Deimos still alive in any other God of War timelines?
No, Deimos is not alive in any God of War timeline. His death is a defining moment in the narrative of the series. -
How does the story of Kratos and Deimos impact the overall themes of God of War?
The story of Kratos and Deimos explores themes of brotherhood, loss, vengeance, and the tragic consequences of prophecies and the gods’ actions. It also highlights the depth of Kratos’s emotional complexities as a character.