Did Kratos Use To Be Evil? Examining the Morality of the Ghost of Sparta
The short answer is a resounding yes. Kratos, the protagonist of the God of War franchise, wasn’t just a bit of a rogue; he was, for a significant portion of his life, undeniably evil. He was a ruthless warrior driven by rage, ambition, and a thirst for power, characteristics that led him to commit atrocities that haunted him for centuries. His journey from a bloodthirsty Spartan general to a remorseful father figure is one of the most compelling character arcs in gaming, but it’s crucial to acknowledge the darkness that defined his earlier years. Let’s dive into the evidence and explore how Kratos earned his fearsome reputation.
The Early Days: A Spartan General Forged in War
Kratos’s early life was steeped in Spartan tradition, where strength and martial prowess were paramount. From a young age, he was trained to be a warrior, honing his skills in combat and developing a relentless desire for victory. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a respected and feared general in the Spartan army. This is where the foundation of his “evil” was laid. His victories weren’t achieved through diplomacy or strategic brilliance alone; they were secured through brutal force and merciless slaughter. He reveled in the carnage, seeing his enemies as nothing more than obstacles to be crushed.
His ambition and bloodlust led him to make a pact with Ares, the God of War. In exchange for power, Kratos pledged his life to the god, becoming his champion and instrument of destruction. This decision sealed his fate, transforming him into a force of pure chaos.
The Tragedy That Defined Him: The Murder of His Family
The turning point, and arguably the most damning evidence of Kratos’s initial descent into evil, was the infamous massacre in a village dedicated to Athena. Manipulated by Ares, Kratos unknowingly slaughtered the villagers, only to discover that his wife, Lysandra, and daughter, Calliope, were among the victims. This act, orchestrated by Ares to sever Kratos’s ties to humanity, left an indelible stain on his soul. The ashes of his family were permanently bonded to his skin, earning him the title “Ghost of Sparta.”
While the murder of his family was a direct result of Ares’s deception, it doesn’t absolve Kratos of his responsibility. He was a willing participant in Ares’s schemes, driven by his own thirst for power and violence. Even if he didn’t know who he was killing, the fact remains that he was indiscriminately slaughtering innocent people.
The God of War: A Reign of Terror
After exacting revenge on Ares and claiming the title of God of War, Kratos’s behavior didn’t improve. Instead, he continued his reign of terror, fueled by rage and a desire to fill the void left by his family’s death. He lashed out at the world, causing widespread destruction and misery. He led the Spartan army on destructive rampages, slaughtering countless innocents and leaving a trail of chaos in his wake. This period solidified his image as a violent, merciless, and ultimately evil figure.
Seeking Redemption: A Journey of Change
The God of War games after the Greek saga show the path of Kratos’ redemption. Though it doesn’t magically erase his past, it shows his evolution into a person trying to be better.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Kratos’s Morality
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the complexities of Kratos’s character:
1. Why did Kratos turn evil?
Kratos didn’t inherently “turn” evil. His early life in Sparta instilled in him a culture of violence and a desire for power. His pact with Ares further amplified these tendencies, leading him down a dark path. The manipulative tactics of the Olympian gods also played a significant role.
2. Did Kratos ever regret his actions in Greece?
Yes. While initially driven by rage and a desire for revenge, Kratos eventually came to deeply regret the atrocities he committed in Greece. This regret is a central theme in the later God of War games, particularly the Norse saga. He admits to Atreus that he has killed many deserving and many not.
3. Does Kratos regret killing Zeus?
The situation is complex. While he felt momentary satisfaction after killing Zeus, Kratos seemed to harbor some regret. Perhaps he realized that vengeance didn’t bring him the peace he craved, or maybe he recognized the futility of his actions.
4. Did Kratos regret killing Athena?
Athena’s death was the biggest regret Kratos faced. Athena’s death was an accident, but she was the only god he seemed to respect.
5. How did Kratos change from evil to good?
It’s more accurate to say that Kratos evolved. The birth of Atreus and his desire to protect his son are pivotal. He consciously chose to suppress his rage and teach Atreus to be better than he was. This paternal love motivated him to confront his past and strive for redemption.
6. Who is the true villain in God of War?
This is a matter of perspective. Some might argue that Ares or Zeus are the villains, as they manipulated Kratos and set him on his path of destruction. Others might point to Kratos himself, as he was ultimately responsible for his own actions.
7. Did Kratos actually change his fate?
Yes, it’s confirmed in God of War Ragnarok. Originally, murals depicted Kratos’s death, but he changed his destiny by choosing a different path with Atreus.
8. Can Kratos lift Mjolnir?
No. The games confirm that Kratos cannot lift Mjolnir, Thor’s hammer. Mjolnir requires worthiness to be wielded, and Kratos, despite his strength, is not deemed worthy.
9. What is Kratos’s worst fear?
Kratos fears his past actions will negatively impact Atreus. He doesn’t want his son to become like him or to be defined by his father’s sins.
10. Is anyone stronger than Kratos?
Yes. While Kratos is incredibly powerful, there are fictional characters who could theoretically defeat him. Some examples include deities and beings with reality-bending powers. As mentioned previously, Thirteen, Beerus, Satoru Gojo, and Kizaru possess abilities such as black hole creation, destructive powers, manipulation of space, and light-based attacks that can overpower Kratos.
11. Why is Kratos killing every God?
He doesn’t kill every god. Kratos’s initial rampage was driven by a thirst for revenge against Ares and the Olympian gods who betrayed him. Later, his motivations shifted towards protecting his son and preventing the cycle of violence from continuing.
12. What personality type is Kratos?
Kratos is often typed as an ISTJ (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging). This aligns with his practicality, sense of duty, and dedication to his goals.
13. Did Kratos forgive himself?
Ultimately, yes. This is a crucial part of Kratos’s journey. Pandora’s sacrifice and his willingness to confront his inner demons allowed him to accept his past and move forward.
14. Can Kratos heal himself?
Yes, Kratos possesses a remarkable healing factor that allows him to recover from injuries quickly.
15. How does Kratos’s age affect his strength?
Greek gods are said to get stronger with age, but it is undocumented if Kratos powers have increased.
The Games Learning Society and Understanding Character Development
Understanding Kratos’s transformation provides a rich opportunity for exploring themes of morality, redemption, and the consequences of violence. This type of character analysis highlights the power of storytelling and character arcs to engage players on an emotional and intellectual level. These aspects can be further explored and utilized to create more engaging and meaningful gaming experiences, as advocated by the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Studying character development, like Kratos’s, can significantly contribute to understanding how games can be leveraged for educational purposes.
Conclusion: A Complex Legacy
Kratos’s past is undeniably dark. He was a brutal warrior who committed terrible acts, and there’s no excusing the suffering he caused. However, his journey of redemption is equally significant. He acknowledges his past, strives to be better, and ultimately chooses a path of peace and protection for his son. This complexity is what makes Kratos such a compelling and enduring character. He wasn’t always good, and he may never be entirely free from the darkness within him, but his commitment to change makes him a character worthy of both scrutiny and admiration. The games explore the grey areas of morality, and how past actions shape a character’s future.