Does Kratos Get His Blades Back in God of War 4? An In-Depth Exploration
Yes, Kratos does indeed retrieve the Blades of Chaos in God of War (2018), often referred to as God of War 4. This pivotal moment occurs when Kratos and Atreus face an obstacle requiring a weapon far hotter and more brutal than the Leviathan Axe: a journey to Helheim. The extreme cold of Helheim renders the Axe ineffective, forcing Kratos to confront his past and reclaim the weapons he buried deep within his home.
The Significance of the Blades of Chaos
The Blades of Chaos are far more than just weapons; they are a physical manifestation of Kratos’ tormented history. Forged in the depths of the Underworld and bound to him by Ares, the God of War, these blades represent the violence, betrayal, and suffering that define much of Kratos’ earlier life. He used them to slaughter countless innocents, including his own family – a tragedy orchestrated by Ares himself.
A Reluctant Return
Kratos’ decision to retrieve the Blades is not taken lightly. He has spent years trying to distance himself from his past, attempting to forge a new life of stoicism and control in the Norse realm. The Leviathan Axe, crafted by Brok and Sindri, symbolizes this new chapter: a weapon imbued with ice magic and associated with his wife, Faye.
However, the journey to Helheim necessitates a weapon capable of inflicting fiery damage and overcoming the realm’s biting cold. As the text suggests, the ice magic of the Leviathan Axe was useless due to the unyielding cold of the realm as no enemy can be killed with such a weapon. It is this need that drives Kratos back to his old home, a place he has deliberately avoided.
The Unveiling
The scene where Kratos retrieves the Blades is a powerful one. He descends into the crawlspace beneath his home, the same space where Atreus hid from Baldur. There, carefully wrapped and hidden away, lie the Blades of Chaos. As Kratos unwraps them, a ghostly apparition of Athena appears, taunting him with his past.
This confrontation forces Kratos to confront the ghosts of his past and acknowledge the monster he once was. He knows that wielding the Blades again will unleash a torrent of rage and violence, but he accepts this burden to protect his son.
Rebounding the Chains
Kratos grimly re-attaches the chains of the Blades to his forearms, the same chains that once symbolized his servitude to Ares. This act is not a triumphant return but a resigned acceptance of his fate. He understands that some part of his past will always be a part of him, and that sometimes, the only way to move forward is to confront it directly.
Gameplay Implications
The return of the Blades of Chaos significantly impacts the gameplay of God of War (2018). They offer a vastly different combat style compared to the Leviathan Axe. Where the Axe emphasizes precision and strategic throws, the Blades prioritize fast-paced, aggressive attacks. Kratos’ move set expands dramatically, allowing players to unleash fiery chains of attacks and devastating combos. This shift in gameplay reflects Kratos’ internal struggle: a battle between his desire for peace and his inherent nature as a warrior.
Narrative Significance
From a narrative perspective, the Blades of Chaos serve as a constant reminder of Kratos’ past sins. They represent the consequences of his actions and the burden of responsibility he carries. However, they also become a symbol of his love for Atreus. He uses the weapons that once brought him so much pain to protect his son, demonstrating his growth as a character. It’s actually kind of a cool parallel that Kratos used the same blades he killed his previous family with to save his son.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Kratos and the Blades of Chaos:
1. What happened to the Blades of Chaos after the events of the original God of War trilogy?
After the fall of Ares, Kratos was granted the Blades of Athena. He continued to wield these throughout the original trilogy, but it is suggested that the Blades of Chaos were simply put aside but never destroyed.
2. Why did Kratos hide the Blades of Chaos?
Kratos hid the Blades because they represented a dark chapter in his life, a period of servitude and immense suffering. He wanted to distance himself from that past and create a new, peaceful life.
3. Can Kratos use the Blades of Chaos and the Leviathan Axe interchangeably?
Yes, in God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök, players can switch between the Blades of Chaos and the Leviathan Axe at any time during combat.
4. Are the Blades of Chaos stronger than the Leviathan Axe?
Both weapons have their strengths. The Blades excel at close-quarters combat and dealing fire damage, while the Leviathan Axe is better for ranged attacks and inflicting frost damage. It depends on player style and enemy type.
5. Does Atreus know about Kratos’ past with the Blades?
Eventually, Atreus learns about Kratos’ past and the significance of the Blades. This knowledge affects their relationship and forces them to confront the consequences of Kratos’ actions.
6. Will Kratos ever truly be free from the Blades of Chaos?
The Blades are a permanent part of Kratos’ history, and he will likely never be completely free from their influence. However, he can learn to control his rage and use them for good, as he does in protecting Atreus.
7. Why couldn’t Kratos use the Leviathan Axe in Helheim?
The extreme cold of Helheim rendered the Leviathan Axe’s ice magic ineffective. Fire damage was necessary to combat the realm’s inhabitants.
8. What does the apparition of Athena symbolize when Kratos retrieves the Blades?
Athena represents Kratos’ guilt and his inner demons. She taunts him with his past actions and forces him to confront his own darkness.
9. Is Kratos still a god in God of War (2018)?
Yes, Kratos is still a god, albeit one who is trying to suppress his godly nature. This is later confirmed by Cory Barlog himself.
10. Why did Kratos leave Greece?
Kratos left Greece to escape the consequences of his actions and to find peace. He sought to create a new life for himself, away from the bloodshed and destruction of his past.
11. How old is Kratos in God of War (2018)?
Based on estimates, Kratos is likely over 1000 years old by the start of God of War (2018).
12. Who forged the Leviathan Axe?
The Leviathan Axe was forged by the dwarven blacksmiths Brok and Sindri.
13. What is the significance of the Blades being hidden under the floorboards?
Hiding the blades under the floorboards symbolizes Kratos attempt to bury his past and his desire to keep it hidden from Atreus.
14. How does the return of the Blades affect Kratos’ relationship with Atreus?
Atreus learning about the Blades and Kratos’ past forces them to confront difficult truths and strengthen their bond through understanding and acceptance.
15. Can the Blades of Chaos be upgraded in God of War (2018)?
Yes, the Blades of Chaos can be upgraded, enhancing their damage and unlocking new abilities.
Conclusion
The retrieval of the Blades of Chaos in God of War (2018) is a defining moment in Kratos’ character arc. It represents his struggle to reconcile his violent past with his desire for a peaceful future. While the Blades are instruments of destruction, they also become a symbol of his unconditional love for his son. This intricate web of symbolism and gameplay makes the return of the Blades a masterful narrative choice.
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