Does Kratos Hate His Blades? Unraveling the Complex Relationship
Yes, Kratos does hate his Blades of Chaos, but it’s a nuanced and complex emotion rooted in immense guilt, trauma, and a desire to escape his bloody past. It’s not a simple, straightforward hatred; it’s a deep-seated loathing intertwined with a reluctant recognition of their power and necessity. The Blades represent everything Kratos wants to leave behind, a constant reminder of his servitude to Ares, the slaughter of his family, and the unbridled rage that once consumed him. This article will delve into the intricacies of Kratos’ relationship with his iconic weapons, examining his attempts to discard them, the reasons he can’t, and how his feelings evolve throughout the God of War series.
The Symbolism of the Blades
The Blades of Chaos are far more than just weapons; they are physical manifestations of Kratos’ tortured past. Forged in the depths of Hades and bound to his flesh by Ares, they are a constant reminder of his brutal servitude to the God of War. Each swing is a flashback, each kill a reinforcement of the monster he once was. He associates the blades with the darkest period of his life, a period marked by violence, betrayal, and the ultimate tragedy – the murder of his wife and daughter.
The Burden of the Past
Kratos’ attempts to rid himself of the Blades are driven by a desire to sever ties with this past. In the Norse saga, he buries them deep beneath his home, hoping to escape their influence and forge a new identity as a father and protector. However, the Blades’ connection to him is unbreakable, a curse that ensures he can never truly escape his former self. The return of the Blades in God of War (2018) is a pivotal moment, forcing Kratos to confront his history and acknowledge the power he desperately tries to suppress.
A Necessary Evil
Despite his hatred, Kratos recognizes the Blades’ effectiveness. He understands that sometimes, the only way to protect those he cares about is to embrace the violence he despises. This internal conflict is at the heart of his character arc, a struggle between the man he wants to be and the monster he fears he still is. The Blades become a tool of last resort, reluctantly wielded when all other options are exhausted.
Evolving Feelings in the Norse Saga
In the Norse God of War games, Kratos’ feelings towards the Blades begin to shift, albeit subtly. While the hatred remains, there’s also a growing sense of acceptance, even a grudging respect. He begins to see the Blades not just as instruments of destruction, but as extensions of himself, a part of his history he can’t deny.
Teaching Atreus
This evolution is particularly evident in his relationship with Atreus. Kratos is determined to prevent his son from following the same destructive path he did. He teaches Atreus to control his rage and to use his power responsibly. This mentorship forces Kratos to confront his own flaws and to find a way to reconcile his past with his present. The Blades, once symbols of unbridled rage, become tools for teaching self-control.
Embracing the Past
By God of War Ragnarok, Kratos has made significant progress in accepting his past. While he still bears the scars of his past deeds, he no longer allows them to define him. He understands that the Blades are a part of him, but they don’t control him. He has learned to harness their power without succumbing to the rage that once consumed him. He acknowledges his past, using his experiences to inform his decisions and guide Atreus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Kratos and his relationship with the Blades of Chaos:
1. Did Kratos try to get rid of his Blades?
Yes. The novelization of God of War (2018) explicitly states that Kratos attempted to discard the Blades multiple times, but they always returned to him due to the binding curse placed upon them by Ares. Eventually, he resigned himself to keeping them hidden.
2. Why can’t Kratos get rid of the Blades of Chaos?
The chains of the Blades are permanently seared onto Kratos’ forearms, a physical manifestation of his oath to Ares. They can only be removed by the God of War himself, or when Kratos’ servitude ends, which it technically did, but the curse persisted.
3. Is Kratos’ axe stronger than his Blades?
It depends on the situation. The Blades of Chaos are incredibly powerful, fueled by war and wielded by a god. The Leviathan Axe, crafted by dwarven smiths, possesses unique elemental properties and excels in frost-based combat. The axe wasn’t as effective during Kratos’ time in the icy north, whereas the Blades of Chaos could easily melt through frosty opponents. The best weapon choice is often circumstantial.
4. What did Kratos do with the Blades of Hades?
In God of War III, Kratos obtains the Blades of Hades after defeating the God of the Underworld. These blades allow him to summon the souls of the undead, ripping them from his enemies and using them to attack others.
5. What did Freya react like to Kratos using the Blades of Chaos?
Freya had a conflicted reaction to Kratos using the Blades, especially considering her complicated relationship with him after Baldur’s death. She understands the power and danger they represent but also knows that Kratos often uses them as a last resort to protect those he cares about. Her dialogue and actions reflect this internal struggle.
6. Which blade of Kratos is the best?
While the Blades of Chaos are the most iconic and recognizable, many consider the Blades of Athena to be the most significant upgrade throughout the franchise. Ultimately, the “best” blade is subjective and depends on individual playstyle and preference.
7. Which Kratos is the strongest?
Old Kratos from the Norse God of War games is generally considered the strongest. He is older, wiser, more emotionally intelligent, and has the memories and guilt of his past fueling his determination to be a better man and a protector.
8. Is Kratos’ axe like Thor’s hammer?
Yes. Both the Leviathan Axe and Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, share similarities. Both weapons can be summoned back to their wielder’s hand when thrown. Additionally, both weapons are magically infused with a specific element – frost for the Leviathan Axe and lightning for Mjolnir.
9. Why does Kratos hate the gods?
Kratos’ hatred for the gods stems from their manipulation, indifference, and the tragic events they orchestrated in his life. After a decade of faithful service, he felt used and betrayed by the Olympian gods, leading to a deep-seated resentment. His anger and lust for revenge against Zeus and the rest of the Olympians is totally justified.
10. Will Kratos get his Blades back in later games?
Yes, Kratos retrieves the Blades of Chaos from beneath his floorboards in God of War (2018), after being forced to use them again. This sets the stage for their continued use and the exploration of his complex relationship with them throughout the Norse saga.
11. Why did Kratos stab himself with the Blade of Olympus?
Kratos stabs himself with the Blade of Olympus in God of War III to release the power of hope, which he had absorbed from Pandora’s Box, back into the world. This selfless act was driven by his desire to save mankind and deny Athena’s attempt to control the power.
12. Is Kratos a full god?
Kratos is a demigod, the son of Zeus. However, after killing Ares, he becomes the God of War, elevating him to full godhood. He oscillates between acknowledging and rejecting his divine status throughout the series.
13. Did any Greek gods survive Kratos?
While Kratos eliminated a significant number of Greek gods, some survived his rampage. These include Aphrodite, Hermes (though he could have lived, he was not a major god in the Greek pantheon, but just a messenger god) and Hestia.
14. How old is Kratos?
Based on in-game lore and timelines, it is estimated that Kratos is approximately 1050 years old by the start of God of War (2018).
15. Is the Leviathan Axe better than the Blades of Chaos?
Again, this depends on the situation. The Leviathan Axe functions as more of a close-range weapon than a projectile. During Kratos’ time in the icy north, the Leviathan Axe proved to be ineffective. On the other hand, the Blades of Chaos could melt through frosty opponents with ease.
Conclusion
Kratos’ relationship with the Blades of Chaos is a multifaceted exploration of trauma, guilt, and redemption. While he undeniably hates them as symbols of his past, he also recognizes their power and necessity. His journey in the Norse saga showcases his evolving feelings, as he learns to accept his history and use his power responsibly. The Blades of Chaos remain an integral part of Kratos’ identity, a constant reminder of the monster he once was and the man he strives to become. Understanding these complex relationships contributes to a deeper appreciation of video game storytelling, especially within education. For more insights into the educational power of games, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.