Does Kratos Save His Brother? A Deep Dive into the God of War Saga
The question of whether Kratos saves his brother, Deimos, is complex and central to understanding the tragic narrative arc of the God of War franchise. While the answer is not a simple yes or no, we can definitively say that Kratos does rescue Deimos from imminent death, but he ultimately fails to save him from a final, tragic end. This rescue is a pivotal moment in the series, fueled by both brotherly love and a burning desire for vengeance against the gods. The story of Kratos and Deimos is interwoven with themes of fate, betrayal, and the destructive nature of divine power.
The Initial Rescue: A Moment of Hope
The initial act of saving Deimos occurs in God of War: Ghost of Sparta. Deimos is being held captive in the Temple of Thanatos, suspended from a tree above the treacherous Suicide Bluffs. He had been imprisoned there by Thanatos, the God of Death, who sought revenge on Kratos for killing his daughter. Kratos embarks on a perilous journey to find his brother, driven by guilt and the desire to atone for his perceived abandonment of Deimos during their childhood. When Kratos arrives, he finds Deimos on the brink of death. Kratos intervenes just in time, saving Deimos from plummeting to his demise. This dramatic rescue sets the stage for the events that follow.
However, the reunion is far from joyous. Deimos, embittered by years of torture and abandonment, is initially filled with resentment toward his older brother. He blames Kratos for failing to protect him and lashes out, attacking him even after being freed. This initial conflict showcases the profound psychological damage inflicted on Deimos and highlights the complex, often strained relationship between the two brothers. Despite Deimos’ hostility, Kratos remains steadfast in his desire to forge a bond.
A Brief Alliance: Brothers United
Despite the initial conflict, the brothers ultimately reconcile. After their initial skirmish, they unite to face a common enemy – Thanatos. This alliance symbolizes a powerful moment where their familial bond temporarily overcomes their pain and anger. Together, they battle Thanatos, a god fueled by revenge. This fight is fierce and brutal, testing both brothers to their limits. They fight as a unified force, with Kratos’ strength and combat prowess complementing Deimos’ rage and agility. This combined power allows them to push back against the God of Death, showcasing what could have been had fate been kinder to the brothers.
The Tragic End: Failure to Save Deimos
Sadly, the alliance is short-lived. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Thanatos kills Deimos. This moment is a stark reminder that even the strongest bonds can be broken, and fate is not always kind. Deimos’s death is a powerful blow to Kratos, reigniting his rage and solidifying his vendetta against the gods. Though he ultimately defeats Thanatos and avenges Deimos, Kratos is unable to change his brother’s tragic fate. He is left with the heavy burden of burying Deimos alongside their mother, a powerful reminder of the pain he has been forced to endure. This moment of loss underscores the themes of fate and the devastating consequences of divine interference in the lives of mortals.
Conclusion: A Rescue with Tragic Limits
In conclusion, Kratos does save Deimos from an immediate and certain death at the Suicide Bluffs, but he cannot save him from his ultimate fate. The rescue is a temporary reprieve in a life of suffering and hardship for Deimos. This tragic narrative highlights that even the strongest bonds can’t always overcome the cruel hand of fate and the machinations of the gods. The story of Kratos and Deimos underscores the theme of vengeance, and it is Deimos’ death that truly sets Kratos on the path to full-scale war against Olympus. While Kratos successfully intervened in Thanatos’ initial plot to kill Deimos, he could not protect his brother from the god’s ultimate wrath, highlighting both the lengths Kratos will go to for family and his limitations against the gods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was Deimos imprisoned?
Deimos was imprisoned by Thanatos as revenge against Kratos for killing Thanatos’ daughter. The Olympians believed that the “marked warrior” prophesied by an Oracle, and it was feared to be Deimos who was captured by Thanatos who was fulfilling the prophecy. This imprisonment led to years of torture and suffering for Deimos.
2. How did Kratos find Deimos?
After encountering his mother, Callisto, Kratos learned that he had to find Deimos. Kratos then undertook a perilous journey across Greece, eventually locating him in the Temple of Thanatos, suspended from a tree.
3. Why did Deimos initially hate Kratos?
Deimos harbored deep resentment towards Kratos for what he perceived as abandonment during their childhood when the gods took him away, leading to years of torture. This turned into rage when they finally met.
4. Did Deimos forgive Kratos?
Yes, despite his initial hatred, Deimos eventually forgave Kratos, leading them to join forces to fight Thanatos. However, this reconciliation was short-lived due to Deimos’ tragic death.
5. What is the significance of the “marked warrior” prophecy?
The “marked warrior” prophecy was the reason why Deimos was taken, as he was believed to be the one who would bring the downfall of Olympus. This prophecy fueled the Olympian gods’ fears and was instrumental in shaping the events of Deimos’s life.
6. Who is Thanatos?
Thanatos is the Greek God of Death, and he is a powerful antagonist in God of War: Ghost of Sparta. His desire for vengeance against Kratos serves as the main driver for his actions and the imprisonment of Deimos.
7. Was Kratos able to avenge Deimos’ death?
Yes, Kratos successfully avenged Deimos’s death by killing Thanatos shortly after the God of Death killed his brother. This act of vengeance further solidifies Kratos’s hatred of the gods.
8. Where is Deimos buried?
Deimos is buried next to their mother’s grave, and this loss is a crucial factor that intensifies Kratos’s desire for revenge against the gods of Olympus.
9. How strong is Deimos compared to Kratos?
While Deimos is strong, especially given his years of torture, he is not as powerful as Kratos. Kratos possesses more combat experience and is physically more durable.
10. What role does fate play in the story of Kratos and Deimos?
Fate plays a crucial role, as the “marked warrior” prophecy and the machinations of the gods lead Deimos down a predetermined and tragic path. The brothers’ efforts to fight fate ultimately prove futile.
11. What is the importance of family in the God of War series?
Family relationships are central to the God of War series, particularly the bonds between Kratos and his family, including his son, Atreus, and his brother, Deimos. These relationships often highlight the themes of love, betrayal, and the cycle of violence.
12. How does Deimos’ death affect Kratos’s path?
Deimos’ death fuels Kratos’ burning desire for revenge against Olympus. He vows to punish every god who has caused his family suffering, setting up the story for his later conflicts.
13. Is Deimos a God?
In Greek mythology, Deimos is the personification of fear, and the son of Ares and Aphrodite. While not on par with the other Gods in the God of War Universe.
14. Does Kratos age?
Yes, Kratos does age, but his divine nature causes him to age slower than normal humans. It’s estimated that he’s around 1,055 years old in God of War Ragnarök, though it’s hard to tell for certain.
15. Did Kratos truly love his brother?
Yes, despite their initial conflicts and Deimos’ resentment, Kratos truly loved his brother. This love is what compelled him to search for Deimos and risk everything to save him. Their bond was a motivating factor for many of his actions.