Does Kratos Still Have the Blades of Olympus? A Deep Dive into the Ghost of Sparta’s Arsenal

No, Kratos no longer possesses the Blade of Olympus. He used it to release the power of Hope within himself at the end of God of War III. The blade was left abandoned in the Zeus Battle Arena on Mount Olympus following Kratos’s presumed death and disappearance. It is not seen or mentioned in the Norse saga of God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök. His arsenal shifted to the Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos, weapons far more aligned with his path toward redemption.

The Evolution of Kratos’s Arsenal: From Olympus to Midgard

Kratos’s journey is intrinsically linked to the weapons he wields. Each weapon represents a different stage in his character arc, his rage, his servitude, and, ultimately, his desire for peace. Understanding the significance of each weapon helps us appreciate the depth of his transformation.

The Blade of Olympus: A Symbol of Godhood and Destruction

The Blade of Olympus is arguably the most powerful weapon in the God of War universe. Forged by Zeus himself to end the Great War between the Gods and Titans, it holds immense power derived from the divine essence of Olympus. Kratos used it to kill many gods, including Zeus. Its sheer destructive capability ultimately came at a cost, requiring Kratos to imbue it with his own godly power. In the end, the act of using the Blade against himself served as the catalyst for releasing the power of Hope to humanity.

The Blades of Chaos: Remnants of a Dark Past

The Blades of Chaos, gifted to Kratos by Ares, the God of War, are a constant reminder of his brutal past. Permanently bound to his flesh, they represent his servitude and uncontrollable rage. Though he attempts to distance himself from them in the Norse saga, he is ultimately forced to reclaim them to combat the threats of the new world. In the Norse world, the Blades are also a weapon that can melt through the ice and cold enviroment in that world, where the Leviathan Axe is not so effective.

The Leviathan Axe: A Tool of Redemption

In stark contrast to the Blades of Chaos, the Leviathan Axe, forged by Brok and Sindri, is imbued with ice and represents Kratos’s attempt at a new life, one of control and measured violence. Given to him by his wife, Faye, it is a weapon he uses to protect his son, Atreus. The axe’s recall ability is also reflective of Kratos’s newfound discipline, a far cry from the unbridled fury of his earlier years. It can also be used by Atreus, to cut some special vines that block the way.

The Draupnir Spear: A Symbol of Strategy and Will

The Draupnir Spear, crafted by Brok before his death, is another addition to Kratos’s arsenal in God of War Ragnarök. This weapon requires strategy and precision, reflecting Kratos’s maturity and his role as a leader and general. The ability to create multiple spears and detonate them gives Kratos tactical versatility, distinguishing it from the brute force of the Blades of Chaos or the raw power of the Leviathan Axe.

FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Kratos’s Arsenal

1. Are the Blades of Chaos still bound to Kratos? Yes, the chains of the Blades of Chaos are permanently seared onto Kratos’s forearms. They cannot be removed without divine intervention, serving as a constant reminder of his past servitude to Ares. He retrieves them from his home in Midgard when the specter of Athena confronts him.

2. Why can’t Kratos get rid of the Blades of Chaos? The chains are magically bonded to his flesh. More than a physical bond, they represent a psychological and spiritual connection to his past. Getting rid of them would mean confronting and overcoming his inner demons, a journey he undertakes throughout the Norse saga.

3. Does Kratos still have Hades’ soul? The article states Kratos absorbed Hades’ soul, restoring him to “full god status.” While the mechanics of soul absorption are not thoroughly explained, it implies that he retains some essence or power derived from Hades.

4. Is Olympus still destroyed in God of War? Yes, Olympus is completely destroyed by the end of God of War III. The pantheon lies in ruins, signifying the end of the Greek era and the old ways.

5. Why can’t Kratos use any of his old moves from Olympus? This is never explicitly explained in the game, but it is likely a combination of factors. Kratos is older, more disciplined, and has suppressed his rage. The new movesets reflect his changed fighting style and the unique properties of his new weapons. He is also physically weaker after using the Blade of Olympus.

6. Has Kratos killed every Greek god? No, Kratos did not kill every Greek god. The article mentions that approximately 11 Olympians survived his rampage. This leaves room for potential storylines involving these surviving deities in future installments.

7. Why did Kratos say no to Odin? Kratos’s refusal of Odin’s offer stems from his distrust of gods in general, fueled by past betrayals. He prioritizes Freya’s safety and respects Mimir’s warnings about Odin’s manipulative nature. He does not want to repeat his past mistakes of making deals with gods.

8. How many Greek gods survived Kratos? The article suggests that 11 Greek gods survived Kratos’s wrath. These gods are never explicitly named within the games.

9. Why does Hades look weird in God of War III? The article speculates that Hades’s altered appearance is a consequence of being trapped within Cronos’s stomach for a prolonged period.

10. Is Kratos the last Spartan? The article mentions “The Last Spartan” as a specific character, a loyal commander during Kratos’s time as God of War. This implies that while Kratos is the most famous Spartan survivor, this commander was the last mortal one.

11. Why can’t Kratos use Mjolnir? The developers chose to give Kratos the Draupnir Spear instead of Mjolnir because it better aligned with his character development. Mjolnir is associated with Thor’s chaotic battle lust, while the spear emphasizes Kratos’s strategic thinking.

12. What is Kratos’s AXE called? Kratos’s axe is called the Leviathan Axe.

13. Are the Blades of Chaos stronger than the Leviathan Axe? The strength of each weapon depends on the situation. The Blades of Chaos are effective in close combat and against icy opponents, while the Leviathan Axe offers ranged attacks and control. The Blades can be upgraded and modified too, to have different kind of attacks and skills.

14. What is the scar on Kratos’s eye from? Ares scarred Kratos across his right eye during the kidnapping of Deimos.

15. Who was the first god Kratos killed? In God of War III, Poseidon was the first god Kratos killed.

Kratos’s Journey Continues: Beyond Weapons

The evolution of Kratos’s arsenal is a reflection of his inner transformation. He moves from weapons of rage and servitude to tools of protection and strategy. This journey highlights a central theme of the God of War franchise: the possibility of redemption, even for those who have committed unspeakable acts. The games also shows that the use of video games helps in the learning process in different levels of the world population. For more insights into the educational potential of gaming, consider exploring the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Despite no longer wielding the Blade of Olympus, Kratos’s story is far from over. His continued growth as a father and a warrior promises even more compelling narratives and challenging foes in future installments.