Has Kratos Smiled? A Deep Dive into the Spartan’s Subtlest Emotion
Yes, Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, has indeed smiled, though these instances are rare and often fleeting, making them all the more impactful. His journey from vengeful warrior to a father grappling with his past is marked by incremental shifts in his emotional range, and these smiles serve as powerful indicators of his evolution. Let’s delve into the specific instances and the context surrounding them to truly understand their significance.
The Rare Smiles of Kratos: A Chronological Examination
The article you provided mentions a few confirmed instances:
- God of War (2005): The grim realization of burning someone to solve a puzzle evokes a dark, perhaps sardonic, smile. This isn’t joy, but rather a disturbing acceptance of the brutality required of him.
- Chains of Olympus: Reunion with his daughter, Calliope, in the underworld. This is arguably the purest smile on the list and one that represents true happiness.
- The Pizza Prank: As the provided article mentions, one potential scenario is in which Kratos pranks Zeus by sending a hundred pizza’s to Mount Olympus. Zeus totally had to pay from them all.
These examples, while few, demonstrate that despite his trauma and rage, Kratos is capable of experiencing moments of positive emotion. Each smile, however subtle, offers a glimpse into the humanity that remains buried beneath layers of pain and vengeance. Whether it be a dark acknowledgment of his actions or a heartfelt encounter, these smiles are a subtle, yet crucial part of understanding Kratos’ character development. It is important to remember that his capacity for emotion is what sets Kratos apart from the other Gods and monsters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kratos
Here are 15 FAQs to further enhance our understanding of the complex character that is Kratos:
1. Why is Kratos’ skin white?
Kratos’ distinctive pallor is a direct result of his tragic past. After accidentally killing his wife and daughter in a rage fueled by Ares, a village oracle cursed him. The ashes of his family became permanently bonded to his skin, earning him the title “Ghost of Sparta” and serving as a constant reminder of his terrible deed.
2. How tall is Kratos?
Kratos’ height has varied slightly throughout the God of War series. Early scripts listed him as 6 feet 6 inches. However, a Santa Monica Studio developer stated that Kratos is 7 feet 6 inches in the comic books and around 6 feet 4 inches in the games.
3. Is Kratos’ skin fading in the newer games?
While the ashes remain a permanent fixture, there’s evidence suggesting the intensity of the white is lessening in newer games. Cory Barlog, the creative director, has confirmed this, although he didn’t offer a specific reason. This could symbolize Kratos’ slow healing and acceptance of his past.
4. How old is Kratos?
Based on in-game timelines and events, it’s estimated that Kratos is over 1000 years old by the start of God of War (2018). This calculation considers the events of the Greek era and the time elapsed before the Norse saga begins.
5. What was Kratos originally supposed to look like?
The original design for Kratos was quite different. He was initially conceived as being blue and wearing more clothes. However, shortly before the unveiling, the developers realized he bore a striking resemblance to the Barbarian from Diablo II and quickly redesigned him.
6. Does Kratos feel regret for killing Zeus?
Yes, the games hint that Kratos harbors regret for his actions against Zeus. He often becomes solemn or defensive when Zeus is mentioned, suggesting a lingering sense of remorse and perhaps the realization that his vengeance didn’t bring him the peace he sought.
7. Does Kratos feel love?
Despite his hardened exterior, Kratos is capable of love. He deeply loved his first wife, Lysandra. This love, tragically cut short, likely influences his protectiveness towards his son, Atreus, and his complicated relationship with Freya.
8. Why did Kratos say no to Odin?
Kratos rejected Odin’s offer primarily because he distrusted the Allfather’s motives. He also cared deeply for Freya, who Odin had threatened. Kratos’ experiences in the Greek world taught him the dangers of making deals with gods. Mimir’s advice further solidified his decision to refuse Odin’s proposition.
9. What is the scar on Kratos’ stomach from?
The prominent scar on Kratos’ abdomen is self-inflicted. He stabbed himself with the Blades of Olympus to release the power of hope and entrust it to humanity, defying Athena’s intentions to keep the power for herself. This act represents a critical turning point in his character, signifying sacrifice and hope.
10. What God is Kratos based on?
In Greek mythology, Kratos (also spelled Cratus or Cratos) is the divine personification of strength and power. He is the son of Pallas and Styx, and brother to Nike (Victory), Bia (Force), and Zelus (Glory).
11. Does Kratos not curse?
The reason Kratos doesn’t use modern curse words is because the God of War series is steeped in ancient mythology. The curse words we use today simply didn’t exist in Ancient Greece.
12. Why does Kratos talk “weird”?
Kratos’ formal speech pattern in the Norse games stems from his status as a foreigner. He doesn’t have the same familiarity with the Norse language as the natives, so he communicates in a more structured and less colloquial manner.
13. Who cut Kratos’ eye?
Kratos received the scar on his eye when he was a child. Ares, the God of War, attacked his village and attempted to kidnap his brother, Deimos, due to a prophecy. When Kratos tried to intervene, Ares slashed him across the face, leaving a permanent scar.
14. Why are Kratos’ eyes yellow in Spartan Rage?
During Spartan Rage, Kratos’ eyes emit a yellowish glow, similar to how Saiyans turn into Super Saiyans. This is a visual cue to represent that he is unleashing his godlike power, drawing upon the rage and strength within him.
15. Why is Kratos weaker in Ragnarok?
Several factors contribute to Kratos feeling weaker in Ragnarok. The destruction of his homeland (Greece) diminished his connection to his godly power. Also, he is intentionally holding back to avoid unleashing his full destructive potential and repeating past mistakes. Furthermore, he lacks the weapons and magical abilities he once wielded during his time in Greece.
Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, is one of gaming’s most complex and iconic figures. He is a man who has been changed by the world around him, and his story is one that has captivated gamers around the world. To learn more about video games and education, visit Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.