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How Did Kratos Become a God Again? The God of War’s Everlasting Cycle

Kratos’s journey to godhood is anything but straightforward, marked by loss, betrayal, and a relentless pursuit of vengeance. While initially a demigod (son of Zeus and a mortal woman), Kratos ascended to full godhood upon slaying Ares, the then God of War. However, this status was fleeting. In God of War II, Zeus stripped him of his godhood, rendering him mortal once more. His subsequent quest for revenge, fueled by the Blade of Olympus, inadvertently restored his divine powers, though not in the same, worship-dependent manner as before. It’s more accurate to say that the act of wielding the Blade and his inherent divine lineage reawakened a dormant power, setting the stage for his later journey in the Norse realm.

The Ascension and Loss of Godhood

From Spartan Warrior to God of War

Kratos began as a highly skilled Spartan warrior, driven by a thirst for victory. In a moment of desperation, he pledged himself to Ares in exchange for the power to defeat his enemies. Ares granted him this power, but at a terrible cost, tricking Kratos into murdering his own family. Consumed by guilt, Kratos sought redemption by serving the other Olympian gods. When Ares ran rampant across Greece, Zeus tasked Kratos with stopping him, promising absolution. With Athena’s assistance, Kratos successfully slew Ares, thus becoming the new God of War. He took Ares’ place in Olympus, gaining full godly powers and responsibilities.

Betrayal and Mortal Demise

The events of God of War II changed everything. Believing Kratos was becoming too powerful, Zeus manipulated him into transferring his godly essence into the Blade of Olympus. This act, coupled with Zeus’s subsequent betrayal, stripped Kratos of his divinity and left him vulnerable. Zeus then killed Kratos, sending him to the Underworld. This moment marked the beginning of Kratos’s relentless quest for revenge, a journey fueled by the desire to reclaim what was stolen from him.

Reclaiming Power and Embracing Destiny

The Blade of Olympus and the Return of Power

Escaping the Underworld, Kratos embarked on a mission to confront Zeus. Throughout God of War II, he sought allies and artifacts to aid his cause, culminating in his acquisition of the Blade of Olympus. It’s important to note that the Blade itself didn’t grant him godhood, but rather acted as a conduit and catalyst. By wielding the weapon that once contained his godly essence, Kratos essentially reignited his dormant divine power. This wasn’t a simple matter of regaining a title; it was a reawakening of his inherent potential as the son of Zeus.

The Norse Saga and the God Within

The Norse saga presents a different perspective on Kratos’s godhood. In this new world, he is not actively worshipped, and his power is seemingly diminished. However, this doesn’t mean he is no longer a god. His inherent divinity, the very essence of his being, remains. His strength, resilience, and unique abilities are all testament to his godly nature. While his domain and worshipers may be gone, the core of his power remains intact. The game hints that his power diminishes without worship, but this is a gradual decline, not a complete erasure of his divine heritage.

The Complexities of Godhood in God of War

The definition of “godhood” within the God of War universe is multifaceted. It’s tied to inherent lineage, wielding powerful artifacts, and, perhaps most importantly, the recognition and worship of mortals. While Kratos may not always possess the outward trappings of a god, his fundamental nature remains divine. His journey is a constant negotiation with this power, exploring its limits and the burdens it carries. Examining the educational potential of gaming can offer a broader understanding of how such narratives impact player understanding of complex themes; the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explores these connections in depth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Kratos’s divine status and his powers within the God of War universe:

Did Kratos become a full god again in God of War 2? Kratos essentially reawakened his dormant divine powers by wielding the Blade of Olympus, but it wasn’t the same as becoming a god through ascension. His inherent divine lineage and the power of the Blade reignited his godly potential.
Is Kratos still the God of War? No, not in the traditional sense. He abandoned that title after the events in Greece. While he retains his godly power and combat skills, he doesn’t actively seek or fulfill the responsibilities of the God of War in the Norse saga.
What god kills Kratos? Zeus killed Kratos in God of War II. Kratos later returns the favor, slaying Zeus in God of War III.
Is Kratos weaker in Ragnarok? Yes, it is implied and suggested in the game by multiple characters. His power is possibly waning, though not erased.
Does Kratos lose his immortality? Kratos possesses a form of immortality. He ages slowly and is incredibly resilient. While he can be killed, he has repeatedly defied death, suggesting a resistance to permanent mortality.
How many Greek gods survived Kratos? Estimates vary, but roughly 11 Olympian gods survived Kratos’s rampage, often through cunning or fleeing the conflict.
Who replaced Kratos as God of War? There is no clear successor to Kratos as the God of War in the Greek pantheon after his departure. The power vacuum likely led to chaos and instability within Olympus.
Who is the strongest god Kratos killed? Zeus, the King of Olympus and God of the Skies, is generally considered the strongest god Kratos defeated.
Which Kratos is the strongest? Most fans agree that the older, more experienced Kratos from the Norse saga is the strongest version. He is wiser, more controlled, and possesses a deeper understanding of his own power.
Does Kratos feel regret killing Zeus? Yes, the Norse games delve into Kratos’s feelings of regret and the heavy weight of his past actions, particularly the killing of Zeus.
Did Baldur know Kratos was a god? Baldur only learned of Kratos’s true identity as a god during their final confrontation.
Why did Zeus betray Kratos? Zeus feared Kratos would overthrow him, mirroring his own rise to power by overthrowing his father, Cronos. Additionally, Kratos’s destructive actions in Olympus threatened the established order.
Why does Baldur hate Kratos? Baldur’s hatred stems from his own cursed existence (being unable to feel anything) and is exacerbated when Kratos ultimately kills him, breaking Freya’s curse but ending Baldur’s suffering.
Is Atreus more powerful than Kratos? Atreus possesses immense potential, and given his unique heritage (god and giant), he may eventually surpass Kratos in raw power. However, Kratos’s experience and mastery of combat make him a formidable opponent.
What is Kratos’s biggest weakness? Kratos’s rage, while a source of strength, is also his greatest weakness. It can cloud his judgment and lead him to make rash decisions.

Kratos’s journey is a complex exploration of power, responsibility, and redemption. His status as a god is not a simple on/off switch, but rather a fluctuating state influenced by his actions, his heritage, and the world around him. His story continues to resonate with players, prompting reflection on the nature of divinity and the consequences of unchecked power.

How did Kratos became a god again?