How Did Kratos Break Fate?
The question of Kratos’ ability to defy fate is a central theme throughout the God of War series, particularly evident in the Norse saga. He isn’t merely a brute warrior but a character wrestling with the very notion of predetermination. So, how exactly did Kratos achieve what seemed impossible? The answer isn’t a simple one, but rather a culmination of his personal evolution, conscious choices, and embracing change. Kratos broke his fate by choosing empathy and trust over vengeance and control. This shift is most evident in God of War Ragnarök, where he refuses to repeat his past mistakes and actively subverts the prophecies foretelling his demise. It’s not about a single act of defiance but a holistic change in character that allowed him to reshape his destiny.
The Evolution of a Spartan Ghost
Kratos’ journey is a stark contrast between his actions in the Greek saga and his choices in the Norse setting. Initially, driven by revenge and rage, he was a pawn of fate, manipulated by gods and prophecies. His actions were primarily reactive, fueled by a desire to punish those who wronged him. This mindset culminated in the destruction of Olympus.
From Vengeance to Purpose
The turning point came when he sought a new beginning in the Norse realms. Here, his relationship with his son, Atreus, became the catalyst for change. Faye’s advice to “open his heart to [suffering]” was a crucial element in Kratos’s evolution. It helped him acknowledge the pain he’d inflicted and start to heal. His bond with Atreus became his motivation, something far more profound than simply seeking vengeance. This love compelled him to make decisions that went against the established prophecies.
The Critical Shift in Ragnarök
The most significant demonstration of Kratos defying fate is in God of War Ragnarök. The prophecy foretold his death at the hands of Thor. However, by choosing to spare Thor and to trust Atreus, Kratos avoided his predicted demise. This isn’t simply a matter of avoiding a specific event. His choice to not kill all gods of Asgard was a fundamental alteration to the path the prophecies laid out for him. He made an active choice to act from a place of love and care for his family rather than a thirst for bloodshed. He realized that his past actions were what made him a predictable puppet of fate, and his change in character made him unpredictable.
The Role of Choice and Character
It’s essential to recognize that Kratos’ journey isn’t about magically erasing fate; it’s about altering his own course. The games establish that prophecies are not absolute dictates. They are possibilities, pathways that can be changed based on individual choices. Kratos, through his growth and actions, forged a new path that wasn’t dictated by fate. He was no longer a slave to his past or to the expectations of others. He is now actively participating in shaping his future and that of his family.
Trust and Family
Kratos’s trust in Atreus is equally crucial. Rather than trying to control his son’s destiny, he chose to believe in Atreus’ ability to handle the challenges ahead. This letting go of control was another huge step towards changing his fate. It’s a testament to his own growth that he was able to relinquish control and trust in the agency of his loved ones. This shift away from isolation and towards connection made him an entirely different person than the Spartan he was.
A New Kind of Warrior
Kratos’s journey in the Norse saga highlights that even the most violent and rage-filled individuals are capable of growth. His breaking of fate isn’t about supernatural abilities, but about the power of personal transformation. He chose to become a better man for his son, and in doing so, he effectively changed the course of his destiny, becoming a hero that embraces empathy. His journey proves that fate is not a fixed point, but a malleable concept that can be reshaped through choice, love, and the pursuit of a new kind of legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Did Kratos break fate in God of War 2?
While many believe Kratos broke fate in God of War 2, he was actually fulfilling his destiny to destroy Zeus. His actions were part of the larger prophecy, which also meant the destruction of Olympus. The real change in his relationship with fate comes later in the Norse saga.
2. How did Kratos avert the prophecy in Ragnarök?
Kratos averted the prophecy by opening his heart, fighting for something more than vengeance, and choosing to spare Thor. These choices broke the cycle of violence that was the essence of his predicted demise.
3. Was Kratos’ original fate to die at Thor’s hand?
Yes, in an early draft of God of War Ragnarök, Kratos was meant to die at Thor’s hand during their initial fight. However, he was intended to be pulled out of Hel by Atreus, showcasing the malleable nature of these prophecies.
4. Is Kratos a full god?
No, Kratos is a demigod. He is the son of Zeus, a god, and Callisto, a mortal woman. He gained godhood briefly after killing Ares, but lost it in God of War II.
5. Does Kratos regret killing innocents?
Yes, Kratos has shown significant regret for the innocent lives he has taken. He admits to killing “many who were deserving, and many who were not”. This regret is a driving force behind his desire for redemption in the Norse saga.
6. Is Kratos cursed to live forever?
Kratos is effectively immortal due to his godly heritage, but is not cursed to live forever. He is incredibly difficult to kill and ages much slower than normal people. This extended life-span is, at least in part, the result of his own unique nature as a God of War.
7. Does Kratos regret killing Zeus?
Kratos does not regret killing Zeus. He regrets the consequences and the destruction that his revenge brought. It’s the overall destruction and the cost of the war on Olympus he regrets rather than the specific act of killing Zeus.
8. Why did Kratos kill the Sisters of Fate?
Kratos killed the Sisters of Fate to try and change his destiny in the Greek saga. He sought to undo the past but ended up fulfilling his destiny of destroying Olympus in the process. His motives were initially selfish, seeking to change a personal outcome.
9. Can Kratos lift Mjolnir?
No, Kratos cannot lift Mjolnir. Neither he nor Atreus is worthy to wield the hammer. It is tied to Thor’s divine power and worthiness, which they don’t possess. The in game lore supports the hammer’s exclusivity to those of Thor’s blood.
10. Why is Atreus called Loki?
Atreus’s name was to be Loki, a name that Faye wanted to give him at birth. It signifies the larger role he’s destined to play in Norse mythology as well as the importance of his mother’s influence on their lives.
11. Will Sindri forgive Atreus?
It’s unlikely that Sindri will forgive Atreus any time soon. Sindri considers Atreus a brother, and the boy’s mistake in the bear attack had severe consequences. Sindri is understandably heartbroken and currently unable to forgive Atreus for his recklessness.
12. Will Atreus surpass Kratos in strength?
It’s implied that Atreus will potentially surpass Kratos in power. Atreus has inherited his powers through heredity, while Kratos spent decades acquiring his. Atreus’s unique heritage as half god and half giant gives him a unique advantage that can grow in the future.
13. Did Kratos let any Greek gods live?
Yes, Kratos didn’t kill every single Greek god. Some of the lesser Greek gods that survived his rampage include: Phobos, the god of fear, Circe, the goddess of magic, Amphitrite, the Queen of the Sea, Triton, the god of the waves and Nike, the goddess of victory. These were either less involved in his conflicts or not powerful enough to warrant his direct confrontation.
14. Did Deimos ever forgive Kratos?
Yes, Deimos did forgive Kratos before his death in God of War: Ghost of Sparta. They briefly united in battle against Thanatos, finally demonstrating their love for each other as brothers despite their turbulent past.
15. Does Kratos lose his immortality?
Kratos doesn’t lose his immortality. He is a demigod, and his nature makes him incredibly hard to kill. He does, however, lose his status as a full god in God of War II. He does not revert back to a mortal. His demigod status means that he is practically immortal.