The Godly Survivors: How Many Gods Outlived Kratos’ Wrath?
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While Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, left a trail of divine destruction across the pantheons of Greek and Norse mythology, not every god fell before his blades. The exact number is difficult to pinpoint with absolute certainty due to inconsistencies across the games and expanded lore, but it’s estimated that around a dozen Greek gods survived Kratos’ rampage in the Greek era. The number of surviving Norse gods is less clear, but the implication after God of War Ragnarök is that significantly more survived, either by fleeing or not being directly involved in conflicts with Kratos and Atreus. This number is growing after Ragnarok, in part, thanks to the new relationships Kratos has built.
Survivors of Olympus: A Closer Look
Identifying the specific gods who survived Kratos’ wrath requires a careful examination of the games and supplementary material. Here are some of the confirmed and strongly suggested survivors from the Greek pantheon:
- Aphrodite: The Goddess of Love and Beauty was famously spared by Kratos in God of War III. This, presumably, was not out of any sort of moral consideration.
- Artemis: The Goddess of the Hunt was an ally to Kratos in the original God of War. Although she hasn’t reappeared in the series since, there is no indication that she died.
- Asclepius: The God of Medicine, while not explicitly mentioned as surviving, was likely not present on Olympus during Kratos’ destructive spree. The fact that the God of War games aren’t focused on healthcare perhaps indicates that his powers weren’t needed.
- Hestia: The Goddess of the Hearth is a frequently mentioned, but rarely seen goddess in Greek mythos. Hestia is thought to have survived but has a very subtle presence in the game.
- The Primordial Gods: Gods like Gaia who formed before the Olympians are likely still around as they are the building blocks of that world.
- Remaining Lesser Gods: Many lesser deities, nature spirits, and minor gods likely escaped Kratos’ attention due to their lack of involvement in the major conflicts.
The survival of these gods is often attributed to several factors: alliance with Kratos, absence from Olympus, or simply lack of involvement in the events that triggered his rage.
Norse Gods: A New Era of Survival
While the God of War series has shifted to Norse mythology, the question of divine survival remains. Ragnarök, the prophesied end of the world, resulted in the deaths of several major Norse gods, but many others survived. The future of these Norse gods and their realms is still unwritten, as shown at the end of God of War Ragnarök.
- Freya: While initially an antagonist to Kratos and Atreus, she eventually becomes a trusted ally.
- Thor’s Children: Modi and Magni were killed during the events of the game, but his daughter Thrúd is still alive.
- Angrboða: Loki’s wife and mother of Fenrir, Jörmungandr, and Hel.
The aftermath of Ragnarök suggests that a new order is forming, where survival depends on cooperation rather than conflict. This leaves room for many Norse gods to rebuild their realms and potentially forge alliances with Kratos and Atreus.
The Evolving Narrative: Survival as a Theme
The survival of gods, both Greek and Norse, introduces an intriguing narrative element. It suggests that destruction is not absolute and that hope remains even in the face of immense loss. The surviving gods may play a significant role in future God of War titles, either as allies, adversaries, or simply as remnants of a bygone era.
The theme of survival also speaks to Kratos’ personal journey. Initially driven by vengeance, he gradually learns to value life and protect those around him. This transformation is reflected in his willingness to spare certain gods and his commitment to guiding Atreus towards a more peaceful future.
The God of War series, therefore, isn’t just about the destruction of gods; it’s also about the endurance of hope and the possibility of redemption. The surviving gods represent this enduring hope, reminding us that even after the most devastating conflicts, life finds a way to persist. This enduring narrative is something game scholars around the world are studying in order to further refine how we look at games and their roles in society. You can learn more at the Games Learning Society which meets annually to discuss these matters and can be found online at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many Greek gods did Kratos kill in total?
The article states that Kratos has killed 23 of Greek mythology’s most important gods and people, indicating a higher total kill count than the number of surviving gods.
2. Is Kratos still considered a god after the Greek saga?
Kratos began as a demigod, became a god after killing Ares, lost his godhood, then regained it, then became a god of peace. His status is complex.
3. Who was the strongest god Kratos defeated?
The article identifies Zeus, the King of Olympus and God of the Skies, as the strongest god Kratos killed.
4. Are there any Greek demigods who survived Kratos?
The fate of many demigods is not explicitly stated, but it’s likely some survived by avoiding direct conflict with Kratos.
5. How old is Kratos in God of War Ragnarök?
The article estimates Kratos to be around 1,055 years old in God of War Ragnarök.
6. Will Atreus become a god?
The future of Atreus and whether he will fully embrace godhood is left ambiguous at the end of God of War Ragnarök.
7. Could Kratos defeat other mythological figures, like Goku or Hulk?
The article suggests that the outcome of such battles would depend on the setting and specific circumstances. Kratos would likely find a way to take Goku’s head as he does any other God.
8. Which god was responsible for Kratos’ death in God of War II?
Zeus killed Kratos in God of War II, setting the stage for Kratos’ revenge.
9. What stopped Kratos from dying permanently?
The intervention of Faye, Atreus’ mother, played a crucial role in preventing Kratos’ predicted death.
10. Did Kratos lose his godhood permanently?
No, Kratos’ loss of godhood was temporary, as he regained his powers and status multiple times throughout the series.
11. Are there any Norse gods Kratos might have spared?
Several Norse gods who were not direct antagonists, such as some of the Vanir, likely survived the events of God of War Ragnarök.
12. What is the significance of gods surviving Kratos?
The survival of gods represents hope, resilience, and the possibility of a new beginning after periods of immense destruction.
13. Who replaced the original voice actor for Kratos?
Christopher Judge replaced T. C. Carson as the voice actor for Kratos in God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök.
14. Why did Atreus leave Kratos at the end of God of War Ragnarök?
Atreus left to pursue his own path and save the giants, signifying his growth and independence.
15. What God kills Kratos?
Zeus kills Kratos in God of War II.