Is Kratos Made Up? Unraveling the Myth and the Man Behind the Legend
Kratos, as a character, exists in a fascinating space between ancient Greek mythology and modern video game storytelling. So, is he made up? The short answer is: yes and no. The name Kratos and the concept of a deity embodying strength and power are rooted in Greek mythology. However, the Kratos we know and love (or fear!) from the God of War franchise is a heavily reimagined and significantly expanded character, drawing inspiration from the original mythological figure while forging its own unique narrative path.
Kratos: From Minor Deity to Gaming Icon
In Greek mythology, Kratos (or Cratos) was a minor god, a personification of strength, might, sovereignty, and power. He’s mentioned briefly in Aeschylus’s Prometheus Bound, where he and Bia (Force) are tasked by Zeus with chaining Prometheus to a rock for his transgression of gifting fire to humanity. This Kratos is essentially an enforcer, an embodiment of Zeus’s absolute authority. His role is limited, and he lacks a complex backstory or personality.
The Kratos of God of War, on the other hand, is a Spartan warrior burdened by tragedy, a demigod haunted by his past, and a figure grappling with his own identity and the consequences of his actions. He’s a character driven by rage, vengeance, and ultimately, a desire for redemption. This Kratos, while taking his name and certain thematic elements from mythology, is largely a creation of the game developers at Santa Monica Studio. They have successfully built a complex and engaging character far beyond what was available in the original myths. This is important to understand when asking, “is Kratos made up?” The answer depends on which Kratos is under consideration. One is from historical and mythological texts; the other is mostly a modern invention.
Inspiration and Adaptation
The creators of God of War were aware of the mythological Kratos, but they’ve stated that the name was chosen primarily for its inherent meaning: strength. It was a fitting descriptor for a character envisioned as a powerful and brutal warrior. However, beyond the name and the general concept of strength, the game’s Kratos has been heavily influenced by other mythological figures, characters from literature, and even cinematic archetypes. Think of him as a mosaic, pieced together from various sources to create a wholly original and compelling character.
It’s a common practice in video game development to draw inspiration from existing myths and legends. The God of War series expertly blends elements of Greek mythology with original storytelling, creating a unique and compelling world that resonates with players. This creative license allows the developers to explore themes of fate, free will, and the nature of good and evil in ways that the original myths, in all of their fragmented and diverse forms, may not have allowed.
Kratos’s Enduring Appeal
The success of Kratos as a character lies in his complex and often contradictory nature. He’s a brutal warrior capable of unimaginable violence, yet he’s also a father struggling to protect his son and a figure searching for peace and redemption. This internal conflict makes him relatable, even in his godlike power. Players are drawn to his vulnerability and his determination to overcome his past, even as he’s haunted by the ghosts of his actions.
His evolution throughout the God of War series has also been crucial to his enduring appeal. He’s not a static character; he grows, learns, and changes as he confronts new challenges and faces the consequences of his choices. This character development keeps the story fresh and engaging, allowing players to connect with Kratos on a deeper level. Video games, with their unique capacity for allowing players to inhabit characters’ minds, can be powerful tools for learning, and understanding the complex and contradictory nature of Kratos offers opportunities for analysis of violence, morality, and social relations. In fact, organizations like the Games Learning Society recognize the potential of games to create meaningful learning experiences. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kratos
Here are some frequently asked questions about Kratos, addressing various aspects of his character and his place in both mythology and video games:
Is Kratos a real god or made up?
As mentioned, Kratos exists in both Greek mythology as a minor deity representing strength and in the God of War video game franchise as a heavily reimagined protagonist. The mythological Kratos is real, but his role and backstory are limited. The video game Kratos is largely a fictional creation inspired by mythology.
Who is Kratos based off of?
He is based off the Greek god of strength, but heavily modified and expanded upon by the game developers.
Is there a real God of War?
Yes, in Greek mythology, the God of War is Ares. The Roman equivalent is Mars.
Is Kratos still technically a god?
In the God of War games, Kratos is a demigod, the son of Zeus. In the Norse mythology-inspired games, he is still considered a god, albeit one from a different pantheon.
Who can beat Kratos?
This is a subject of much debate! Many fictional characters possess abilities that could potentially defeat Kratos, depending on the specific circumstances of the battle. The article mentions Alucard, Ōnoki, Anos Voldigoad, Lelouch, Kaguya Otsutsuki, and more.
Who is stronger, Kratos or Goku?
This is another popular debate with no definitive answer. The outcome likely depends on the rules and environment of the fight. Some argue that Kratos can defeat practically anyone in his own realm.
What god kills Kratos?
In God of War II, Zeus kills Kratos. This event sets the stage for Kratos’s quest for revenge.
Will Kratos be worshipped?
In the context of the God of War games, Kratos does receive some form of worship from the Spartans, despite his flaws and shortcomings.
Who was Zeus killed by?
In Greek mythology, Zeus is not killed. He remains the king of the gods. In God of War, Kratos kills Zeus.
What god type is Kratos?
Kratos is a demigod, the son of Zeus and a mortal woman named Callisto.
Why doesn’t Kratos have hair?
In God of War, the reason for Kratos’s baldness is never explicitly stated. The article presents a few tongue-in-cheek explanations, but ultimately, it’s an iconic design choice.
What age is Kratos?
Based on estimates, Kratos is likely over 1,000 years old in God of War Ragnarök, owing to his demigod status and the events of the Greek saga.
Is Kratos’s skin fading?
Yes, the ashes on Kratos’s skin are fading in the Norse saga of God of War. The reason for this is not revealed in the games.
How tall is Kratos in feet?
Kratos’s height varies slightly depending on the source. The article notes that he’s typically portrayed as being between 6’4″ and 7’6″.
Can Kratos lift Mjolnir?
No, Kratos cannot lift Mjolnir. The hammer is enchanted to only be wielded by those who are deemed worthy.