The Saga Begins: Recapping the Events of God of War 1 & 2
The God of War franchise, a cornerstone of action-adventure gaming, has captivated audiences with its brutal combat, compelling narrative, and mythological setting. The first two installments, God of War (2005) and God of War II (2007), lay the foundation for the epic saga of Kratos, the Spartan warrior turned god, and set the stage for the events that follow. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what transpired in these crucial titles:
The Rise of a God: God of War (2005)
A Warrior’s Pact with Ares
God of War introduces us to Kratos, a Spartan general haunted by visions of his past. We learn through flashbacks that Kratos, in a moment of desperation during battle, pledged his life to the god of war, Ares. Ares granted Kratos immense power, but in a cruel twist, tricked him into slaughtering his own family – his wife and daughter. Driven by this horrific act, Kratos renounces his allegiance to Ares and seeks to atone for his sins.
The Quest for Pandora’s Box
The game’s main narrative sees Kratos tasked by the goddess Athena to kill Ares. To achieve this impossible feat, Kratos must find Pandora’s Box, a legendary artifact capable of granting the wielder the power to defeat a god. This sets Kratos on a perilous journey across a ravaged Greece, where he battles mythical beasts, solves ancient puzzles, and faces formidable opponents.
The God of War Ascends
After overcoming numerous challenges, including navigating the treacherous Temple of Pandora, Kratos finally confronts Ares. In a brutal and climactic battle, fueled by his rage and grief, Kratos kills Ares. By doing so, Kratos inherits the title and position of the new God of War, an irony given the very nature of the man he just dethroned. The game concludes with Kratos sitting on Ares’ throne, the weight of his actions already beginning to set in. He has achieved his goal, yet the pain and darkness within him remains.
The Fall from Grace: God of War II (2007)
The Unruly God
God of War II picks up some time later, potentially centuries according to some interpretations. Kratos, as the new God of War, is not a benevolent ruler. He abuses his power, leading his Spartan armies in campaigns of conquest across Greece, drawing the ire of the other Olympian gods. His actions are fueled by a lack of acceptance from the other Gods and he has not forgiven them for breaking their promise to him.
Betrayal by Zeus
This hubris culminates in a devastating betrayal. During an attack on the city of Rhodes, Zeus, the King of the Gods and Kratos’s father (a fact Kratos is unaware of at this point), appears. He tricks Kratos into pouring his god-like powers into the Blade of Olympus, a weapon that can harm even immortals. Zeus then uses the blade to drain Kratos of his godhood, and mortally wounds him. In a truly epic sequence, Kratos is dragged slowly to the Underworld.
A Pact with the Titans
On the brink of death, Kratos is rescued by the Titan Gaia, one of the ancient primordial beings who predate the Olympian gods. Gaia reveals to Kratos that he was always meant to be a tool against the Gods, and she instructs him to seek out the Sisters of Fate. These powerful beings control the threads of destiny, and Gaia believes that they can help Kratos travel back in time, undo Zeus’s betrayal, and seek his long-awaited revenge.
Time Manipulation and the Path to Vengeance
Fueled by the desire for vengeance, Kratos undertakes another dangerous quest, battling monsters, navigating complex puzzles, and confronting new threats along the way. His journey leads him to the Island of Creation, where he faces the Sisters of Fate themselves. Ultimately, Kratos defeats them and claims control of their powers, using it to travel back to the moment of his betrayal. The game ends with Kratos about to confront Zeus and exact his revenge, with the entire Titan army behind him ready to take on the Gods of Olympus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the relationship between God of War 1 and God of War 2?
While God of War II is a sequel to the first game, the developers have stated that they view it more as a continuation of the previous game rather than a distinct sequel. The games together form the initial chapter of Kratos’s story in Greek mythology.
2. How long after God of War 1 does God of War 2 take place?
God of War 2 takes place roughly 13 years after the events of the first God of War.
3. Is Kratos a full god in the beginning of God of War 2?
Yes, at the beginning of God of War 2, Kratos is the God of War, having taken Ares’ place at the end of the first game. However, he does not have the full acceptance of the other gods and is quickly stripped of his godly powers by Zeus early in the game.
4. Why does Kratos lose his godhood in God of War 2?
Kratos is tricked by Zeus into transferring his godly power into the Blade of Olympus. Zeus then uses the Blade to strip Kratos of his powers and kill him, effectively ending his reign as God of War, until Kratos returns later in the story with the power of the Titans.
5. Who is Gaia in God of War 2?
Gaia is a Titan, one of the ancient primordial beings who predate the Olympian gods. She sees Kratos as a tool to help the Titans overthrow the gods and instructs him to seek out the Sisters of Fate so that he can go back in time and get revenge on Zeus.
6. What are the Sisters of Fate and what do they do?
The Sisters of Fate are three powerful beings who control the threads of destiny. They have the ability to manipulate time and are crucial to Kratos’s plan to travel back and prevent Zeus’s betrayal.
7. Is God of War 2 better than God of War 1?
Many consider God of War 2 to be an improvement over the first game. It boasts better combat mechanics, improved graphics, a larger scale, and more boss fights. However, many still cherish the first for being a groundbreaking title.
8. Is Kratos a demigod or a full god?
Kratos is revealed to be a demigod, the son of Zeus, but he later becomes a full god after killing Ares and taking the mantle of God of War. He later loses his status as a god in the beginning of God of War 2.
9. How old is Kratos during the events of the first two God of War games?
While Kratos’s exact age isn’t stated, it’s estimated that he’s in his early 30s in God of War 1. Based on the timeline, he would be about 40-50 years old in God of War 2. He is significantly older in later games, being estimated to be around 1,055 years old in God of War: Ragnarök.
10. What is the chronological order of the God of War games by release date?
The chronological order of the God of War franchise by release date is: God of War (2005), God of War II (2007), God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008), God of War III (2010), God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010), God of War: Ascension (2013), and God of War (2018).
11. What are some of the reasons why the original God of War is considered so good?
God of War (2005) is praised for its smooth, fast-paced gameplay, compelling atmosphere, and engaging setting. It was a truly groundbreaking title for its time.
12. Is it necessary to play the God of War games in order?
While the new God of War (2018) is a good starting point as a fresh chapter, it’s highly recommended to experience the first four games in the series for a full appreciation of Kratos’s journey.
13. Who is the villain in God of War 3?
While there are several antagonists in God of War 3, one prominent antagonist is Hercules, the son of Zeus and Kratos’s half-brother.
14. What happened to Kratos after God of War 1?
After killing Ares, Kratos becomes the new God of War, and abuses his power. His actions lead to the events of God of War II.
15. Does Kratos die in the God of War series?
While Kratos is often faced with near-death situations, he has not died. In God of War: Ragnarök, there are sequences where it appears he may be dying but he does not. He is incredibly difficult to kill due to his godly powers, but he is not immortal.
These two games are the crucial starting points to the God of War saga. They establish Kratos’ character and motivations and build a foundation for the events to follow. The tale of his rise, fall, and quest for vengeance provides a captivating and tragic journey that continues to resonate with fans today.