Kratos’ Deepest Regret: A Spartan’s Burden
Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, is a figure defined by violence, vengeance, and a relentless pursuit of power. Yet, beneath the layers of rage and hardened muscle, lies a profound well of regret. While he carries many burdens from his past, Kratos’ biggest regret is undoubtedly the murder of his wife, Lysandra, and daughter, Calliope, a tragedy orchestrated by Ares that set him on his path of destruction and irrevocably scarred his soul. This act, born of manipulation and blind rage, is the anchor that weighs him down, the constant reminder of the monster he once was, and the driving force behind his desperate attempts at redemption. This single event ripples through his entire existence, shaping his relationships, his actions, and his ultimate desire for a different future for himself and his son, Atreus.
The Weight of the Past: More Than Just One Mistake
Kratos’ journey is not simply about battling gods and monsters; it’s about confronting his past and trying to break free from its chains. The murder of his family isn’t a solitary event; it’s a catalyst that unleashed a cascade of horrors, including the deaths of countless innocents and the fall of Olympus. He carries the weight of each life he has taken, but the loss of Lysandra and Calliope remains the central trauma, the core of his pain.
The games repeatedly emphasize this point. Kratos’ nightmares, his flashbacks, and his guarded demeanor all stem from this foundational tragedy. He sees echoes of his past in every conflict, every act of violence. His attempts to protect Atreus are, in part, an attempt to atone for failing to protect his first family. He doesn’t want Atreus to walk the same path of destruction, driven by the same rage that consumed him.
Redemption Through Fatherhood
The Norse saga of God of War presents a Kratos grappling with his past, trying to be a better father, and striving for a different future. His interactions with Atreus are fraught with tension, born from his fear of repeating past mistakes. He struggles to express his emotions, to be the supportive and guiding presence that he himself never had.
This attempt at redemption is not without its challenges. Kratos’ history casts a long shadow, threatening to engulf Atreus. He withholds information about their godhood, fearing the consequences of revealing the truth. This secrecy, however, almost proves fatal. It is through these trials that Kratos begins to understand the true meaning of responsibility and the importance of emotional connection.
The Shifting Landscape of Regret
While the murder of his family is undoubtedly his biggest regret, Kratos also carries the burden of other actions. The killing of Zeus, the destruction of Olympus, and the deaths of countless innocents all contribute to his sense of guilt and remorse. He recognizes the cyclical nature of violence and the destructive consequences of unchecked rage.
His interactions with other characters, such as Freya and Thor, reveal his growing awareness of the complexities of morality. He learns that even gods, driven by grief and anger, can make terrible choices. He starts to see himself not as a victim of fate, but as an agent of change, capable of shaping his own destiny.
The Hope for a Better Future
Ultimately, Kratos’ journey is one of hope. He seeks to break the cycle of violence, to create a better future for Atreus, and to finally find peace. This transformation is not easy, and it is not complete. He still struggles with his past, but he is committed to learning from his mistakes and becoming a better version of himself.
The ending of God of War Ragnarök offers a glimpse of this potential future. Kratos sees a vision of himself as a revered leader, a symbol of hope and justice. This vision is not a guarantee, but it is an indication of the path he is striving to follow. He understands that true strength lies not in brute force, but in compassion, empathy, and the willingness to fight for a better world. The insights provided by academic research into games and learning, such as those presented at the Games Learning Society conferences, highlight the potential for games to convey complex themes of morality and redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Kratos have any regrets about killing Zeus?
Yes, Kratos deeply regrets killing Zeus. While fueled by vengeance at the time, he later realizes that it only perpetuated the cycle of violence and brought more destruction. He acknowledges it as a mistake in God of War Ragnarök.
2. Does Kratos regret killing innocent people?
Absolutely. In the 2018 God of War, Kratos admits to Atreus that he has killed many who were undeserving. Both that game and Ragnarök see him filled with regret and seeking redemption for his past actions.
3. Why is the murder of his family considered the worst thing Kratos has done?
While Kratos has committed numerous atrocities, the murder of his wife and daughter is the most devastating because it was a direct result of manipulation and loss of control, and it fundamentally shattered his life, setting him on his destructive path.
4. Did Kratos regret killing Athena?
Yes. While not intentional, Kratos deeply regretted killing Athena. It symbolized the futility of his quest for vengeance and the corruption of the gods.
5. Has Kratos forgiven himself for his past actions?
The path to self-forgiveness is a long and arduous one for Kratos. Through the help of figures like Pandora and his relationship with Atreus, he makes significant progress, confronting his demons and learning to accept his past while striving for a better future.
6. What is Kratos’ biggest fear?
Kratos’ biggest fear is that his past actions will define him and negatively impact Atreus. He fears that Atreus will learn about his violent history and ultimately despise him.
7. How did Faye influence Kratos’ fate?
Faye, Atreus’ mother, played a crucial role in shaping their destiny by destroying a prophecy that depicted Kratos’ death. This allowed them to forge their own path and avoid becoming trapped by fate.
8. What Greek gods did Kratos not kill?
Several lesser Greek gods, such as Phobos (god of fear), Circe (goddess of magic), Amphitrite (Queen of the Sea), Triton (god of the waves), and Nike (god of victory), were not killed by Kratos.
9. Why did Deimos not forgive Kratos?
Deimos harbored resentment towards Kratos for seemingly abandoning him to a life of torture. His rage and pain prevented him from forgiving his brother.
10. Does Kratos trust anyone?
Trust is a difficult concept for Kratos. However, he develops a deep bond with Atreus and learns to rely on him. This relationship represents a significant step towards emotional openness and trust.
11. Who does Kratos hate the most?
Initially, Kratos harbored intense hatred for Ares, the god who tricked him into killing his family. However, as he matures, he comes to understand the cyclical nature of vengeance and seeks to break free from the cycle of hate.
12. Did Kratos defy his fate?
Yes, Kratos ultimately defied his “fate” by choosing compassion and breaking the cycle of vengeance. His decision to spare Thor in God of War Ragnarök is a prime example of this defiance.
13. Why was Kratos suicidal at the end of God of War (original)?
Kratos was driven to despair by the gods’ refusal to relieve him of his nightmares and memories. He saw suicide as the only escape from his torment.
14. Why did Kratos cry at the end of God of War Ragnarök?
Kratos was overwhelmed by the vision of himself as a savior, a stark contrast to his past as an instrument of death. This realization filled him with hope and a sense of purpose, bringing him to tears.
15. Who was Kratos’ hardest fight?
While he faced many formidable opponents, Sigrun from the 2018 God of War is often considered one of the most challenging due to her relentless attacks and varied moveset. However, Zeus from God of War III, with the emotional weight of the lore, is often mentioned as well. For more insights into the educational aspects of gaming, explore GamesLearningSociety.org.