Unveiling the Chains of Kratos: More Than Just Tethers
The chains that bind to Kratos, the protagonist of the God of War series, are most famously associated with the Blades of Chaos. These chains are not explicitly named in the games, but they are intrinsically tied to the identity and power of the blades themselves. They are magical, spiritual, and a constant reminder of Kratos’ past. Though nameless, they are as iconic as Kratos himself.
A Legacy Forged in Fire and Blood
The chains are far more than mere tethers. They are extensions of the Blades of Chaos, magically bonded to Kratos’ forearms. The forging of this bond was a pivotal moment in Kratos’ story, a moment marked by pain, power, and the beginning of his long and arduous journey. They represent a pact with the God of War, Ares, and the price Kratos paid for victory. Their presence, even after Kratos attempts to move on from them, serves as a constant reminder of his violent past and the terrible deeds he committed under Ares’ influence. They are a physical manifestation of his guilt and rage.
The design of the chains has evolved over the course of the series, but their core function and symbolic weight have remained consistent. They are not simply aesthetic; they are an integral part of Kratos’ combat style, allowing him to wield the Blades of Chaos with incredible speed and versatility. The chains enable him to lash out at enemies from a distance, grapple opponents, and perform devastating aerial attacks.
Beyond the Blades of Chaos: A Shifting Arsenal
While the chains are most closely associated with the Blades of Chaos, Kratos has wielded other chained weapons throughout the series. The Claws of Hades are another example of chained blades, imbued with the power of the underworld. The Nemesis Whip, granted to Kratos by the goddess Nemesis, functioned similarly. These weapons highlight the versatility of the chained weapon concept and demonstrate Kratos’ adaptability in combat.
However, despite the introduction of these other chained weapons, the original chains of the Blades of Chaos remain the most iconic and deeply connected to Kratos’ character. They are a symbol of his rage, his past, and his enduring strength.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kratos’ Chains
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Kratos’ chains, providing further insight into their significance and functionality:
1. Why does Kratos have chain scars?
The chain scars are the result of Ares permanently bonding the Blades of Chaos to Kratos. The process involved burning the chains into his forearms, leaving permanent marks as a reminder of his servitude. These scars remain even after Kratos tries to rid himself of the blades, symbolizing the indelible mark his past has left on him.
2. How does Kratos attach his blades?
The attachment of the blades is primarily magical. When Kratos grabs the handles, the chains magically extend and bind to his forearms. When he releases the blades, the chains retract and the blades rest harmlessly on his back. It’s a mystical connection, not a mechanical one.
3. What happened to Kratos’ Chains of Chaos after he used them?
The Blades of Chaos and their chains follow Kratos even into the afterlife. They are present when he is sent to the underworld in both God of War and God of War 2. This reinforces the idea that he cannot escape his past or the consequences of his actions.
4. Are the Chains of Chaos in God of War Ragnarok?
Yes, the Blades of Chaos and their associated chains make a return in God of War Ragnarok. They are a core part of Kratos’ arsenal, alongside the Leviathan Axe and the Draupnir Spear.
5. What is the strongest blade Kratos has used?
While subjective, the Blades of Chaos are often considered the strongest, owing to their versatility and historical significance within Kratos’ story. However, other weapons like the Blade of Olympus and the Draupnir Spear are also incredibly powerful.
6. Why does Kratos sometimes use an axe instead of the Blades of Chaos?
The Leviathan Axe represents a new chapter in Kratos’ life and his attempt to move away from his violent past. It symbolizes a more controlled and strategic approach to combat, contrasting with the raw rage embodied by the Blades of Chaos. The change was implemented by the creative team of the game to create a new identity for Kratos, because, to them, the Blades of Chaos represent a very dark time in Kratos’ life.
7. Why is Kratos white?
Kratos’ pale white skin is a result of a curse placed upon him after he accidentally killed his family. A village oracle condemned him to wear the “mark of his terrible deed”: the ashes of his wife and daughter, which permanently turned his skin white, earning him the title “Ghost of Sparta”.
8. How old is Kratos?
Kratos is estimated to be over 1000 years old by the time of God of War (2018). This is based on the timeline of events in the Greek era and the subsequent Norse era.
9. Are the Blades of Chaos stronger than the Leviathan Axe?
The strength of the weapons depends on the situation. The Leviathan Axe is effective in the icy environments of the Norse world, while the Blades of Chaos excel at close-range combat and melting through ice and frost. During Kratos’ time in the icy north, the Leviathan Axe proved to be ineffective. On the other hand, the Blades of Chaos could melt through frosty opponents with ease.
10. Can Kratos take off the chains?
The chains are permanently seared onto Kratos’ forearms. They can only be removed by the God of War himself or when the wielder’s time of servitude ends, neither of which has occurred definitively in the games’ narrative.
11. Why are Kratos’ forearms covered in bandages?
Kratos covers his forearms with bandages to hide the scars from the chains, a visible reminder of his past and his violent actions. It’s a way for him to bury his past and protect his son, Atreus, from the truth of his former life. The bandages covering his wounds help him bury the past and keep it away from his new life.
12. How is Kratos so strong?
Kratos’ strength is a combination of his Spartan training, his divine heritage (being the son of Zeus), and the various rage-induced powers he acquires throughout the series. These powers are often physical manifestations of his rage and the blessings bestowed upon him by higher beings.
13. Could Kratos lift Mjolnir?
While debated, Kratos cannot lift Mjolnir. The hammer is enchanted to only be wielded by those deemed worthy. Moreover, God of War creative director, Cory Barlog recently commented that Mjolnir was too obvious a weapon for Kratos.
14. How tall is Kratos?
Kratos is approximately 6 feet and 4 inches (1.93 meters) tall in God of War: Ragnarok.
15. How heavy is the Leviathan Axe?
The Leviathan Axe weighs approximately 8.04 pounds (3.65 kilograms).
The Chains: An Enduring Symbol
While the chains that tether Kratos to his past and his power may not have a specific name, they are an undeniable and iconic element of his character. They represent his strength, his rage, and the enduring consequences of his choices. From their fiery beginnings to their continued presence in the Norse saga, the chains of Kratos are a powerful symbol of his journey. Kratos’ journey through various realms and pantheons showcases the transformative power of storytelling and character development, something that aligns with the principles advocated by organizations such as the Games Learning Society, which explores the intersection of games and education. You can learn more about their initiatives at GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society is an active community of practice and research, for educators, researchers, and game developers interested in games and learning.