Unpacking the Epic Fall: The Origin of the Kratos Falling Meme

The origin of the Kratos falling meme lies within the opening sequence of the PlayStation 2 classic, God of War (2005). In this dramatic scene, Kratos, the game’s protagonist, is shown plummeting from a cliff. This visually striking moment, often paired with Aerosmith’s iconic song “Dream On,” became a popular internet meme, particularly experiencing a resurgence in 2022, due to its use as a comedic depiction of failure, disappointment, or a dramatic downturn in fortunes. The meme’s power lies in the juxtaposition of the epic imagery from a beloved game with the emotionally charged chorus of “Dream On,” creating a humorous and relatable scenario that resonates with a wide online audience.

Delving Deeper: Genesis of an Internet Sensation

The appeal of the Kratos falling meme extends beyond simple comedic value; it taps into several cultural elements:

• The Allure of God of War: The God of War franchise is a landmark series in gaming history. Its brutal combat, compelling narrative, and the imposing figure of Kratos himself have garnered a massive fanbase. Familiarity with the character and the game’s world gives the meme an immediate recognition factor.

• The Emotional Resonance of “Dream On”: Aerosmith’s “Dream On” is more than just a rock anthem; it’s a song about perseverance, ambition, and the inevitable setbacks one faces in the pursuit of dreams. The soaring vocals and powerful lyrics create a sense of drama and emotional intensity, perfectly contrasting with the often mundane situations the meme is used to depict.

• Relatability and Dark Humor: The core concept of falling from a great height—both literally and figuratively—is inherently relatable. Everyone experiences failure, disappointment, or moments where their aspirations seem to crumble. The meme uses dark humor to acknowledge these experiences, providing a cathartic release through laughter.

• Meme Culture and Remixing: The Kratos falling meme embodies the remix culture prevalent online. Taking a piece of established media (the God of War scene), combining it with another (the Aerosmith song), and applying it to a new context is the essence of meme creation. This allows for endless variations and adaptations, ensuring the meme’s longevity.

While the initial falling scene is from the first God of War, the meme’s resurgence often features imagery from God of War II, where Kratos experiences a more significant and narratively resonant fall after being betrayed by Zeus. This further deepens the meme’s impact, as it connects to a pivotal moment in the character’s story.

The meme’s versatility allows it to be used in a myriad of situations, ranging from trivial inconveniences to major life events. Someone might use it to depict the feeling of dropping their phone, failing an exam, or experiencing a major career setback. This adaptability ensures that the meme remains relevant and resonates with a broad audience.

The Enduring Legacy of a Viral Phenomenon

The Kratos falling meme is a testament to the power of internet culture to transform existing media into something new and meaningful. It has solidified its place in the online lexicon, serving as a shorthand for failure, disappointment, and the enduring human capacity for resilience. It also highlights how games, as a form of media, are integrated into our daily communication. Resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org can help to better understand the use of games and game-based methods in learning environments. From the first God of War, Kratos’s fall has turned into an evergreen meme for all to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Kratos Falling Meme

Why is Kratos falling off a cliff in the original scene?

In the opening of the first God of War, Kratos is seen falling off a cliff. The narrative, revealed later through flashbacks narrated by Gaia in God of War II, explains that Kratos was driven to despair by the gods’ refusal to alleviate his tormenting nightmares and memories of his past deeds. This leads him to a point of utter hopelessness, symbolized by his fall.

Does “Dream On” actually play during Kratos’s fall in the game?

No, “Dream On” by Aerosmith does not play during Kratos’s fall in any of the God of War games. The song is a later addition, incorporated into the meme to enhance its comedic and dramatic effect.

Which God of War game is most commonly associated with the Kratos falling meme?

While the initial scene is from the first God of War, the meme is heavily associated with God of War II. This is because Kratos’s fall in God of War II is more significant and emotionally charged, as it occurs after Zeus’s betrayal. The imagery from this game is often used in the meme.

What is the history of Kratos before he became the God of War?

Before becoming the God of War, Kratos was the brutal captain of the Spartan Army. He led his men through numerous conquests across Greece. A turning point came when his army faced a savage Barbarian horde and was hopelessly outmatched. In desperation, Kratos pledged himself to Ares, the God of War, and was granted immense power, which he used to defeat the barbarians.

Is Kratos based on a real figure from Greek mythology?

Yes, Kratos is based on a real Greek deity. In Greek mythology, Kratos (also known as Cratus or Cratos) is the divine personification of strength. He is the son of Pallas and Styx, and the brother of Nike (Victory), Bia (Force), and Zelus (Glory). However, the God of War developers stated they stumbled upon this deity after they had fleshed out the character of Kratos.

Why did Kratos refuse Odin’s offer in the Norse saga?

Kratos rejected Odin’s offer because he cared for Freya and Odin had threatened her. Additionally, he trusted Mimir’s advice against trusting Odin, knowing his untrustworthy nature. Kratos was also wary of making another deal with a god after his experiences with the Greek pantheon.

Did Kratos kill all the Greek gods?

No, Kratos did not kill all the Greek gods. While he eliminated many major Olympian gods, some survived his rampage. The exact number of surviving gods is not explicitly stated, but it is believed to be close to a dozen.

Why is Kratos portrayed as so incredibly strong?

Kratos’s strength is attributed to his divine heritage as the son of Zeus. This bestows upon him superhuman strength, allowing him to withstand attacks from Titans and overpower formidable foes.

Does Kratos ever express regret for killing Zeus?

Yes, throughout God of War (2018) and God of War: Ragnarök, Kratos shows signs of regret for killing Zeus. He becomes solemn and defensive whenever Zeus is mentioned, suggesting a deep-seated remorse for his past actions.

Has Kratos ever cried or shown genuine emotion?

Yes, God of War Ragnarok features an emotional scene where Kratos cries at his legacy. This demonstrates his capacity for deep emotion and his evolving character arc as he grapples with his past and seeks redemption.

What are Kratos’s biggest fears?

Kratos is afraid of being found by others who might know of his deeds. He fears how his legacy will affect Atreus, his son, and worries that Atreus might despise him or become like him if he learns about his past.

Why is Kratos often seen holding back his rage?

Kratos actively tries to control his anger to set a better example for Atreus. He recognizes that his rage has defined him and fueled his destructive past, and he is determined to be a better man and break free from this cycle.

Why was Zeus afraid of Kratos?

Zeus feared that Kratos would kill him and usurp his position, just as Zeus had done with his own father, Cronos. He also saw Kratos’s destruction in Olympus as a threat to his reign and authority.

What prevented Kratos from dying in the Norse saga?

Faye, Atreus’s mother, played a crucial role in shaping Kratos and Atreus’s path. She destroyed a painting in God of War (2018) that depicted Kratos’s future death, preventing them from falling into the trap of trying to evade fate and bringing it about themselves.

How old is Kratos by the time of the Norse saga (God of War 2018)?

Based on his participation in a battle around 975 AD and his age being estimated at 30 during the first God of War, Kratos is estimated to be approximately 1050 years old at the start of God of War (2018).