Who Destroyed Kratos? The Ghost of Sparta’s Downfall and Rise
The answer to who destroyed Kratos is complex and multifaceted. It’s not a single entity, but rather a combination of internal struggles, external betrayals, and the relentless forces of fate that brought the Ghost of Sparta to his knees. While Zeus dealt a mortal blow in God of War II, leading to Kratos’s initial “death,” the true destruction of Kratos was a longer, more insidious process. It involved the loss of his family, the corruption of his soul through violence, and the manipulative actions of various gods and beings who sought to use or eliminate him. Ultimately, Kratos was a victim of both his own rage and the machinations of the world around him.
The Initial Betrayal: Zeus’s Hand
Why Did Zeus Kill Kratos?
The most immediate cause of Kratos’s initial downfall was Zeus’s betrayal. In God of War II, Zeus, fueled by paranoia and a desire to maintain his power, tricked Kratos into imbuing the Blade of Olympus with his godly essence. Once Kratos had sacrificed his power, Zeus seized the Blade and used it to kill him. Zeus claimed that Kratos was a threat, as his rampages against the cities dedicated to the gods (such as Rhodes) proved his disregard for Olympus. However, the core reason was Zeus’s fear of being overthrown by his son, mirroring his own usurpation of his father, Cronos.
The Blade of Olympus: A Tool of Deception
The Blade of Olympus served as a symbol of both power and deception. Kratos willingly poured his godly essence into it, believing he was bolstering his strength to protect Sparta. Instead, he was weakened and made vulnerable to Zeus’s attack. The blade became the instrument of his “death” and the catalyst for his journey through the Underworld.
The Cycle of Violence: Kratos’s Internal Destruction
From Warrior to God of War: The Cost of Power
Kratos’s insatiable quest for power and vengeance led him down a path of destruction. The murder of his own family, though unintentional and manipulated by Ares, haunted him. His rise to the God of War only amplified his rage, making him a pawn in the gods’ schemes and further alienating him from any semblance of peace.
The Haunting Past: Memories and Regret
Throughout the God of War series, Kratos is plagued by the memories of his past. The image of his wife and daughter fuels his rage but also underscores the tragic cost of his actions. This internal conflict plays a significant role in his character development and shapes his decisions in later games, particularly in the Norse saga. As shown by his admittance to Atreus, “I have killed many who were deserving, and many who were not”.
The Manipulative Gods: A Game of Pawns
Beyond Zeus: Other Divine Influences
Zeus was not the only god to manipulate Kratos. Ares, the original God of War, used Kratos to carry out his violent agenda, ultimately leading to the death of Kratos’s family. Other gods, such as Athena, manipulated Kratos for their own purposes, using him as a weapon against Olympus. These constant betrayals and manipulations eroded Kratos’s trust and drove him further down the path of vengeance.
Fate vs. Free Will: A Constant Struggle
The concept of fate plays a prominent role in the God of War narrative. The gods often claim that Kratos is bound by destiny, but Kratos constantly fights against this notion. His struggle to defy fate is a central theme, and it highlights his determination to forge his own path, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Faye, his wife, aided Kratos in this, by destroying the painting that depicted Kratos’ future death, so they would not be trapped by fate.
FAQs: Unpacking Kratos’s Destruction and Beyond
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Kratos, delving deeper into his experiences and the world around him:
1. Which god defeated Kratos initially?
Zeus defeated Kratos in God of War II, leading to his initial death and descent into the Underworld.
2. Why did Zeus betray Kratos?
Zeus betrayed Kratos out of fear of being overthrown by his son, mirroring his own rise to power by defeating his father, Cronos. He also perceived Kratos’s actions against the cities dedicated to the gods as a threat to Olympus.
3. Who killed Kratos’s army?
When Zeus descended from Mount Olympus to Rhodes in God of War II, he slaughtered Kratos’s Spartan Soldiers. Zeus’s attack left only one spartan alive. Kratos later killed the last Spartan on his journey.
4. Does Kratos die in God of War: Ragnarök?
Thankfully, Kratos does not die in God of War: Ragnarök.
5. Was Kratos killed by Thor?
While Thor and Kratos engage in a fierce battle in God of War: Ragnarök, Thor does not truly kill Kratos. In a narrative twist, Thor brings him back to life.
6. How many times has Kratos died?
As far as confirmed deaths go, Kratos has died and been revived a total of three times during the original trilogy.
7. Who is the strongest person Kratos killed?
Many fans would agree that Zeus stands out as the most formidable foe that Kratos has defeated. His power and the immense effort required to overcome him solidify Zeus as Kratos’s strongest kill.
8. Is Kratos still a god?
Kratos is a demigod, the son of Zeus. While he once ascended to become the God of War, his godly powers have fluctuated throughout the series.
9. How old is Kratos?
Based on the timeline of the games, it is estimated that Kratos is over 1000 years old by the start of God of War (2018).
10. Who kills Poseidon?
Kratos brutally kills Poseidon, the God of the Sea, at the beginning of God of War III.
11. Is Kratos weaker in Ragnarök?
Yes, Kratos is depicted as weaker in Ragnarök. This is because the domain from which he drew his godly power had been destroyed, resulting in a dwindling source of tribute and worship.
12. Who killed Hercules?
In Greek mythology, Hercules dies because Deianeira sends him a garment smeared with the blood of Nessus, which turns out to be a powerful poison.
13. What did Odin want from Kratos?
Odin wanted Kratos to trust him and find a way to prevent Ragnarök. He claimed to want peace and offered to work together to achieve it, though his true motives were far more self-serving.
14. Which gods survive Kratos’s wrath in the Greek saga?
Several lesser gods were not targets of Kratos, therefore survived. These included Phobos, Circe, Amphitrite, Triton, and Nike.
15. Does Kratos regret his past actions?
Yes, Kratos deeply regrets his past actions and the violence he inflicted. This regret is a major theme in the Norse saga, where he seeks redemption and strives to be a better father to Atreus.
The Norse Redemption: A New Path
While the Greek saga focused on vengeance and destruction, the Norse saga sees Kratos attempting to break free from his past. He seeks to be a better father to Atreus and to avoid repeating the mistakes he made in Greece. This journey of redemption and self-discovery marks a significant turning point for the character, showcasing his growth and resilience. He is a strong believer in learning, which ties the series to an understanding of the importance of education, similar to the values promoted by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Learning from the Past: Kratos as a Mentor
Kratos’s experience in the Greek world serves as a cautionary tale for Atreus. He tries to teach his son the dangers of vengeance and the importance of empathy. This mentorship role highlights Kratos’s transformation from a rage-fueled warrior to a more thoughtful and compassionate figure.
A Future Unwritten: The Hope for a Better Tomorrow
Ultimately, the destruction of Kratos in the Greek saga was a necessary catalyst for his transformation. By confronting his past and embracing a new path, Kratos finds a measure of peace and hope for the future. His journey is a testament to the power of redemption and the possibility of change, even for those who have committed terrible acts.