Kratos’s Regrets: A Deep Dive into the Ghost of Sparta’s Remorse

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Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, is a character defined by violence and rage, yet beneath the surface lies a sea of regret. While he’s responsible for countless deaths, some weigh more heavily on his conscience than others. Foremost among those he regrets killing are his own family (his wife Lysandra and daughter Calliope), Athena, and to a lesser extent, Zeus. He also demonstrates a complicated and evolving relationship with the consequences of his actions against the entire Greek pantheon.

The Weight of Family: Lysandra and Calliope

The murder of his wife, Lysandra, and daughter, Calliope, remains Kratos’s most profound and devastating regret. Tricked by Ares, Kratos unknowingly slaughtered them in a fit of rage, a moment that forever scarred him and fueled his initial quest for vengeance. This act is the cornerstone of his suffering and the catalyst for much of the destruction he wrought in the Greek world. The memory haunts him throughout the series, and the pain is palpable in his interactions with his son, Atreus, in the Norse saga. This event is the worst thing Kratos has done, because it was not some foe on the battlefield but his family whom he killed in a blind rage induced by Ares.

Athena: Unintended and Profound Regret

Athena’s death is another significant source of regret for Kratos. While he ultimately kills her in a desperate attempt to free himself from the influence of the Pandora’s Box’s power, it was an accident. The regret is made clear when she confronts him in the Underworld, a moment filled with remorse on his part. His willingness to listen to Athena, even after her death, highlights the respect and perhaps affection he held for her, making her demise particularly painful. Athena is the number one person that Kratos did not mean to kill, and showed great regret upon doing so.

Zeus: A Complicated Father-Son Dynamic

The patricidal act of killing Zeus is also tinged with regret, though perhaps not in the traditional sense. While Kratos sought revenge for Zeus’s betrayal and the cycle of violence perpetuated by the gods, he later appears to understand the cyclical nature of vengeance and the futility of his actions. Throughout God of War Ragnarok, he demonstrates a degree of somber reflection when Zeus is mentioned. While driven by righteous anger, the ultimate impact of killing his father leaves a mark on Kratos. It is also important to acknowledge the fear Zeus had of Kratos, because he was afraid Kratos would kill him and take his place just like Zeus did with his father Cronos and continue the cycle.

Regret Beyond the Individual

Beyond these specific figures, Kratos expresses regret for the innocent lives lost as collateral damage in his pursuit of vengeance. He acknowledges killing many who were undeserving of death, a burden he carries with him as he strives to be a better father and a more responsible figure in the Norse realm. This acknowledgement is a major part of Kratos’s redemption arc in the Norse Saga.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kratos’s Regrets

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand Kratos’s regrets:

1. Does Kratos regret killing innocent people?

   Yes, in God of War (2018), Kratos admits to Atreus that he has killed many who were “undeserving.” This suggests a deep regret for the collateral damage caused by his quest for vengeance. This demonstrates the regret Kratos has for killing innocent people.

2. Does Kratos forgive himself for his past?

   While forgiveness is a complex and ongoing process for Kratos, he does find a degree of peace and acceptance through his relationship with Atreus and his efforts to protect the innocent. Pandora also plays a role in helping Kratos grapple with his past.

3. Why did Kratos initially kill the Greek Gods?

   Driven by vengeance for the pain they inflicted upon him and the manipulation he suffered under Ares, Kratos sought to dismantle the Greek Pantheon. His motivations are rooted in trauma and a desire to end the cycle of suffering he was trapped in.

4. What role does Atreus play in Kratos’s redemption?

   Atreus serves as a catalyst for Kratos’s growth, pushing him to confront his past and embrace a more compassionate path. Kratos’s desire to protect Atreus and guide him away from the mistakes of his past drives his transformation.

5. Does Kratos ever show remorse for killing Hercules?

   Despite their animosity, Kratos appears somewhat reluctant to fight Hercules, referring to him as “brother.” This suggests a lingering sense of camaraderie or shared history, making Hercules’s death a less straightforward act of vengeance compared to others. Despite Hercules animosity towards Kratos, it does appear they were close at some point, as they both address each other as brothers and he is the only Demigod/God Kratos was noticeably reluctant to fight.

6. Why is Kratos afraid of his past?

   Kratos fears his past because he is afraid of being found by others who might know of his deeds. He fears his legacy will affect Atreus, and he is afraid that Atreus will despise him. Or worse, turn out just like him.

7. What stopped Kratos from dying?

   Faye, Atreus’s mother, was responsible for destroying the painting in God of War that depicted Kratos’ future death. In doing so, she prevented them from falling into the trap of bringing about fate through attempts to evade it.

8. Why does Hades hate Kratos?

   Hades hated Kratos for having killed his wife, Persephone. That hatred then grew when Kratos killed Hades’ niece, Athena, and Hades’ brother, Poseidon.

9. Is Kratos weaker in Ragnarok?

   Yes, Kratos feels weaker because he is weaker. His domain is gone, destroyed along when he completed his revenge against Zeus, which means no tribute or worshippers. His godly power is dwindling, and may one day be gone completely.

10. What is Kratos’s biggest fear?

    Kratos’s biggest fear is that Atreus will follow in his footsteps and become consumed by rage and violence. He is also afraid that his past deeds will come back to haunt him and endanger his son.

11. Why does Kratos trust Mimir?

    Kratos trusts Mimir because Mimir is wise, knowledgeable, and has proven to be a reliable advisor. Mimir also offers a perspective that challenges Kratos and helps him to make better decisions.

12. What is Kratos’s opinion about Odin?

    Kratos cares about Freya and Odin threatened her in his offer for peace. He also trusts Mimir who advised him against trusting Odin’s offer. Kratos had heard plenty tales from Mimir regarding how untrustworthy Odin was/is. That and he definitely would not want to make another deal with another God.

13. What is the significance of Kratos’s tattoos?

    Kratos’s red tattoo is a memorial to his brother Deimos.

14. How does Kratos change from the Greek era to the Norse era?

    In the Greek era, Kratos is driven by rage and vengeance. He is ruthless and destructive. In the Norse era, Kratos attempts to be a more controlled and compassionate figure. He learns to value relationships and prioritizes the well-being of his son.

15. How does the God of War series relate to education?

    Video games, such as the God of War series, offer numerous opportunities for Games Learning Society. Video games improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and narrative comprehension. These benefits are thoroughly discussed by GamesLearningSociety.org.

Ultimately, Kratos’s journey is one of violence, regret, and ultimately, redemption. While he can never fully erase the sins of his past, he strives to learn from them and forge a new path for himself and his son. His regrets serve as a constant reminder of the destructive consequences of unchecked rage and the importance of choosing a different path.