Unmasking the Ghost of Sparta: Who is Kratos Based Off Of?
The iconic video game character, Kratos, from the God of War series, is a complex figure steeped in mythology. While not a direct 1:1 adaptation of any single Greek god or hero, his design and story draw inspiration from various sources. Kratos is primarily based on the concept of strength and rage, echoing both the divine personification of Kratos in Greek mythology and the traits of multiple legendary Greek heroes, most notably Heracles (known as Hercules in Roman mythology). However, it’s crucial to understand that Kratos is a unique character, built upon these foundations but ultimately distinct. His brutal nature and tragic narrative are a blend of various mythological archetypes, resulting in a character that is both familiar and refreshingly original.
The Divine Personification vs. The Fictional Warrior
In Greek mythology, Kratos, or Cratos, is not a god in the traditional sense, but rather the divine personification of strength and power. He is the son of the Titan Pallas and the Oceanid Styx and is often depicted as an attendant to Zeus. He embodies raw, unwavering force, alongside his siblings, Nike (victory), Bia (force), and Zelus (zeal). This mythological Kratos is less a character and more an abstract concept made manifest.
The video game Kratos, on the other hand, is a warrior and demigod. While his name directly refers to this divine personification, his character arc is a far more nuanced exploration of rage, vengeance, and, eventually, redemption. He’s not simply a walking embodiment of strength; he’s a character burdened by his past and struggling to forge a different future.
The Heraclean Influence
The influence of Heracles on Kratos is undeniable. Like Heracles, Kratos is a figure of immense strength, known for his brutal efficiency in battle. Both characters are forced to perform terrible acts, including killing their own families, due to manipulation by others. Both seek redemption for their actions and ultimately achieve a form of divinity.
The 12 Labors of Heracles provide a framework for Kratos’s initial journey of penance and his struggles against gods and monsters. Similar to how Heracles endured immense suffering and accomplished impossible tasks, Kratos continually faces seemingly insurmountable challenges in his pursuit of vengeance and eventual peace. While Heracles is more of a muscle-bound, honorable hero, Kratos has a far darker and more tragic background, showcasing the series’ exploration of the darker side of heroism and the consequences of godly interference.
Other Mythological Echoes
While Heracles is perhaps the most influential figure, Kratos also resonates with other heroes. His cunning and ruthless approach sometimes recall Odysseus. The tragic arc and vengeance of Kratos also borrow themes from figures like Orestes, who avenges his father, Agamemnon. Elements of Perseus’ courage and Theseus’ determination are also evident in Kratos’s personality.
The games also explore the idea of a hero being manipulated by the gods, a common theme in Greek mythology, further cementing Kratos’ place within the pantheon of tragic heroes. He is, essentially, a culmination of archetypal heroes, molded into a unique character with a tragic and captivating story arc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Kratos a God?
Initially, Kratos is a demigod, a Spartan warrior and the son of Zeus. He ascends to become the God of War after killing Ares. However, he relinquishes this title by the time he leaves the Greek world, moving to the Norse lands. In the Norse games, he is treated more as a very powerful being than a god, though he still has godly blood.
2. What is Kratos’s full name?
The name “John Kratos” originated as a joke by a gaming editor on Twitter but was later canonized by PlayStation. However, Kratos’s primary given name is simply “Kratos”.
3. How old is Kratos?
By the time of God of War Ragnarök, it is estimated that Kratos is approximately 1,055 years old. This is based on educated guesses and the events in the games.
4. Why is Kratos pale?
Kratos’s pale skin is a result of a curse he received from a village oracle. After he was tricked into killing his family, the ashes of his wife and daughter clung to his skin, giving him the “mark of his terrible deed” and earning him the title “Ghost of Sparta.”
5. How tall is Kratos?
In the Greek games, Kratos was roughly 7 feet 8 inches (2.34 meters) tall. In the Norse games, he is depicted as slightly shorter, about 6 feet 4 inches (1.94 meters) tall.
6. Who is Atreus based on?
Atreus, Kratos’s son, is not directly based on a single mythological figure. However, the name itself comes from Greek legend – Atreus was the King of Mycenae. In the game, Atreus also takes the mantle of Loki, a figure from Norse mythology.
7. How many times has Kratos died?
Throughout the original trilogy, Kratos has died and been revived three times. These were mainly during the Greek saga. He experiences additional “deaths” in the Norse games, but they do not usually involve permanent mortal demise in the traditional sense.
8. Who is stronger, Kratos or Goku?
This question is a frequent debate among fans. While Goku has a significant advantage in speed and energy-based attacks, Kratos is often shown to have more sheer physical strength and a stronger ability to withstand punishment. It often comes down to the specific feats of each character at their strongest point.
9. What god is more powerful than Kratos?
Within the Greek pantheon, Zeus was considered more powerful than Kratos at the start of the God of War series. Ultimately, Kratos defeats him. In mythology, though, Kratos serves Zeus, and he is not a major figure.
10. How much can Kratos lift?
Kratos has performed many impressive feats of strength in the games. He has been shown lifting millions of tons, such as 9 realms and the hand of Cronos.
11. Has Kratos ever lost a fight?
Yes, Kratos has lost fights. He notably loses to Thor early in God of War Ragnarök, and in God of War II, he is killed by Zeus at the beginning, though he manages to escape from the underworld and return.
12. Why does Kratos hate the gods?
Kratos hates the gods for manipulating him and causing him immense suffering. They treated him as a pawn, using him to serve their interests and ultimately betraying him, which led to the death of his family and his suffering, and a desire to be free from their control.
13. Did Kratos spare any Greek gods?
Yes, Kratos did spare a few lesser gods, including Phobos (god of fear), Circe (goddess of magic), Amphitrite (Queen of the Sea), Triton (god of the waves), and Nike (god of victory). These gods were not seen as significant threats or did not stand in direct opposition to Kratos’s path.
14. Who killed Kratos permanently?
While Kratos is defeated and seemingly killed a few times, in the God of War games, he has not been permanently killed. He manages to come back each time. In his journey, Kratos is never killed permanently.
15. Is Kratos actually in Norse mythology?
Kratos is not a character in actual Norse mythology. The Norse stories in God of War are a continuation of his fictional saga, where he journeys to a new land. The developers have drawn from mythological sources, but Kratos’s presence is within the game’s own interpretation.