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Kratos’ First Foe: Unpacking the Beginning of the God of War

Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, has faced countless foes throughout his long and bloody journey, from gods and Titans to monsters of myth. However, his first truly significant enemy, the one who set him on his path of vengeance and ultimately shaped his destiny, was Ares, the Greek God of War.

The Genesis of a God Killer

Ares’ Manipulation and the Tragic Pact

The relationship between Kratos and Ares is crucial to understanding the entire God of War saga. Kratos, a formidable Spartan general, found himself on the brink of defeat against a vastly superior barbarian horde. Desperate, he made a pact with Ares, pledging his life and service in exchange for the power to vanquish his enemies. Ares answered, granting Kratos the legendary Blades of Chaos, which were permanently chained to his arms, forever marking him as Ares’ chosen warrior.

The Ultimate Betrayal

Fueled by Ares’ power, Kratos decimated the barbarians and became an unstoppable force. He served Ares faithfully, carrying out his brutal will without question. However, Ares had a far more sinister purpose in mind. To fully sever Kratos’ ties to his former life and mold him into the perfect, unfeeling warrior, Ares orchestrated a tragedy of unspeakable horror. He led Kratos to a village inhabited by worshipers of Athena, who was Ares rival. Blinded by rage, Kratos unwittingly slaughtered everyone within the village, including his own wife, Lysandra, and daughter, Calliope.

This horrific act, planned and executed by Ares, resulted in Kratos being forever haunted by the ashes of his family, earning him the title “Ghost of Sparta.” Consumed by guilt, rage, and a burning desire for revenge, Kratos vowed to destroy Ares, marking the true beginning of his god-killing spree. Ares, in essence, weaponized Kratos pain, making him the most efficient killer known to man at the cost of his humanity.

The Road to Revenge

Following the tragedy, Kratos renounced his allegiance to Ares and sought redemption through serving the Olympian gods. However, his nightmares and the indelible mark of his past haunted him relentlessly. Kratos ultimately realized that true peace could only be achieved by confronting Ares and avenging his family. This quest for revenge forms the core narrative of the original God of War game, culminating in a climactic battle where Kratos finally defeats Ares, but only at the cost of his own soul. The victory is a pyrrhic one, leaving Kratos to face the weight of his actions and the grim reality of his existence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kratos and His Enemies

Here are some frequently asked questions about Kratos and the enemies he faces throughout the God of War franchise:

Who does Kratos fight first in the Norse saga?

While Baldur is the first boss Kratos encounters in the 2018 God of War, he faces numerous Draugr and other lesser enemies before that initial confrontation.
Who is Kratos’s most formidable enemy?

That’s a matter of debate! Many would say Zeus, given their tumultuous history and epic battles across multiple games. Others might argue for Sigrun, the Valkyrie Queen, due to her overwhelming difficulty in the 2018 game. Ultimately, the “most formidable” enemy is subjective and depends on individual player experience.
Is Baldur truly immortal?

Baldur is described as being invulnerable due to a spell cast by his mother, Freya. However, this invulnerability is broken by mistletoe, which becomes his weakness. So, while he initially seems immortal, he can ultimately be killed.
Why did Ares want Kratos as his warrior?

Ares desired a powerful and ruthless warrior to serve as his champion and further his ambition to overthrow Zeus and rule Olympus. He saw Kratos’ potential for brutality and manipulated him into becoming the perfect weapon. Ares goal was to replace his father as king of the gods, and he thought Kratos could help him with that.
What are the Blades of Chaos?

The Blades of Chaos are a pair of chained blades imbued with fire, forged in the depths of the underworld by Ares. They are the primary weapon Kratos wields in the early God of War games, symbolizing his servitude to Ares and his reliance on rage and violence.
Does Kratos ever find peace?

Finding true peace is a recurring theme throughout the God of War series. While Kratos struggles with his past and the consequences of his actions, he begins to find a measure of peace and purpose in the Norse saga, particularly through his relationship with his son, Atreus.
Who is Atreus in relation to Kratos?

Atreus is Kratos’s son. In the Norse saga, their relationship is central to the story, as Kratos attempts to guide and protect Atreus while grappling with his own troubled past and the challenges of being a father.
What is Kratos’s ultimate goal in the Norse games?

In the Norse games, Kratos’s primary goal is to protect Atreus and help him navigate his destiny. He is also trying to prevent Ragnarök, the end of the world in Norse mythology. Kratos also wishes to be a better person overall, and keep his rage in check.
How old is Kratos during God of War Ragnarok?

According to most sources, Kratos is approximately 1,055 years old in God of War Ragnarök. This accounts for his time as a Spartan warrior, his service to the gods, his time in self-imposed exile, and the time that has passed since he entered the Norse realms.
What are Kratos’s primary weapons in the Norse saga?

While he initially uses the Leviathan Axe, a weapon forged by the dwarves Brok and Sindri and imbued with ice, Kratos eventually reclaims the Blades of Chaos as well. He utilizes both weapons throughout the Norse saga, each offering different combat styles and advantages.
Who is the most difficult Valkyrie to defeat in God of War (2018)?

Most players consider Sigrun, the Valkyrie Queen, the most challenging Valkyrie to defeat in God of War (2018). Her diverse attack patterns and relentless aggression make her a formidable opponent.
Did Kratos kill all of the Greek Gods?

While Kratos killed many prominent Greek gods, he didn’t kill all of them. Some lesser gods, such as Phobos and Circe, survived his rampage. The story focused on the major players in the pantheon.
What makes Kratos such a compelling character?

Kratos is compelling because of his complex character arc. He begins as a rage-filled warrior driven by vengeance but evolves into a more nuanced and thoughtful character, grappling with his past and trying to be a better father. His internal struggles and his attempts at redemption resonate with players. The fact that he is so strong also helps him to overcome difficult enemies.
What are some examples of Kratos’s weaknesses?

Kratos’s greatest weakness is arguably his rage. While it makes him strong, it also clouds his judgment and leads him to make mistakes. He is also vulnerable when it comes to his son, Atreus, as his love for him can be exploited by his enemies. Kratos’s past haunts him, and he is concerned with keeping Atreus from being like him.
What can video games teach us, and where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?

Video games can teach us a wide range of skills, from problem-solving and critical thinking to teamwork and creativity. They can also provide immersive experiences that promote empathy and understanding. To learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Was Kratos afraid of anyone or anything?

In the Norse saga, Kratos is seen being afraid of the unknown future for his son Atreus, and what Atreus may do, or who Atreus may become. In this aspect Kratos is a more sympathetic character.

The legacy of Kratos and the enemies he defeats will continue to enthrall players for years to come.

Who is Kratos first enemy?