Who Killed the God of War? The Murky History of Kratos’s Titles
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The question, “Who killed the God of War?” isn’t as straightforward as it seems. The answer hinges on which God of War we’re talking about, and how “killed” is defined. In the original God of War, Kratos himself kills Ares, the original Greek God of War. However, Kratos’s own tenure as God of War is short-lived, making the question much more complex. While Zeus doesn’t directly kill Kratos while he is the God of War, he does weaken him and trick him into abandoning his godly powers, leading to Kratos’s eventual “death” at Zeus’s hand. Therefore, the most direct answer is: Kratos killed Ares to become the God of War, and Zeus effectively stripped Kratos of his power as the God of War, leading to Kratos’s death. This started Kratos on his path of revenge, making the entire series possible.
The Cycle of Vengeance and Deicide
Kratos’s journey is one of relentless vengeance and deicide. Fueled by betrayal and a desire to break free from the manipulations of the gods, he leaves a trail of fallen deities in his wake. His story isn’t just a tale of brute force; it’s a tragedy of a warrior manipulated into destroying everything he held dear.
From Spartan Warrior to God of War
Kratos begins as a skilled Spartan warrior, indebted to Ares. Ares, in an effort to create the ultimate warrior, tricks Kratos into slaughtering his own family. This act shatters Kratos, binding him to the Blades of Chaos and driving him on a quest for vengeance against the very god who orchestrated his suffering. He then kills Ares, thus becoming the God of War, an act that places him directly into the Olympian political games.
The Fall from Olympus
Becoming the God of War doesn’t bring Kratos peace. He continues to be manipulated by the Olympian gods, leading to further destruction and ultimately, betrayal by Zeus. Zeus, fearing a prophecy of his own demise at the hands of his son, weakens Kratos and then kills him, setting off the events of God of War II and God of War III. This act of treachery fuels Kratos’s desire for ultimate revenge, turning him against the entire Olympian pantheon.
The Norse Saga: A Path to Redemption?
The Norse saga of God of War sees Kratos in a different light. He is older, burdened by his past, and attempting to be a father to Atreus. While the rage is still there, it’s tempered by a desire to protect his son and to prevent history from repeating itself. This new chapter introduces a new pantheon and new challenges, but the core theme of grappling with the consequences of violence remains. Despite his initial reluctance, Kratos eventually fights and kills many gods and monsters in the Norse realm, showing that some things never change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kratos and Deicide
1. Who was the first god Kratos killed?
The first god Kratos definitively kills in the series is Ares, the original Greek God of War. While he may have battled other minor deities or creatures beforehand, Ares marks the true beginning of his god-slaying spree. However, in God of War III, the first god he battles and kills is Poseidon.
2. How many gods has Kratos killed?
The exact number is debated, but it’s estimated that Kratos has killed at least 23 gods and demigods across the Greek and Norse pantheons. This number can fluctuate depending on how “god” is defined within the games.
3. Why did Kratos kill Zeus?
Kratos killed Zeus for several reasons: revenge for Zeus’s betrayal, the prevention of a cycle of patricide and manipulation, and to free himself from the influence of the Olympian gods. Athena also tells Kratos that he was compelled to kill Zeus, just as Zeus did to Cronos.
4. Can anyone defeat Kratos?
While Kratos is incredibly powerful, certain fictional characters possess abilities that could potentially defeat him. Characters like Goku, with his immense power levels, or beings with reality-altering abilities, could pose a significant threat. However, much of this depends on the specific rules and context of the hypothetical fight.
5. Did Kratos spare any gods?
Yes, Kratos did not kill every god. Several Olympians managed to survive his rampage. In the Norse saga, he also shows more restraint, choosing to spare some characters, demonstrating growth and a change in his approach.
6. Is Atreus a god?
Atreus is a complex being. He is part god (through his father, Kratos) and part giant (through his mother, Faye). He is also known by the Norse name Loki.
7. How old is Kratos?
Kratos’s exact age is difficult to pinpoint, but it’s estimated that he is over 1,000 years old by the time of God of War: Ragnarök. His demigod nature grants him extended longevity.
8. How did Kratos survive killing himself?
Kratos’s survival after attempting suicide with the Blade of Olympus is attributed to his immortality as a demigod turned god, coupled with the “curse” that he can never truly die for his sins. The River Styx probably has something to do with it too.
9. Is Kratos a full god?
Kratos is a demigod by birth (son of Zeus), but he becomes a full god after killing Ares and taking his place as the God of War. He later loses his godhood but retains considerable power due to his lineage and experiences.
10. What god is Kratos now?
By the end of the Norse saga, Kratos is no longer explicitly the God of War. He has seemingly transcended that title and is more of a protector and guide.
11. Does Kratos regret killing gods?
Yes, Kratos shows significant regret for his past actions, especially in the Norse games. He acknowledges the destruction he caused and seeks redemption by trying to prevent a similar path for Atreus.
12. What is Kratos’s full name?
While often joked about, there’s no official full name for Kratos within the game lore. The name “John Kratos” originated as a joke on Twitter but gained traction within the fanbase.
13. Why does Kratos call Atreus “boy”?
The reason why Kratos refers to Atreus as “boy” stemmed from the developers’ inability to agree on Atreus’ name during the early stages of development. In the end, it became a popular meme for the game’s fans and made Kratos all the more endearing.
14. What makes Kratos such a compelling character?
Kratos’s character arc is compelling because of his journey from a rage-filled warrior driven by vengeance to a father figure grappling with his past. He makes mistakes, shows vulnerability, and tries to be better, making him a relatable character despite his godlike powers.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational value of video games?
You can explore the benefits of game-based learning and the use of games in education by visiting the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.