Why Did Kratos Call Hercules Brother?
The relationship between Kratos and Hercules in the God of War series is complex, fraught with tension, and ultimately tragic. While both are powerful warriors and sons of Zeus, their connection goes beyond mere shared parentage. Kratos consistently refers to Hercules as his “brother,” despite their vastly different personalities and eventual conflict. This appellation isn’t just a matter of familial ties; it’s a recognition of their shared circumstances as demigods, their parallel struggles with the gods, and the deep-seated pain of having been used as pawns in the Olympian power games.
The most straightforward answer is that Kratos calls Hercules “brother” because they are indeed half-brothers. They share the same father, Zeus, who fathered them through separate encounters with mortal women. This shared lineage instantly creates a bond, albeit a twisted one. In Greek mythology and the context of the God of War universe, familial bonds are significant, often dictating alliances, rivalries, and destinies. The weight of these connections heavily influences the characters’ actions and motivations.
However, their brotherhood extends beyond just blood. Both Kratos and Hercules were manipulated by the gods, forced into brutal acts, and driven to madness. Hercules was driven to slay his wife and children by Hera, while Kratos was tricked into doing the same by Ares. This tragic parallel in their lives creates a kind of kinship. It’s a grim understanding forged in shared suffering. The pain of these events, the burdens of guilt, and the longing for redemption is a common thread that binds them. They’re not just siblings; they’re victims of the gods’ machinations.
Furthermore, Kratos’ recognition of Hercules as “brother” can be seen as a lament for what could have been. If their lives hadn’t been so entangled with the whims of the gods, perhaps they could have been true allies. It’s a nod to the shared burden of their lineage, a lineage that brought them immense power but also unimaginable suffering. This makes their eventual conflict in God of War III even more tragic. Kratos doesn’t kill Hercules out of hatred but out of necessity, because Hercules chooses to stand against him, further cementing the tragedy of their forced sibling rivalry. Despite the ultimate fight, the shared brotherly connection persists.
Kratos’ use of the term “brother” is thus multi-layered. It acknowledges the biological connection, reflects their shared trauma, and hints at the potential for a different relationship that was denied to them by the gods. It’s a term loaded with history, pain, and a quiet recognition of the tragic irony of their parallel destinies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Kratos and Hercules both Demigods?
Yes, both Kratos and Hercules are considered demigods in the God of War universe. They each have a mortal mother and a god as their father, specifically Zeus. This makes them hybrid beings with enhanced strength and abilities beyond those of normal humans, but not entirely divine like the gods of Olympus.
Why did Kratos Kill Hercules?
Kratos did not seek to kill Hercules. Kratos tried to reason with Hercules, warning him against siding with the gods, particularly as their era was nearing its end. Ultimately, Hercules chose to fight Kratos, and in the ensuing combat, Kratos was forced to kill him in self-defense. Thus, the fight was not motivated by hatred but by the circumstance of their conflict.
Is Kratos Based on Hercules?
Kratos is not solely based on Hercules, but Heracles (the Greek version of Hercules) is a significant influence. While he draws inspiration from several Greek heroes like Perseus, Theseus, and Achilles, the parallels with Heracles in terms of strength, rage, and tragic backstory are evident. The God of War series often borrows and reinterprets various elements of Greek mythology, making Kratos a composite figure of different heroes rather than a carbon copy of any one.
Why is Hercules Called Hercules instead of Heracles?
The name Hercules is the Romanized version of the Greek name Heracles. In Greek mythology, the hero’s name is Heracles. The Romans adopted the myth and adapted the name to fit their language. Hence, in many works of fiction, and often in the Western world, the Roman name Hercules is used, while scholars and those speaking of the original Greek legends will use Heracles. The God of War series, in its later games, uses both terms for a more accurate representation of the character.
Why does Kratos Call Mimir Brother in God of War Ragnarok?
Kratos calls Mimir “brother” in God of War Ragnarok not because they are biologically related, but because of the strong bond of friendship, loyalty, and shared experiences they’ve forged over their shared adventures. It’s a sign of deep respect and affection, signifying a brotherhood built on trust and kinship rather than blood. This signifies the idea that family can be chosen rather than just based on blood relation.
Why did Hera Hate Hercules?
Hera hated Hercules because he was a constant reminder of her husband Zeus’s infidelity. Hercules was the offspring of Zeus and a mortal woman, and Hera, Zeus’s wife, was notoriously jealous. Her hatred fueled many of the trials and tribulations that Hercules faced, as she constantly tried to undermine him and make his life miserable.
Did Zeus Love Hercules?
The relationship between Zeus and Hercules is complex and not a typical loving father-son relationship. While Zeus acknowledged Hercules and often sent him on heroic quests, he didn’t show the sort of familial warmth and intimacy that would qualify as love. Their interaction is characterized more by a mutual respect than genuine affection, and Zeus is more of a distant figure in Hercules’s life.
Who Can Beat Kratos?
The question of who can beat Kratos is highly debated. Many powerful characters from various fictional universes are theorized to be capable of defeating him. Some frequently mentioned contenders include Goku, Alucard, Ōnoki, and Anos Voldigoad, each boasting powers that could potentially counter Kratos’ strength and abilities. These characters’ powers often include god-like abilities which would present a formidable match up.
What is Kratos’s Full Name?
While the official canon doesn’t give Kratos a full name beyond his first name, the name John Kratos was popularized as an inside joke on the internet and was eventually jokingly canonized by PlayStation. Therefore, the full name “John Kratos” is not an official part of the lore but is widely recognized by fans.
Who did Kratos Regret Killing?
Throughout the God of War series, Kratos shows the most regret for killing his own family, specifically his wife and child in the past. While he doesn’t outwardly show it, he also harbors significant regret over killing Zeus due to the impact it had on the world. The emotional consequences of his actions haunt him for a long time, demonstrating a deep-seated remorse.
Why Does Kratos Hate Gods?
Kratos’s hatred of the gods stems from their betrayal and manipulation of him. He served the Olympian gods faithfully for a decade, but was ultimately treated as a disposable pawn. He resented their lack of respect and felt exploited, driving his relentless quest for vengeance against them. He was used, then discarded, leaving behind a deep resentment.
Why Did Kratos Kill Himself?
In the final act of God of War III, Kratos kills himself to release the powerful essence of “Hope” that he unknowingly acquired from Pandora’s Box. By releasing “Hope” into the world, he believes he can bring an end to the chaos he unleashed by killing the gods, though this act leaves the world even more uncertain.
Who is Stronger, Zeus or Hercules?
In most mythological accounts, Hercules possesses greater physical strength than Zeus. Though Zeus is a king of the gods, Hercules is often considered the strongest Olympian. This is also true in the Marvel Comics, where Hercules has demonstrated feats exceeding Zeus. The God of War series follows a similar dynamic, portraying Hercules as incredibly powerful.
Who is Kratos’s Biological Brother?
Deimos is Kratos’s biological brother. He was taken by the gods as a young boy, an event that fueled some of Kratos’s rage and quest for vengeance. The relationship between them is steeped in tragedy, as they both suffered terrible fates at the hands of the gods.
Why did Kratos Call His Son Atreus?
Kratos named his son Atreus as a gesture that aims to be relatable to players. The name reflects the feelings of parents and children, and the complexities of their relationship. This is meant to encourage players to understand both the child’s perspective, and the parent’s perspective, as they find their place in the story. It also is an opportunity for players to be able to understand the story, whether they are a parent, a child, or someone in between.