Kratos’ Fury Unleashed: Unpacking the Hera Incident in God of War 3
Kratos’ animosity towards Hera, the Queen of the Gods, culminated in a brutal act of violence in God of War 3. While their interaction was brief, the tension was palpable. Kratos’ rage was ignited by Hera’s condescending attitude, blatant disdain for him, and her insulting remarks regarding Pandora. Hera referred to Pandora as a whore, which infuriated Kratos, triggering his protective instincts towards her. The confluence of these factors led to Kratos’ ultimate act of vengeance, underscoring the depth of his hatred for the Olympian Gods and their arrogance.
Unveiling the Queen’s Contempt
Hera’s character in God of War 3 is one of supreme arrogance and entitlement. As Zeus’ wife and Queen of Olympus, she saw herself as above everyone else, particularly the mortal Kratos. She treated him with open contempt, viewing him as nothing more than a tool to be used and discarded. This lack of respect, coupled with her general cruelty, fueled Kratos’ anger.
Hera’s Cruel Words and Their Impact
The final straw was Hera’s demeaning comments about Pandora. Pandora was crucial to Kratos’ quest, and he had formed a paternal bond with her, reminiscent of his lost daughter. Hera’s insults weren’t just directed at Pandora; they were a personal attack on Kratos’ growing sense of hope and his attempt to find redemption. This direct assault on someone he cared about pushed Kratos over the edge.
Kratos’ Boiling Point: Years of Betrayal
It’s crucial to remember that Kratos’ fury towards Hera wasn’t an isolated incident. It was the result of years of betrayal and manipulation by the Olympian Gods. For a decade, Kratos served them faithfully, only to be treated as a pawn and denied the peace he craved. He felt used, abused, and ultimately disposable.
The God’s Deception: A History of Trauma
The gods had promised Kratos that his nightmares would cease after his service to them was complete, yet they continued, reminding him of his past sins and fueling his rage. This betrayal by the gods was the ultimate trigger, pushing Kratos into a state of perpetual anger and vengeance.
The Pandora Connection: A Trigger for Protection
Pandora’s presence in God of War 3 acted as a catalyst for Kratos’ repressed paternal instincts. She reminded him of his daughter, and he desperately wanted to protect her from the same fate. Hera’s insults towards Pandora touched upon Kratos’ deepest fears and insecurities, leading to an explosive reaction.
Protecting the Innocent: A Glimmer of Hope
Kratos’ desire to protect Pandora was more than just paternal instinct; it was a sign of his growing humanity. He was beginning to care for someone other than himself, a rare occurrence in his life of violence and vengeance. Hera’s actions threatened this newfound hope, leading to a violent outburst.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kratos and the Gods
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Kratos and the Gods:
1. Why was Kratos so mad at the gods in general?
For a decade, Kratos faithfully served the Olympian Gods, yet he felt like they didn’t care about him or respect him, despite him doing their bidding. Plus, he felt like he was just a pawn to be manipulated and would, ultimately, be killed off once he had outlived his usefulness.
2. Why does Kratos care so much about Pandora?
In his quest to kill Zeus, Kratos bonds with Pandora, who reminds him of his daughter. Through that bond, he begins to develop hope that he may finally be able to forgive himself, only to watch her die as Zeus mocks him for failing to save anyone who gets close to him.
3. Why does Kratos hate his wolves in God of War Ragnarök?
Kratos doesn’t like being nice to his wolves because they remind him of his brother, Deimos.
4. Why did Thor think Kratos was holding back in their fight?
Thor sensed that Kratos was actively keeping his emotions in check. Kratos’ anger only surfaced fully at the end of the fight. Mimir also pointed out that Heimdall recognized this restraint in Kratos.
5. Why can’t Kratos hold Mjölnir?
The developers felt that Mjolnir was too obvious a weapon for Kratos. They believed that the Draupnir Spear, which requires precision and represents “his will as a general with a thinking mindset,” better suited the character.
6. Why didn’t Thor heal from his fight with Kratos?
Thor’s wound festered due to Jormungandr’s venom, which was imbued in the Leviathan Axe that Kratos wielded.
7. Does Kratos feel regret for killing Zeus?
Throughout the games, Kratos seems to regret killing Zeus. He becomes solemn, quiet, and sometimes defensive whenever Zeus is brought up.
8. Which god does Kratos hate the most?
Kratos doesn’t “hate” all the gods. He primarily hated Ares and Zeus. He merely disliked the others.
9. Why does Kratos hate Athena?
Kratos eventually becomes fed up with the Gods and Athena during Ghost of Sparta, where he learns that his brother is alive. Athena attempted to stop Kratos from entering the place known as the Domain of Death, but failed as he killed Thanoatos, and lost his brother during the battle.
10. Why did Kratos refuse Odin’s offer in God of War Ragnarök?
Kratos refused Odin’s offer because he cares about Freya, whom Odin threatened. He also trusts Mimir, who advised him against trusting Odin’s offer due to his untrustworthy nature.
11. Who does Kratos regret killing the most?
Athena is the one person that Kratos did not mean to kill, and he showed great regret upon doing so.
12. Did any Greek gods survive Kratos’ rampage?
Yes, Kratos did not kill all the gods. Close to a dozen Olympians managed to survive his path of destruction.
13. Why did Zeus fear Kratos?
Zeus feared that Kratos would kill him and take his place, just as Zeus had done with his father Cronos, thus continuing the cycle of patricide. Additionally, Kratos was destroying cities and wreaking havoc in Olympus, mirroring the actions of Ares.
14. Why is Kratos’ skin white?
As the temple burned, a village oracle cursed Kratos and condemned him to wear the “mark of his terrible deed”: the ashes of his family, which turned his skin pale white, earning him the title “Ghost of Sparta.”
15. What is Kratos’ biggest weakness?
Kratos’ rage, while a great strength, is also his greatest weakness. It can cloud his judgment and lead him to make rash decisions. As the Games Learning Society website explains, understanding character motivations and weaknesses, even in fictional narratives, helps us understand human behavior and decision-making in real-world situations. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
The Legacy of Vengeance
Kratos’ actions against Hera highlight the destructive consequences of unchecked anger and the cycle of vengeance. While his rage was fueled by betrayal and manipulation, it ultimately led him down a path of violence and destruction. The incident with Hera serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of succumbing to anger and the importance of seeking redemption. Through the lens of interactive storytelling, The Games Learning Society shows how we can critically think about decision making in the face of great challenges.