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The Tragedy of Lysandra: Why Kratos Killed His Wife

Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, is a figure defined by immense power and unspeakable tragedy. The most defining of these tragedies is undoubtedly the murder of his wife, Lysandra, and his daughter, Calliope. Kratos did not intentionally kill them. He was tricked and manipulated by Ares, the God of War. Ares, seeking to create the perfect warrior, orchestrated events that placed Lysandra and Calliope in a village Kratos was attacking. Under Ares’ influence, Kratos was consumed by a berserker rage and, in his blindness, slaughtered everyone within a Temple of Athena, including his own family. This act, a direct result of Ares’ treachery, cemented Kratos’ eternal torment and fueled his initial quest for vengeance.

The Orchestration of Tragedy: Ares’ Cruel Design

Ares’ ambition knew no bounds. He desired a champion, a warrior devoid of weakness, wholly devoted to destruction and conquest. Kratos, a skilled Spartan general, possessed the potential, but Ares perceived sentimentality as a crippling flaw.

Manipulating the Spartan Rage

To break Kratos, Ares devised a plan of unparalleled cruelty. During an attack on a village of Athena worshipers, Ares amplified Kratos’ already considerable rage, clouding his judgment and making him susceptible to bloodlust. Unknown to Kratos, Ares transported his wife and daughter into the Temple of Athena within that very village.

Blinded by Bloodlust, Driven to Despair

Consumed by this unnatural rage, Kratos stormed the temple, slaughtering all within. Only after the bloodbath subsided did the horrifying truth dawn upon him: he had murdered his own family. This moment became the catalyst for Kratos’ unending suffering.

The Marks of Grief

As a final torment, the Village Oracle bound the ashes of Lysandra and Calliope to Kratos’ skin, marking him for life and earning him the title “The Ghost of Sparta”. This permanent reminder of his deed served as a constant source of agony and shame.

Beyond Vengeance: The Weight of Regret

Kratos’ initial reaction to the tragedy was a burning desire for vengeance. He vowed to kill Ares, and he succeeded, becoming the new God of War. However, this victory brought no solace. The weight of his actions continued to haunt him, shaping his character and influencing his decisions for centuries to come.

The Haunting Past and the Search for Redemption

Throughout his subsequent adventures, Kratos grappled with the consequences of his past. He sought redemption, not just through violence, but through protecting those he cared for and preventing others from suffering the same fate as his family.

A New Beginning, a Different Path

His eventual relocation to Midgard and his relationship with Faye and their son, Atreus, offered a chance for a new beginning. Though haunted by the ghosts of his past, Kratos strived to be a better father than Zeus was to him.

Lessons Learned, Burdens Carried

His past still shaped him, but Kratos learned to control his rage and prioritize the well-being of those he loved. He never forgot Lysandra and Calliope, and their memory served as a constant reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked power and manipulation. Kratos’ story is a tragic one, and it can be studied to reveal many issues with video games and their impact on players. The Games Learning Society researches this topic. At GamesLearningSociety.org you can learn a great deal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Kratos and his family:

Did Kratos love his wife, Lysandra? Yes, despite his outwardly gruff demeanor, Kratos deeply loved Lysandra. She represented a grounding force in his life and provided him with a sense of peace amidst the chaos of war.
How did Kratos feel after killing his family? Kratos was devastated and consumed by guilt and rage. The act haunted him for the rest of his life, driving him to seek vengeance and ultimately influencing his decisions in later years.
Why did Ares want Kratos to kill his family? Ares’ motivation was to sever Kratos’ emotional attachments and transform him into a ruthless and unstoppable warrior, completely devoted to Ares’ will.
Did Kratos ever forgive himself for killing his family? It’s unlikely Kratos ever fully forgave himself. He carried the burden of his actions throughout his life, constantly striving to atone for his past.
What happened to Lysandra and Calliope’s souls? The game suggests they found peace in the afterlife, though Kratos was forced to leave Calliope behind when his quest threatened the world.
How did Kratos become the God of War? After killing Ares, Kratos inherited his position, becoming the new God of War. However, he quickly grew disillusioned with the role.
Why did Kratos hate Zeus? Kratos’ hatred for Zeus stemmed from Zeus’ betrayal and fear that Kratos would overthrow him, just as Zeus had overthrown his own father, Cronos. Furthermore, Kratos learned that Zeus was his father and had abandoned him.
Who is Atreus’ mother? Atreus’ mother is Faye, a Jötunn (giant) who chose to live among the mortals in Midgard. She played a significant role in shaping the events of the Norse saga.
Is Atreus a god? Atreus is half god (from Kratos) and half giant (from Faye). He also has the name Loki, as was his mothers wish.
Did Kratos lose his daughter Calliope permanently? Yes, Kratos ultimately had to leave Calliope in the afterlife to save the world, a sacrifice that deeply affected him.
Who is Kratos’ favorite wife? While both Lysandra and Faye were important figures in Kratos’ life, Faye is arguably presented as having a deeper and more impactful relationship with him.
Can Kratos kill any god? Kratos has demonstrated the ability to kill numerous gods from different pantheons, suggesting he is a threat to virtually any deity.
How many times has Kratos died? Kratos has died and been revived multiple times throughout the series, often through sheer willpower and determination.
Does Kratos love Atreus? Yes, Kratos deeply loves Atreus, although he struggles to express his affection openly. His actions consistently demonstrate his care and concern for his son’s well-being.
Will Sindri forgive Atreus? It is unknown whether Sindri will eventually forgive Atreus. He continues to struggle with the loss of his brother Brok and what he feels is Atreus’ hand in it.

Why did Kratos killed his wife?