Why Does Anger Make Atreus Sick in God of War?
Atreus’s sickness, triggered by overwhelming anger and emotional distress, is a direct consequence of the conflict between his dual nature as both a god and a mortal. He is the son of Kratos, a god from Greece, and Faye, a giant from Jotunheim. Throughout the 2018 God of War game, Atreus is unaware of his divine heritage, believing himself to be simply a mortal boy. This misconception creates a profound internal struggle. When powerful emotions, particularly anger, surge within him, his nascent godlike powers flare up uncontrollably. This surge manifests as physical illness because his mortal perception can’t properly regulate the immense power trying to express itself. It’s essentially his body and mind rejecting a reality (mortality) that is fundamentally untrue, leading to the sickness we observe.
The Internal Conflict Explained
Godhood vs. Mortality
Atreus’s sickness isn’t a random ailment; it’s a direct symptom of his repressed godhood. Think of it like trying to contain a volcano with a teacup. The sheer force trying to break free causes immense pressure, manifesting as the coughing, weakness, and overall sickness. This is amplified by his belief that he is mortal, further complicating his ability to control his abilities.
The Role of Emotions
Anger, a potent emotion, acts as a catalyst, amplifying the imbalance within Atreus. As the game progresses and Atreus becomes more aware of his true nature, he starts to gain better control over his emotions and, consequently, his powers. This leads to a gradual reduction in the frequency and severity of his illness. Kratos’s guidance is also essential in helping Atreus navigate his feelings and understand his capabilities. This emotional regulation is not just about avoiding sickness but also about mastering his potential as a powerful being.
Connection to Kratos
The comparison to Kratos is significant. While Kratos possessed immense power, he was always aware of his godhood, even if he initially struggled to control it. Atreus, on the other hand, begins from a position of ignorance and misunderstanding, making his journey towards mastering his powers far more challenging. This difference in experience directly contributes to the stark contrast in their reactions to the surge of godly energy. It shows how the perception of one’s own self can influence the impact of inherent abilities, a theme explored in the game. You might even say that the game explores pedagogical issues of how a parent can provide emotional help and guidance to their child. Learn more about the intersection of games and learning at the Games Learning Society conference or website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Did Atreus have anger issues?
Much like his father, Kratos, Atreus does display moments of anger throughout the game. However, his “anger issues” are complicated by his internal struggle to control his emerging godlike powers. It’s not just about being angry; it’s about the immense energy that anger unleashes within him.
2. Why does the weather change when Atreus gets mad?
The game suggests that the changing weather could be related to Atreus’s powerful nature. As the grandson of Zeus, a god associated with storms, Atreus could be unconsciously influencing the environment with his emotions. However, another explanation from the game’s novelization suggests that the gods of the land are actively attempting to prevent Kratos from saving Atreus. Therefore, it might be a combination of both.
3. What are the scars on Atreus’s face?
The scars on Atreus’s face, resembling lines extending from above and below his eye toward his temple and jaw, are heavily implied to be a result of Kratos’s tattoo. The exact mechanism is never fully explained, but the connection is visually apparent.
4. Does Atreus have Kratos’s Spartan Rage?
Yes, as Kratos’s son, Atreus inherited the power of Spartan Rage. However, during his early life, uncontrolled bursts of anger would trigger his sickness, leaving him physically weak and coughing. He later learns to channel it more effectively.
5. Was Kratos crying when Atreus left?
Yes, Kratos breaks down in tears upon discovering a mural depicting Atreus being worshipped as a god in God of War Ragnarok. He realizes the path his son is destined to take and mourns the potential loss of their relationship as it currently exists. He accepts Atreus’ destiny though.
6. Why does Kratos fear for Atreus?
Kratos fears that Atreus will be consumed by the same rage and violence that defined his own life. He is also afraid of his past catching up to them and the consequences it would have on Atreus, especially if Atreus knows Kratos’ dark past.
7. What race is Atreus’s mother?
Atreus’s mother, Faye, was of the race of giants, specifically from Jotunheim. While most people assume giants are huge, not all giants are massive. She was normal-sized but possessed the unique abilities and heritage of her people.
8. Is Fenrir’s soul in Atreus’s Knife?
During their time together in Ironwood, Angrboda revealed that Fenrir’s soul (or at least a portion of it) was stored within Atreus’s knife. This was something Atreus was entirely unaware of, showing how his powers are much more powerful than he knows or suspects.
9. Why did Thor’s wound never heal in God of War Ragnarok?
Thor’s wound festers due to the Eitr imbued in the Leviathan Axe. The venomous effects of Jormungandr’s bite, transferred through the axe, prevented the wound from healing properly.
10. Why was Atreus sick but not Kratos?
The crucial difference is that Atreus was initially unaware of his divine nature and believed himself to be mortal. This internal conflict between his true nature and his perceived reality caused the illness. Kratos always knew he was a god, even if he initially struggled to control his powers, he was conscious of it.
11. Why is Kratos seemingly weaker in God of War Ragnarok?
Kratos feels weaker because his domain is gone, destroyed along with Olympus after he killed Zeus. This resulted in no tributes or worshippers, which meant that his godly power dwindled, and will one day be gone completely if his godly power isn’t replenished.
12. What is Atreus cursed with?
The “curse” is more accurately described as an unfortunate legacy rather than a magical curse. Atreus is descended from the House of Atreus, which is known for its history of violence and tragedy stemming from Tantalus angering the gods.
13. Who did Atreus have a crush on?
Mimir suggests that Atreus has a crush on Angrboda. This is implied through dialogue and interactions between the characters, particularly during their time in Ironwood.
14. What is Fenrir’s real name?
Fenrir is also called Fenrisúlfr, a monstrous wolf in Norse mythology. He is the son of Loki (Atreus) and a giantess, Angerboda.
15. Why is Atreus not giant-sized?
While Atreus’s mother was a giant, she wasn’t necessarily “giant-sized” in stature. Not all giants are massive in Norse mythology. Angrboda, Grýla, and Sinmara are among the last known living survivors of their race, and they are not all gigantic. Atreus is a half-giant, inheriting his giant heritage from his mother, Faye.
In conclusion, Atreus’s sickness is a nuanced and critical element of his character development in God of War. It’s a manifestation of his internal conflict, a consequence of his suppressed godhood, and a catalyst for his growth. By understanding the root cause of his illness, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of his journey and the profound themes explored in the game. The struggles of self-discovery and acceptance resonated across all ages and can be tied to learning and development as seen in the GamesLearningSociety.org resources.