The Sibling Scorn: Unpacking Deimos’s Hatred for Kratos

Deimos’s animosity towards Kratos stems from a potent mix of abandonment, resentment, and decades of agonizing torment. Believing Kratos failed to rescue him from the clutches of Ares and Thanatos, Deimos harbored a deep-seated hatred for his brother, fueled by the horrific experiences he endured in the Domain of Death. His initial hope for rescue curdled into bitter blame, leading him to believe Kratos had willingly left him to suffer. This belief, coupled with the brutal conditions he was subjected to, solidified his resentment and shaped his burning desire for revenge.

The Roots of Resentment: A Brother’s Betrayal

The tragic tale of Kratos and Deimos is a narrative soaked in prophecy, fear, and the devastating consequences of divine intervention. From their youth, the brothers shared a close bond, with Kratos promising to always protect Deimos. This promise, however, became a source of immense pain and rage for Deimos. Let’s break down the key elements that fueled his hatred:

• The Abduction and Perceived Abandonment: The catalyst for Deimos’s resentment was his brutal abduction by Ares. Forewarned by a prophecy about the destruction of Olympus, the gods, fearing a child bearing specific markings, targeted Deimos. When Kratos attempted to defend his brother, he was scarred and ultimately failed to prevent Deimos’s capture. This event was the genesis of Deimos’s feeling of abandonment. He clung to the hope of Kratos’s return for a time, but the prolonged torture and isolation eroded his faith, replacing it with bitterness.

• The Torture in the Domain of Death: Imagine being ripped from your family, thrust into a nightmarish realm, and subjected to unimaginable torment. This was Deimos’s reality. The decades of suffering in the Domain of Death warped him, fueling his anger and resentment. He was physically and psychologically broken, and he held Kratos responsible for his fate.

• The Weight of Unfulfilled Promises: Kratos’s promise to protect Deimos became a painful reminder of what Deimos perceived as his brother’s failure. The childhood bond that once brought comfort now served as a constant source of anguish. Every lash of the whip, every scream of agony, echoed with the unfulfilled promise of protection.

• A Misguided Sense of Justice: In Deimos’s eyes, Kratos had betrayed him by not rescuing him. He believed Kratos had chosen to abandon him to a life of suffering. This warped sense of justice fueled his desire for revenge, blinding him to the circumstances surrounding his abduction and the limitations of Kratos’s power at the time.

• The Absence of Context: Deimos was largely unaware of the events that transpired after his abduction. He didn’t know of Kratos’s subsequent rise to power, his servitude to Ares, or his quest for redemption. He only knew that his brother, the one who had sworn to protect him, had failed to appear.

Deimos’s Forgiveness and Redemption

Despite the deep-seated hatred, the brothers eventually reconciled, if only briefly. During their battle against Thanatos, Kratos’s unwavering dedication to rescuing Deimos and his willingness to fight alongside him began to chip away at Deimos’s resentment. The moment Kratos gifted him the Arms of Sparta, a symbol of their shared heritage and bond, Deimos finally forgave his brother. Their unity, however, was tragically short-lived, as Deimos sacrificed himself to save Kratos from Thanatos. This act of selflessness cemented their reconciliation and demonstrated the enduring power of their brotherhood.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the complex relationship between Kratos and Deimos:

1. Was Deimos a God like Kratos?

Both Deimos and Kratos were demigods, sons of Zeus. This bestowed upon them extraordinary strength and resilience compared to mortals.

2. Who was Deimos to Kratos?

Deimos was Kratos’s younger brother, a character first teased in the original God of War and fully introduced in God of War: Ghost of Sparta.

3. Was Deimos more powerful than Kratos?

While they were a formidable force together, Deimos was physically weaker than Kratos due to the decades of torture he endured. His lack of combat experience also contributed to his downfall.

4. Did Deimos Serve the Gods like Kratos did?

No, Deimos never served the Gods. He was imprisoned and tortured from a young age, preventing him from participating in the divine affairs of Olympus.

5. Why did Deimos not forgive Kratos sooner?

Decades of torture and a deep-seated belief that Kratos abandoned him fueled his hatred. He needed to witness Kratos’s unwavering dedication to rescuing him and receive a symbol of their shared bond before he could finally forgive him.

6. Does Deimos ever forgive Kratos?

Yes, Deimos does forgive Kratos before his death. Kratos giving him the Arms of Sparta symbolized their brotherhood and Kratos’ commitment to him.

7. Who is older, Kratos or Deimos?

Kratos is the older brother of Deimos.

8. Why is Kratos white?

Kratos’s skin is white due to the ashes of his family being permanently bonded to his skin after he unknowingly killed them under Ares’s influence. This earned him the title “Ghost of Sparta.”

9. How did Kratos get the scar over his eye?

Kratos received the scar over his right eye when he tried to protect Deimos from Ares and Athena during Deimos’s abduction.

10. Was Zeus afraid of Kratos?

Initially, Zeus aided Kratos. However, after the events of God of War: Ghost of Sparta and God of War II, Zeus grew to fear Kratos due to a prophecy foretelling Kratos’s role in the cycle of patricide.

11. Does Zeus hate Kratos?

Yes, Zeus hates Kratos, fearing him as the “Marked Warrior” foretold in the Oracle’s prophecy who would overthrow him.

12. What god type is Kratos?

Kratos is a demigod, the son of Zeus. He also embodies aspects of Cratus, the god of strength, might, power, and sovereign rule.

13. How tall is Kratos?

Kratos’s height varies depending on the source. He is listed as between 6 feet 4 inches and 7 feet 6 inches tall.

14. Is Kratos a full God?

Kratos is a demi-god, not a full god. His divine parentage grants him immense power, but he is not a true Olympian deity.

15. Does Kratos regret killing Zeus?

The game suggests that Kratos did feel some regret about killing Zeus. He is often solemn and defensive when Zeus is mentioned, hinting at the weight of his actions.

Beyond the Battlefield: The Significance of Sibling Conflict

The story of Kratos and Deimos is more than just a tale of divine warfare; it’s a poignant exploration of familial bonds, trauma, and the consequences of unchecked power. Their relationship highlights the devastating impact of prophecy, the burden of responsibility, and the enduring strength of brotherhood. Even after the worst torments one can imagine, family is always family. The narrative raises profound questions about fate, free will, and the possibility of redemption. By understanding the complexities of Deimos’s hatred, we gain a deeper appreciation for the overall themes of the God of War series and the profound challenges faced by its protagonist.

Learning more about these types of games can be done through educational tools. Consider exploring resources from organizations dedicated to game-based learning, like the Games Learning Society, which has a ton of great information on their website, GamesLearningSociety.org.