Why Kratos Retired “Boy”: A Deep Dive into Father-Son Dynamics in God of War Ragnarok

Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, a name synonymous with rage and destruction in the Greek pantheon, underwent a significant transformation in the Norse realm. Central to this evolution was his relationship with his son, Atreus. The most immediate and noticeable change for many players between God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok was the near-disappearance of Kratos’s iconic moniker for his son: “Boy.”

The primary reason Kratos stopped saying “boy” is a deliberate narrative choice reflecting the growth and evolution of his relationship with Atreus. In the 2018 game, “boy” was a term of endearment laced with paternal instruction, a way for Kratos to assert control and impart his Spartan-esque worldview. However, as Atreus matured, demonstrated his own agency, and began to forge his own path, the term became increasingly inappropriate. Using Atreus’s name becomes a sign of respect for Atreus’s growing independence and burgeoning maturity. Eric Williams, game director for God of War Ragnarok, explicitly confirmed this shift, underscoring the intentionality behind the change.

Atreus is no longer the child he once was. He is a teenager grappling with his identity, his destiny, and his dual heritage as both a god and a giant. By referring to him by his name, Kratos acknowledges this transformation, signaling a shift from a position of absolute authority to one of a more nuanced and egalitarian father-son dynamic. It’s a subtle yet powerful way of showing that Kratos recognizes Atreus as an individual with his own thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. The act of calling Atreus by his given name demonstrates a deeper level of trust and understanding, signifying the complex and changing relationship between the two main characters.

The almost complete elimination of “boy” is an act of immense significance. It highlights Kratos’s slow but certain progress in overcoming his past trauma and embracing a more compassionate and nurturing role as a father. It’s a symbolic shedding of the old Kratos, the one who was defined by rage and control, and an embrace of the new, a man striving to guide his son without stifling his individuality. Through simple word choice, the game developers communicated volumes about the evolving relationship and character growth, demonstrating how impactful even small details can be in storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kratos and Atreus

Here are some frequently asked questions concerning the relationship between Kratos and Atreus:

Does Kratos ever say “boy” in God of War Ragnarok?

Yes, but very rarely. While the term was a staple of the previous game, it is used only a handful of times in Ragnarok, serving as a stark contrast to its prevalent use previously. Most appearances of the word were jokes or one-offs.

Why does Kratos talk less in general?

There are a couple of reasons for Kratos’s reticence. Firstly, he is naturally taciturn, a trait amplified by his Spartan upbringing. Secondly, being a relative newcomer to the Norse realms, his grasp of the language isn’t as fluid as the native speakers. He tends to use a more formal and economical style of speech as a result. This linguistic barrier further reinforces his reserved demeanor.

Does Kratos ever swear?

While Kratos is known for his aggression, his threats are generally not vulgar. The God of War games avoid explicit profanity within the gameplay itself. However, some behind-the-scenes content or bonus features may contain stronger language from the developers.

How quickly does Kratos age?

Kratos is not immortal in the traditional sense, but his divine heritage grants him an incredibly long lifespan and resistance to death. He ages far slower than humans, making his exact age difficult to pinpoint. However, estimations place him over a thousand years old by the events of God of War Ragnarok.

Is Atreus no longer in the God of War series?

Atreus doesn’t die at the end of Ragnarok, but he does embark on his own separate journey. He decides to seek out the remaining giants, a quest that leads him away from Kratos and likely sets him on a path for future storylines, whether in future God of War games or in other media.

How many times did Kratos say “boy” in the 2018 God of War?

The number of times Kratos says “boy” in the 2018 God of War is significant, but there’s no official, precise count. Fans have estimated it to be well over a hundred times.

Does Atreus know he’s a god?

Yes. Kratos reveals to Atreus that he is a god after curing him of his illness early in the 2018 God of War game. This revelation is a pivotal moment in their relationship and sets the stage for Atreus’s grappling with his own identity.

Is Atreus Kratos’s biological son?

Yes, Atreus is the biological son of Kratos and Laufey (Faye), a Jötnar giant. He inherits traits and powers from both his parents, making him a unique and powerful being in the Norse world.

Why is Kratos aging if he’s a god?

Kratos is not a fully-fledged god in the sense of Odin or Zeus. He’s a demi-god, meaning he’s only partially divine. This partial divinity grants him longevity and strength, but doesn’t prevent him from aging altogether. He also relinquished his full God of War powers at the conclusion of God of War III.

What did Kratos name his kid?

Kratos named his son Atreus. The name has significance in Greek mythology, potentially hinting at a deeper connection to Kratos’s past. The Games Learning Society may have more research on the etymology of mythological names. You can explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

What age is Kratos in God of War Ragnarok?

Estimates place Kratos’s age around 1,055 years old during the events of God of War Ragnarok. This estimation is based on the timeline of events from the Greek era and his time in the Norse realms.

Was Kratos originally black?

Kratos’s original skin color is not black. Before being covered in the ashes of his dead family, Kratos has fair skin, as seen in flashbacks. His voice actors, both T. C. Carson and Christopher Judge, are black, but this is separate from the character’s in-game appearance.

Why is Kratos so blunt?

Kratos’s bluntness is a reflection of his Spartan upbringing. Spartans were renowned for their concise and direct communication, a trait known as Laconism. This cultural influence shaped Kratos’s personality and communication style, making him direct and to the point.

Does Kratos actually love Atreus?

Yes, Kratos deeply loves Atreus. While he struggles to express his emotions openly due to his past trauma and stoic nature, his actions throughout both God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok demonstrate his unwavering love and protectiveness towards his son.

Is Kratos weaker in God of War (2018) and Ragnarok?

Kratos isn’t necessarily weaker in the Norse saga, but his power is presented differently. He lost his Greek magic when he left that realm. Also, he’s intentionally holding back, trying to control his rage and avoid repeating the mistakes of his past. This restraint might give the impression of diminished power, but he’s still a formidable force. This shows how storytelling elements can affect game mechanics in certain ways. The Games Learning Society investigates similar connections.