Ares’ Absence in God of War: Unpacking the God of War’s Demise and Legacy
Ares, the God of War, is in God of War… initially. He serves as the primary antagonist in the original God of War (2005), but Kratos kills him. This act not only ends Ares’ reign but also sets Kratos on his path to becoming the new God of War. Therefore, Ares is not present in subsequent mainline entries (beyond flashbacks and mentions) because he is definitively dead within that narrative continuity. His story concluded, making way for Kratos’ complex journey and the exploration of new mythologies.
The Fall of Ares: From God of War to Mortal Demise
The original God of War revolves heavily around Ares’ manipulation of Kratos. The game’s narrative establishes Ares as a cruel and power-hungry god, using Kratos as a pawn in his schemes to overthrow Zeus and seize control of Olympus. Ares orchestrates the tragic event where Kratos, under Ares’ influence, unknowingly murders his own wife and daughter, effectively breaking him and turning him into the “Ghost of Sparta.”
This horrific act fuels Kratos’ burning desire for revenge. The entire game is a relentless pursuit of Ares, culminating in a final, brutal confrontation. Ares, despite his divine powers, is ultimately defeated by Kratos, who wields Pandora’s Box and its potent magic to become strong enough to kill a god. With the Blade of Olympus (acquired in God of War II), Kratos impales Ares through the chest, ending his reign and claiming his title.
Ares’ Impact on Kratos’ Journey
While Ares is deceased, his impact on Kratos’ life and the overarching narrative is immense and lasting. Ares’ actions serve as the foundation of Kratos’ anger, pain, and thirst for vengeance that drive the events of the Greek saga. Every subsequent act of violence, every god slain, is, in a way, a direct consequence of Ares’ initial treachery. The cycle of violence and revenge is a central theme explored throughout the God of War series, all stemming from the tragedy orchestrated by the original God of War.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Ares’ Fate and God of War Lore
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further explore the role of Ares and his absence from later God of War games:
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Was Ares a demigod like Kratos? No, Ares was a full-fledged Olympian god, the son of Zeus and Hera. Kratos, on the other hand, was a demigod, the son of Zeus and a mortal woman named Callisto.
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If Kratos killed Ares, why did Zeus betray him later? Zeus feared Kratos’ growing power as the God of War and saw him as a threat to Olympus. Also, the power Pandora’s Box corrupts Zeus, and makes him fear for his life. This is why he betrayed Kratos. Zeus was also notoriously paranoid and power-hungry himself, leading him to betray anyone he perceived as a potential rival.
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Did Ares know Kratos was Zeus’ son? While it’s never explicitly stated, it’s highly likely Ares was aware of Kratos’ parentage. The Olympian gods were generally well-informed about each other’s affairs. Whether Ares factored this into his manipulation of Kratos is debatable.
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Is Ares considered a “villain” in Greek mythology? Yes, Ares was generally viewed as a negative figure. Unlike his sister Athena, who represented strategic warfare and wisdom, Ares embodied the brutal, chaotic, and often senseless aspects of conflict.
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Could other gods have stopped Ares before Kratos? Theoretically, yes. Zeus, as the King of the Gods, certainly possessed the power to intervene. However, Zeus often chose to remain uninvolved in mortal affairs, and Ares’ actions served his own ends to some extent by keeping the mortals in check.
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What powers did Kratos inherit when he became the God of War? Kratos inherited increased strength, resilience, and the ability to wield powerful weapons. He also gained control over the armies of Sparta. More significantly, he gained a measure of immortality.
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Did Kratos ever regret killing Ares? While Kratos sought revenge, the act didn’t bring him peace. The trauma of his past continued to haunt him, suggesting that he might have experienced some degree of regret, even if he never explicitly expressed it.
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Was Ares the only God of War in Greek mythology? Ares is traditionally the God of War in Greek mythology. While other gods and goddesses were associated with aspects of war (like Athena), Ares held the primary dominion over it.
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If Ares hated humans, why did he use Kratos? Ares viewed Kratos as a tool, not an ally. He saw Kratos’ potential as a powerful warrior and sought to exploit his skills for his own ambitions. Ares’ hatred of humanity didn’t preclude him from using individuals to achieve his goals.
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Is Ares mentioned or shown in any of the later God of War games? Yes, Ares is mentioned in many of the later games, especially those set in Greece. He appears in flashbacks and is talked about by other characters, emphasizing his role in shaping Kratos’s past.
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How does the God of War series’ portrayal of Ares compare to traditional Greek myths? The God of War series takes creative liberties with Greek mythology. While the core traits of Ares – his brutality and love of war – are retained, his role and motivations are often expanded or altered for narrative purposes.
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What is the significance of the Blade of Olympus in relation to Ares’ death? The Blade of Olympus is a powerful weapon forged by Zeus, and Kratos uses it to defeat Ares. It symbolizes Kratos’ ascent to godhood and his ability to challenge even the mightiest of the Olympians. However, by using its power against the Colossus of Rhodes, he sacrifices his godly powers, becoming a mortal again.
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Why did Ares want to overthrow Zeus? Ares, like many of the Greek gods, was driven by ambition and a desire for power. He believed he was a more worthy ruler of Olympus than Zeus and sought to usurp the throne through force.
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Is it possible Ares could be resurrected in a future God of War game? While not entirely impossible in a fictional setting, it’s highly unlikely. The God of War series has generally treated death as a relatively permanent state, even for gods. Bringing Ares back would diminish the impact of Kratos’ original victory and potentially undermine the established narrative.
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What are some resources for learning more about Greek mythology and its influence on the God of War series? Numerous books, documentaries, and online resources are available. Organizations like the Games Learning Society and its website at GamesLearningSociety.org explore the educational aspects of games, including how they interpret and adapt historical and mythological narratives.
Beyond Ares: Kratos’ Transformation and the Future of God of War
The death of Ares is not the end of Kratos’ story; it is merely the beginning. It sets in motion a chain of events that lead him to confront the other Olympian gods and ultimately reshape the world around him. While Ares is gone, his legacy remains etched in Kratos’ soul, forever influencing his actions and decisions. The move to Norse mythology allows the narrative to grow beyond the Greek saga’s limitations, setting Kratos on a journey of self-discovery and forcing him to confront his past.