The Ghost of Distance: Unpacking Kratos’ Relationship with Atreus
Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, isn’t exactly known for his warm and fuzzy parenting skills. His distance from Atreus at the beginning of the God of War (2018) game isn’t a simple case of gruff stoicism; it’s a complex tapestry woven from guilt, fear, and a desperate desire to protect his son from both himself and the world he inhabits. He’s a man shattered by his past, attempting to navigate fatherhood in a world steeped in violence and divine machinations, and his attempts are often clumsy and emotionally stunted. The primary drivers are his unworthiness, his fear of loving again after losing his first family, and a desire to shield Atreus from the truth of his own godhood and violent history.
The Weight of the Past: Unworthiness and Guilt
Kratos carries the immense burden of his past sins. The slaughter of his first family at the hands of Ares, the countless lives he took as a servant of Olympus, and the destruction he wrought across Greece leave him feeling profoundly unworthy of love, especially his son’s. He sees himself as a monster, and the idea that Atreus could admire or love such a being is incomprehensible to him. This self-loathing manifests as emotional distance; he keeps Atreus at arm’s length, perhaps subconsciously believing that if he doesn’t get too close, he can’t hurt him as he hurt those he loved before. This internalized guilt shapes his interactions, coloring them with a grim, almost fatalistic outlook.
Fear of History Repeating
He knows all too well the corrupting influence of power and the devastating consequences of unchecked rage. He fears that revealing his history to Atreus will either lead his son to despise him or, even worse, to emulate his violent tendencies. The spectre of history repeating itself – Atreus becoming another bloodthirsty god – haunts Kratos, fueling his reluctance to share his past and his constant attempts to control Atreus’ emotions.
Protecting Atreus: Shielding the Truth
Kratos’ distance is also a protective mechanism. He wants to shield Atreus from the dangers of the world, particularly from those who might seek to exploit his divine heritage. He hopes that by keeping Atreus ignorant of his true nature, he can somehow protect him from the machinations of gods and monsters. This secrecy extends to Atreus’ own identity; Kratos hesitates to reveal that Atreus is also part god, fearing the implications of such knowledge.
The Burden of Godhood
He believes that ignorance is bliss and that by keeping Atreus in the dark, he can prevent him from becoming corrupted by power, as Kratos himself was. He has witnessed firsthand the destructive nature of godhood and wants to spare his son from the same fate. This desire to protect Atreus from the burden of his heritage directly contributes to the emotional gap between them.
Beyond the Surface: Love and Patience
While Kratos’ distance might seem cold and uncaring on the surface, it masks a deep and abiding love for Atreus. He struggles to express this love openly, but his actions speak volumes. He risks his life to protect Atreus, trains him to survive, and, despite his gruff exterior, shows moments of surprising tenderness. As the game progresses, Kratos begins to confront his own demons and gradually learns to open himself up to Atreus. His journey is not just about physical battles but also about emotional growth and the gradual breakdown of the walls he has built around himself. The skills learned through gaming and other activities often help individuals improve social skills and decision-making. Many researchers are studying the benefits of gaming at places such as the Games Learning Society.
Evolving Relationship: A Journey of Healing
Their relationship isn’t static; it evolves throughout the game. As they face challenges together, Kratos begins to trust Atreus more and more, allowing himself to be vulnerable and to rely on his son’s strength. Atreus, in turn, learns to understand his father’s complexities and to appreciate the sacrifices he has made. Their journey is one of healing, forgiveness, and the slow, painstaking construction of a genuine father-son bond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was Kratos so distant with Atreus at the beginning of God of War?
Kratos’ distance stemmed from a combination of factors: his unworthiness, feeling guilty about his past, his fear of loving again after losing his first family, and a desire to protect Atreus from the dangers of his own divine heritage and the world’s horrors.
2. Why didn’t Kratos take Atreus hunting before Faye’s death?
According to the lore, Kratos didn’t take Atreus hunting due to Faye’s request, as Atreus was a very sickly child. This physical distance contributed to the emotional distance between them.
3. Why does Kratos fear for Atreus’ safety?
Kratos fears being found by others who know of his past, how his legacy will affect Atreus, and that Atreus will despise him if he knows the truth. He also fears that Atreus might turn out like him.
4. Why doesn’t Kratos want Atreus to know about his past?
Kratos is haunted by his past and afraid to tell Atreus what he did before coming to the Norse universe. He also fears revealing that Atreus is Loki and a half-god.
5. Why doesn’t Kratos seem to like Atreus initially?
It’s not that Kratos doesn’t like Atreus. He wants to keep Atreus in the dark and hopes the world that plagued him will pass over his son. He fears Atreus will become perverted by power, like the other deities he’s encountered.
6. Why couldn’t Kratos see his daughter, Calliope?
Kratos abandoned Calliope in the afterlife so she wouldn’t die again in eternal darkness, sacrificing his personal happiness for her well-being.
7. Who is Kratos’ favorite child?
While Kratos loved Calliope deeply, his relationship with Atreus is presented as more complex and ultimately filled with more growth and understanding. The concept of a “favorite” is less relevant than the distinct nature of each relationship.
8. Why was Atreus sick but not Kratos?
Atreus’ sickness was due to the conflict between his divine nature and his belief that he was mortal. Kratos didn’t experience this as a child because he didn’t learn about his godhood until later.
9. Why did Odin want Atreus?
Odin sought Atreus to interpret information gained by looking into rifts between realms and to translate the knowledge locked within a special mask.
10. What was Atreus’ illness, really?
Atreus’ illness was a manifestation of the conflict between his mortal self-perception and his true nature as a god. This internal turmoil manifested when he experienced intense rage.
11. Was Kratos crying when Atreus left at the end of God of War Ragnarök?
Yes, Kratos was visibly emotional when Atreus left to find the giants. He realized Atreus needed to forge his own path, and he had come to accept this reality. Behind it, he finds another panel that shows a large depiction of him, being worshipped as a god. He breaks down in tears, telling Mimir and Freya that he has seen “a path he never imagined”.
12. Did Atreus inherit Kratos’ anger?
Yes, Atreus inherited the Spartan Rage from Kratos. However, early on, his body couldn’t handle the power, leading to illness when he became too angry.
13. Does Kratos really love Atreus?
Yes, Kratos loves Atreus deeply. Their relationship is characterized by love, understanding, and patience, a stark contrast to his previous relationships.
14. Will Atreus learn about Kratos’ past?
Yes, Atreus eventually learns about Kratos’ past, including his life in Sparta, his servitude to Ares, and the killing of Zeus.
15. Why does Spartan Rage make Atreus sick?
Spartan Rage made Atreus sick because of the inner turmoil between believing he was a mortal and the reality of being a god, making him unable to control his powers.
Kratos’ journey is a testament to the possibility of change and redemption, even for a character steeped in violence and tragedy. His evolving relationship with Atreus is a powerful reminder that even the most broken individuals are capable of love and growth. Video games can be a great medium to educate about these changes. Many researchers are studying the benefits of gaming at places such as GamesLearningSociety.org.