Why Did Kratos Become Calm?
Kratos, the “Ghost of Sparta,” was once a figure synonymous with unbridled rage, vengeance, and destruction. His journey through the Greek pantheon was paved with the blood of gods, mortals, and monsters alike. However, the Kratos we meet in the Norse saga is a far cry from that furious warrior. His transformation into a calmer, more measured figure is a complex process stemming from several interconnected factors: the passage of time, the burden of his past, the responsibilities of fatherhood, and a conscious choice to suppress his destructive nature. He’s not entirely calm, mind you, but he’s learned to control his rage, a constant battle fought within himself for the sake of his son and the future he hopes to build.
The Weight of Past Sins
The Atrocity of Familicide
The core of Kratos’s rage was the accidental murder of his wife, Lysandra, and daughter, Calliope, tricked into the act by Ares. This horrific tragedy fueled his quest for revenge against the gods, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of violence. Years after exacting that revenge, the memory still haunts him, a constant reminder of the monster he was. The sheer weight of guilt and regret pushes him towards a different path. He understands that uncontrolled rage only leads to more suffering and that a new life demands a different approach.
The Scars of Endless War
Beyond the personal tragedy, Kratos witnessed and participated in countless battles and atrocities during his service to the Olympian gods. The constant warfare and bloodshed hardened him, but also left him deeply scarred. He recognizes the futility of such constant aggression. He’s seen its destructive consequences firsthand and understands that perpetuating the cycle will only lead to more chaos and suffering. He is no longer driven by the promise of glory or the commands of the gods, but by a desire to break free from the cycle of violence.
The Influence of Fatherhood
Protecting Atreus
The arrival of Atreus presents Kratos with a profound responsibility. He must guide and protect his son, ensuring Atreus does not fall prey to the same destructive tendencies that plagued him. Atreus becomes his anchor, a reason to control his anger and to teach a better path. Every time Kratos reins in his rage, it’s a conscious act of love and protection for his son, fearing the legacy he might leave behind.
Teaching a Different Way
Kratos understands that he is Atreus’s primary role model. He recognizes that unchecked rage is a dangerous trait that can easily corrupt a person. Therefore, he strives to teach Atreus self-control, discipline, and empathy. By actively working to suppress his own anger, Kratos sets an example for his son and attempts to mold him into a better person. He tries to be the father he never had and desperately tries to shield Atreus from the darkness within him.
A Conscious Effort to Suppress Rage
Control as a Weapon
Kratos doesn’t suddenly lose his anger; he learns to control and channel it. Years of war and self-reflection have taught him that rage can be a weapon, but it must be wielded with precision and purpose. Instead of allowing anger to consume him, he consciously chooses to suppress it, utilizing it only when absolutely necessary to protect himself or his son. This self-imposed discipline requires immense effort and is a constant struggle, often depicted through his clenched fists and strained expressions.
Seeking Redemption
While he doesn’t outwardly express remorse, Kratos implicitly seeks redemption for his past actions. He hopes to atone for the lives he took and the destruction he caused by leading a different kind of life – one focused on protecting the innocent and guiding his son towards a better future. This pursuit of redemption is not about forgiveness, but about living a life worthy of forgiveness, a goal he relentlessly strives for, even if he doubts he will ever truly achieve it. He believes that the path to something better is worth following, despite the darkness in his heart.
External Influences & The Norse Setting
The Quieter World
Compared to the bustling, politically charged world of ancient Greece, the Norse lands are relatively secluded. Kratos’s life is now focused on survival and protecting his family in a harsh environment. This isolated existence helps him distance himself from the triggers that fueled his rage in the past. The lack of constant conflict and the need to focus on immediate survival allow him to maintain a semblance of control.
The Power of Norse Mythology
While Kratos still distrusts gods, the nature of Norse mythology is different from the Greek. There is a greater emphasis on fate and destiny, but also on personal responsibility. Witnessing the complexities and nuances of this new pantheon potentially forces him to rethink his previous black-and-white worldview, contributing to his more measured approach to conflict. The emphasis on familial bonds in Norse culture might have also influenced his relationship with Atreus, further strengthening his resolve to be a better father.
In conclusion, Kratos’s calmness isn’t a sudden personality shift, but a gradual evolution born from immense pain, responsibility, and conscious effort. It’s a constant battle against his inner demons, a struggle fueled by the love for his son and the hope for a future where he can finally find some measure of peace. He doesn’t forgive himself, but he strives to be better, transforming from a god-slaying rage monster into a flawed but ultimately caring father.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kratos’s Calmness
1. Is Kratos truly calm, or is it just an act?
It’s not entirely an act, but rather a conscious effort. Kratos still possesses immense rage, but he has learned to suppress and control it. He uses discipline and a strong will to keep his anger in check, especially for the sake of Atreus. The rage is still there, simmering beneath the surface, ready to erupt when necessary.
2. What triggered Kratos’s initial rage in the Greek games?
The primary trigger was the manipulation by Ares, which led him to unknowingly kill his wife and daughter. This event shattered him and fueled his quest for revenge against the gods. The constant betrayal and manipulation by the Olympian gods further fueled his anger.
3. Did Kratos ever forgive himself for killing his family?
There is no indication that Kratos ever truly forgives himself. He carries the guilt and regret with him constantly, a heavy burden that shapes his actions and motivations. His journey is not about self-forgiveness but about striving to be better despite his past.
4. How does Atreus influence Kratos’s behavior?
Atreus is the most significant influence on Kratos’s change in demeanor. Kratos prioritizes his son’s safety and well-being and strives to be a better role model, which requires him to control his anger and teach Atreus self-discipline.
5. What are some specific examples of Kratos showing control in the Norse games?
Examples include his restrained responses to Atreus’s disobedience, his deliberate choice not to immediately resort to violence, and his moments of quiet reflection despite the intense danger surrounding them.
6. Does Kratos ever lose control in the Norse games?
Yes, there are moments where Kratos’s rage resurfaces, especially when Atreus is in danger or when confronted with reminders of his past. However, these instances are less frequent and often more calculated than his previous outbursts.
7. How does the setting of the Norse games contribute to Kratos’s calmer demeanor?
The more secluded and less politically charged environment of the Norse lands allows Kratos to distance himself from the constant conflicts that fueled his rage in Greece. The focus on survival and familial bonds also contributes to his more measured approach.
8. Does Kratos’s physical appearance reflect his inner change?
Yes, his older, more weathered appearance reflects the burden of his past and the toll that controlling his rage has taken on him. His beard and more subdued armor further symbolize his attempt to distance himself from his warrior past.
9. What is Kratos’s relationship with the Norse gods like?
Kratos is wary and distrustful of the Norse gods, having learned from his experiences with the Olympians. However, he is willing to cooperate with some of them when necessary, demonstrating a pragmatism that was absent in his younger years.
10. Is Kratos’s calmer demeanor a sign of weakness?
No, it is a sign of strength. It takes immense discipline and willpower to control his rage, especially considering his history. His ability to restrain himself makes him a more formidable and dangerous warrior when he does unleash his anger.
11. How does Kratos view his past actions in the Norse era?
He views his past actions with regret and a desire to atone for them. He acknowledges the monster he once was and strives to ensure that his son doesn’t follow the same path.
12. What is the significance of Kratos’s iconic weapon, the Leviathan Axe?
The Leviathan Axe represents a departure from the Blades of Chaos, which symbolize his servitude to Ares and his past violence. The axe is a more versatile and controlled weapon, reflecting Kratos’s attempt to wield his power with greater responsibility.
13. Does Kratos ever show affection or love towards Atreus?
While Kratos struggles to express his emotions openly, his actions speak volumes about his love for Atreus. He is fiercely protective of his son, guiding him through challenges and teaching him valuable lessons. He shows love through actions rather than words.
14. What is the overall message of Kratos’s transformation?
The transformation message is that even someone with a dark past can change and find a better path. It speaks to the power of responsibility, the importance of breaking cycles of violence, and the redemptive potential of fatherhood.
15. Will Kratos ever truly be free from his past rage?
It is unlikely that Kratos will ever be completely free from his rage. His past will always be a part of him, shaping his actions and motivations. However, his continued efforts to control and channel his anger offer hope that he can continue to move forward and create a better future for himself and Atreus.