The God Slayer’s Grudge: Unpacking Kratos’ Hatred of the Gods

Kratos’ hatred for the gods isn’t a simple, one-dimensional emotion; it’s a deeply layered resentment born from betrayal, manipulation, and the profound loss of everything he held dear. While it began with Ares’ deception leading to the tragic murder of his family, it evolved into a broader disdain for the entire pantheon, whom he saw as callous, self-serving, and ultimately, undeserving of their power. He resented their indifference to mortal suffering, their willingness to use him as a pawn, and the constant cycle of violence and deceit that characterized their rule.

The Genesis of Hatred: Ares and the Unforgivable Act

Kratos’ initial allegiance to the gods stemmed from a desperate plea for salvation on the battlefield. Ares, the God of War, answered his call, granting him immense power in exchange for servitude. Blinded by ambition and bloodlust, Kratos became Ares’ instrument of destruction, mercilessly crushing his enemies. However, this alliance culminated in the ultimate betrayal.

Tricked by Ares, Kratos unknowingly murdered his own wife and daughter. This horrific act shattered his soul, leaving him scarred both physically and emotionally. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, Kratos vowed vengeance against the god who had orchestrated his tragedy. This wasn’t merely anger; it was a consuming rage fueled by grief, guilt, and a profound sense of injustice.

Beyond Ares: A Disillusionment with Olympus

Kratos’ quest for revenge against Ares was initially sanctioned by the other gods, who saw him as a useful tool against a rogue Olympian. But after killing Ares and assuming the mantle of God of War, Kratos began to see the true nature of the Olympians. He served them faithfully for a decade, yet found himself treated with indifference and contempt.

He was tasked with endless, often pointless, missions, his cries for relief from his haunting nightmares ignored. He realized he was nothing more than a weapon to be wielded and discarded when he was no longer useful. This realization fueled his resentment, turning his specific vendetta against Ares into a broader indictment of the entire Olympian order.

Zeus’ Betrayal and the Escalation of War

The cycle of betrayal continued with Zeus, the King of the Gods. Fearing the prophecy that Kratos would overthrow him, just as he had overthrown his own father, Cronos, Zeus orchestrated Kratos’ demise. By draining Kratos of his godly power while he was attacking Rhodes and using it to animate the Colossus, Zeus revealed his true intentions: to eliminate a perceived threat, regardless of the cost.

This act solidified Kratos’ hatred, transforming it into a full-blown war against Olympus. He no longer sought mere vengeance; he sought to dismantle the entire system that had allowed such injustice to flourish. His rage became a weapon against the gods themselves, leading to the brutal downfall of the Olympian pantheon.

A Legacy of Destruction and a Path to Redemption

Kratos’ war against the gods resulted in widespread destruction and the deaths of countless innocents. While he ultimately succeeded in killing Zeus and ending the reign of the Olympians, the cost was immense. He was left haunted by his actions, burdened by the knowledge that he had become the very monster he sought to destroy.

In the Norse saga of God of War, Kratos attempts to escape his past and forge a new, more peaceful existence. However, his past continues to haunt him, and he is forced to confront the consequences of his choices. This journey ultimately leads him down a path of redemption, where he strives to be a better father and break the cycle of violence that has defined his life. He tries to protect his son, Atreus, from making the same mistakes he did, showing us that the real enemy is not the God but rather the path he chooses to walk on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did the gods encourage Kratos’ vengeance against Ares? The gods saw Kratos as a tool to eliminate Ares, who had become a threat to their power. They were willing to use him for their own selfish purposes.

2. What specifically made Kratos feel like a pawn of the gods? They gave him endless tasks but never removed his nightmares or treated him with respect. He was simply a weapon to be used and discarded.

3. Was Zeus’ fear of Kratos justified? From Zeus’ perspective, it was. Prophecy foretold his demise at the hands of his son, echoing his own overthrow of Cronos. Fear of repeating history drove his actions.

4. Did Kratos ever regret killing any of the gods? Yes, he seemed to regret killing Athena, as she was the only God he would listen to. His killing of Zeus also brought him sorrow, for his son would know what type of man he truly was.

5. Did Kratos hate all the gods equally? No. He hated Ares and Zeus the most. He had strong dislike for others, but his primary targets of hatred were the two who directly betrayed him.

6. Why didn’t the gods remove Kratos’ nightmares? This is never explicitly stated, but it highlights their indifference to his suffering. They valued his power, not his well-being.

7. Did Kratos forgive himself for killing his family? With the help of Pandora, he was able to confront his guilt and begin the process of forgiveness, realizing that hope could still save him.

8. How did Kratos’ hatred of the gods affect his relationship with his son, Atreus? It created a barrier of secrecy and fear. Kratos feared Atreus would either despise him or become like him if he knew the truth about his past.

9. Was Kratos always destined to hate the gods? No, his service to Ares began with the desire to save his own men in battle. It was the betrayal and loss that ultimately sent him down the path of vengeance and hatred.

10. Did Kratos spare any gods during his rampage? Yes, some Olympians survived. He may have only been concerned with those that directly betrayed him and the remaining gods he felt weren’t a threat to him.

11. What was Kratos’ biggest weakness in his battles against the gods? His rage. While a source of immense power, it could also cloud his judgment and lead to reckless actions.

12. How old is Kratos in God of War (2018)? It is estimated that he is around 1050 years old. Kratos’ Height can vary, but it is listed as 6 feet 4 inches in the games.

13. What is Kratos the god of? He became the God of War after killing Ares. Before that, he was not associated with any specific domain, besides being the son of Zeus and therefore possessing divine power.

14. Why did Kratos reject Odin’s offer in the Norse saga? He learned from his past mistakes and didn’t want to make another deal with a god. He also trusted Mimir’s warnings about Odin’s deceitful nature and sought to protect Freya.

15. What can the God of War series teach us about conflict and vengeance? The games show that vengeance is a destructive cycle that ultimately leads to more suffering. Redemption is possible, but requires confronting the past and choosing a different path. For further insights into the educational value of video games, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

The complex relationship between Kratos and the gods continues to fascinate players and critics alike. His journey is a testament to the enduring power of betrayal, the destructive nature of vengeance, and the possibility of redemption, even for the most hardened of warriors.