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Why Kratos Sees Athena: A Deep Dive into the Ghost of Sparta’s Recurring Vision

Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, is haunted by more than just the ashes of his past. Throughout the God of War series, Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, appears to him in various forms, long after her physical demise. The reasons for these appearances are multifaceted, stemming from Kratos’s profound guilt, Athena’s manipulative nature, and the lingering power of the divine. Kratos sees Athena because she represents his burden of the past, a constant reminder of his bloody deeds and the devastating consequences of his actions. Her presence serves as both a manifestation of his guilt and a force attempting to manipulate him towards her own ambiguous goals. She acts as a physical embodiment of what Kratos is acknowledging, especially when he confronts the relics of his violent past.

Athena: Ghost of the Past and Instrument of Ambition

Athena’s appearances are not simply random spectral visits. They are deeply connected to Kratos’s emotional and psychological state, evolving across the games. In the original trilogy, she is a guide, albeit a self-serving one. After her death at Kratos’s hand, she transcends to a higher plane of existence, seemingly driven by a desire for power and a conviction that she knows what is best for the world, even if it means manipulating Kratos.

Guilt and Remembrance

One primary reason Kratos sees Athena is because he cannot escape his past. The horrors he committed under the influence of Ares and the subsequent destruction he wrought upon the Greek world are etched into his very being. Athena, as a key figure in his past and a victim of his rage, becomes a symbol of his guilt. Every time he sees her, he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions. It is crucial to understand that in God of War (2018), the appearance of Athena occurs when Kratos retrieves the Blades of Chaos, which symbolize his past. This act of retrieving those blades makes him recognize his violent past.

Manipulation and Self-Serving Intentions

Beyond simply being a reminder of his past, Athena actively seeks to influence Kratos. Even after her death, her ambition persists. She desires the power he released when he impaled himself with the Blade of Olympus, believing it rightfully belongs to her to guide humanity. Her appearances are often accompanied by thinly veiled threats and manipulative arguments, suggesting that her motivations are far from altruistic. Athena’s ultimate goal, it seems, is to control the power of Hope for her own ends.

A Shifting Dynamic

The relationship between Kratos and Athena is complex and ever-shifting. Initially, she is a mentor and ally, guiding him on his quest to defeat Ares. However, as the series progresses, her true nature is revealed. She is ambitious, self-righteous, and willing to use Kratos as a pawn to achieve her own goals. In God of War: Ragnarok, Athena’s absence further emphasizes Kratos’s growth and his determination to forge his own path, free from the influence of the manipulative gods of his past.

The Broader Significance

Athena’s appearances serve a larger narrative purpose within the God of War saga. They highlight the cyclical nature of violence and the challenges of breaking free from the past. Kratos’s struggle with Athena represents his internal battle against his own destructive tendencies and his quest for redemption. By choosing to reject her influence and forge his own destiny, he demonstrates a capacity for change and growth.

Consider the research done by the Games Learning Society which explores how games can facilitate learning and personal growth. Kratos’s journey resonates with these themes, showing how confronting the past and making conscious choices can lead to positive transformation. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional valuable information regarding Kratos and Athena relationship:

Did Kratos see Athena in God of War: Ragnarok?

No, Athena does not appear in God of War: Ragnarok. The game focuses on Kratos’s relationship with his son, Atreus, and his efforts to prevent Ragnarok. Her absence underscores his growth and his attempt to break free from the influence of the Greek pantheon.
Why did Kratos refuse to give Athena the power of Hope?

Kratos refused to give Athena the power of Hope because he realized she intended to use it for her own selfish ambitions. He was tired of being a pawn in the gods’ games and believed that humanity deserved the power of Hope for themselves.
What was Athena’s promise to Kratos?

Athena promised Kratos forgiveness for his sins after he killed Ares. However, she clarified that while he would be forgiven, the nightmares of his past would never leave him. She also bestowed upon him the title of God of War.
Is the Athena that Kratos sees truly Athena, or a manifestation of his guilt?

It’s a combination of both. After her death, Athena ascends to a higher plane of existence, but her appearances are also deeply tied to Kratos’s guilt and memories. She is both a real entity and a manifestation of his internal struggles.
Did Athena ever care about Kratos?

Athena’s feelings towards Kratos are complex. Initially, she seems to care for him as a warrior and ally. However, as the series progresses, it becomes clear that she primarily sees him as a tool to achieve her own goals. Her concern for him is often intertwined with her own ambitions.
Why was Athena angry at Kratos at the end of God of War III?

Athena was enraged when Kratos released the power of Hope to humanity instead of giving it to her. She believed that she deserved the power to guide the world, and Kratos’s actions thwarted her plans.
What happened to Athena after Kratos left Greece?

After Kratos released the power of Hope, Athena’s ultimate fate is somewhat ambiguous. However, it is implied that she continued to exist in some form, potentially influencing events from a higher plane of existence.
Was Alrik really Kratos’s toughest opponent?

While Alrik was a formidable opponent, arguably Zeus represents Kratos’s toughest foe, given the multi-game conflict and the sheer power Zeus possessed as King of the Gods.
Did Athena ever truly forgive Kratos?

Athena claims to forgive Kratos after he kills Ares, but her forgiveness comes with the caveat that he will never escape his past. This suggests that her forgiveness is conditional and not entirely genuine.
Was there ever a romantic relationship between Kratos and Athena?

There is no evidence to suggest a romantic relationship between Kratos and Athena in the God of War canon. Their relationship is primarily one of mentorship, manipulation, and conflict.
Why did Zeus betray Kratos?

Zeus betrayed Kratos out of fear that Kratos would usurp him, just as Zeus had overthrown his own father, Cronos. Zeus also saw Kratos’s destructive actions as a threat to Olympus.
What curse did Athena inflict upon Kratos?

It was not Athena, but an Oracle that cursed Kratos. She condemned him to wear the ashes of his family on his skin, turning him into the “Ghost of Sparta.” Athena, however, allows this to happen which makes her seem evil.
Why did Kratos reject Odin’s offer in God of War: Ragnarok?

Kratos rejected Odin’s offer due to Odin’s history of deceit and manipulation, as well as Kratos’s desire to protect Freya and Atreus from Odin’s schemes. He learned from his past mistakes with the Greek gods.
How did Kratos become a full god?

Kratos was originally a demigod, the son of Zeus. He became a full god after killing Ares and taking his place as the God of War.
What is Kratos’s greatest weakness?

Kratos’s greatest weakness is arguably his rage. While his rage grants him immense power, it also makes him susceptible to manipulation and leads him to make destructive decisions.

Why Kratos sees Athena?