The Ghost of Sparta’s Burden: Exploring Kratos’s Suicidal Tendencies
Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, is a figure defined by rage, vengeance, and immense suffering. His suicidal tendencies stem from a complex interplay of guilt, regret, the unbearable weight of his past actions, and the disillusionment that followed his achieving vengeance on the Olympian gods. He viewed himself as a monster, forever stained by the blood of innocents, his family, and the destruction he wrought upon the world. This overwhelming burden led him to believe that death was the only escape from his torment and a way to potentially offer some measure of redemption to the world he shattered.
The Weight of Vengeance and the Emptiness After
The Price of Revenge
Kratos’s initial motivation throughout the early God of War games was simple: revenge against Ares, the god who tricked him into killing his own family. This quest consumed him, driving him to commit countless acts of violence and destruction. After finally killing Ares, and later, the entire Olympian pantheon, Kratos realized that his vengeance didn’t bring him the peace he craved. Instead, it left him feeling even more empty and disillusioned. The world was in chaos, and he bore the responsibility. This realization was a significant contributing factor to his suicidal ideation. He had achieved his goal, only to find that it was a hollow victory, leaving him with nothing but regret.
The Curse of Pandora’s Box
The story reveals that the source of Kratos’s strength and rage stemmed from Pandora’s Box. Unbeknownst to Kratos, the box contained not only the evils of the world but also “Hope,” a power capable of defeating the gods. Athena, after Kratos kills Zeus, confronts him demanding the power of Hope. His suicide, impaling himself with the Blade of Olympus, was an act of releasing this Hope to humanity, further highlighting his desire for redemption. It wasn’t just about ending his suffering; it was about offering humanity something better in his absence. He wanted to give mankind the opportunity to rebuild and forge its own destiny, free from the tyranny of the gods.
Guilt, Regret, and the Monster Within
The Slaughter of Innocents
Throughout his journey, Kratos was forced to make difficult choices, often leading to the deaths of innocent people. The collateral damage of his quest for vengeance weighed heavily on his conscience. He couldn’t escape the images of those he had killed or the knowledge that his actions had caused immense suffering to others. This overwhelming guilt became a constant companion, fueling his desire for self-destruction.
The Murder of His Family
The most significant source of Kratos’s guilt was the murder of his wife, Lysandra, and his daughter, Calliope. This act, orchestrated by Ares, transformed him into the Ghost of Sparta and set him on his path of vengeance. However, it also left him with an unshakeable sense of self-loathing and the belief that he was a monster. The memory of this tragedy haunted him, making it impossible for him to find peace or forgiveness. His later interactions with his son, Atreus, were heavily influenced by this past trauma, as he desperately tried to prevent Atreus from following the same destructive path.
Self-Perception as a Monster
Kratos’s perception of himself as a monster was deeply ingrained. He believed that he was inherently flawed and incapable of redemption. This belief was reinforced by his actions and the consequences they had on the world around him. He saw himself as a force of destruction, a plague upon the land. This negative self-image contributed significantly to his suicidal thoughts, as he felt that the world would be better off without him.
A Search for Redemption in a World Without Hope
Atonement Through Sacrifice
Kratos’s suicidal acts, particularly in God of War III, can be interpreted as attempts at atonement. He was willing to sacrifice himself if it meant providing humanity with a chance to rebuild and find hope. This desire for redemption underscores the complexity of his character. Despite his violent past, he longed for forgiveness and sought to leave a positive legacy.
Escaping the Cycle of Violence
By attempting to end his own life, Kratos was also trying to break the cycle of violence that had defined his existence. He recognized that his actions had only perpetuated suffering and that the only way to stop the cycle was to remove himself from the equation. This realization demonstrates a degree of self-awareness and a willingness to confront his own demons.
Finding Purpose in Protecting Atreus
The birth of his son, Atreus, provided Kratos with a new sense of purpose. He was determined to protect Atreus from the mistakes of his past and to guide him toward a better future. This paternal bond became a powerful force, helping him to overcome his suicidal tendencies and to find a reason to live. While the desire for self-destruction remained a part of him, his love for Atreus and his commitment to raising him superseded it. His journey in the Norse realm, and the bond with Atreus, showcases his growth and his slow journey towards healing. The work done by educators and researchers in studying video games as learning tools can be found at the Games Learning Society website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Kratos want to kill himself at the end of God of War III?
Kratos attempted suicide at the end of God of War III to release the power of Hope, which he unknowingly obtained from Pandora’s Box, to humanity. He felt responsible for the chaos in the world and believed that his death would be a selfless act to provide mankind with a chance for a better future.
2. Did Kratos succeed in killing himself?
No, Kratos didn’t die in God of War III. While he impaled himself with the Blade of Olympus, he survived and disappeared. The reasons for his survival are complex and tied to the power of Hope within him, as well as perhaps a lingering will to live.
3. Why does Kratos regret killing Zeus?
Kratos doesn’t necessarily regret killing Zeus because he felt affection for him, but because it reinforced his self-loathing as a “father killer”. He is ashamed of repeating a cycle of patricide, especially as he grows to love his son, Atreus, and wants to be a better father.
4. What is Kratos’s biggest regret?
Kratos’s biggest regret is arguably the murder of his first family, Lysandra and Calliope. This event shaped him into the vengeful warrior he became and haunted him throughout his life.
5. Is Kratos mentally ill?
While the games don’t explicitly diagnose Kratos, his behavior is consistent with symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and possibly Antisocial Personality Disorder. These are interpretations based on his violent actions, emotional detachment, and trauma.
6. What stopped Kratos from dying permanently?
In the Norse saga, Faye’s intervention is implied to have played a role in altering Kratos’s fate. She destroyed a painting depicting his future death, suggesting that she helped him and Atreus avoid a preordained destiny.
7. Why does Kratos cry when he sees his future in Jotunheim?
Kratos cries when he sees the mural in Jotunheim depicting him as a revered figure because it contrasts sharply with his self-perception as a destroyer. It shows him that he is capable of being a savior and a leader, which he never believed possible.
8. Did Zeus ever love Kratos?
There is no evidence to suggest that Zeus ever genuinely loved Kratos. Zeus feared Kratos’s potential to overthrow him, mirroring his own patricidal history with Cronos. Zeus viewed Kratos as a threat rather than a son.
9. What is the scar on Kratos’s stomach from?
The scar on Kratos’s stomach is from when he impaled himself with the Blade of Olympus at the end of God of War III to release the power of Hope to humanity.
10. How many times has Kratos died?
Kratos has died and been revived at least three times in the original trilogy. These deaths were temporary setbacks in his quest for vengeance.
11. Did any Greek gods survive Kratos?
Yes, some lesser Greek gods survived Kratos’s rampage. The destruction was widespread but not absolute. He focused his rage on specific figures within the Olympian pantheon.
12. What is Kratos’s worst fear?
Kratos’s worst fear is that his violent past will define his son, Atreus, and that Atreus will either despise him or follow in his destructive footsteps. He is afraid of the legacy he will leave behind.
13. What is Kratos’s biggest weakness?
Kratos’s biggest weakness is his rage. While it is a source of his power, it also makes him impulsive and prone to making mistakes. His rage has often blinded him to the consequences of his actions.
14. Can Kratos lift Mjolnir?
No, Kratos cannot lift Mjolnir, Thor’s hammer. In Norse mythology, Mjolnir can only be wielded by those who are deemed worthy, and Kratos, despite his strength, does not meet that criteria.
15. Why does Kratos never eat?
Kratos’s reluctance to eat is often attributed to his desire to remain independent and not indebted to anyone. It’s also symbolic of his self-reliance and his refusal to accept help from others. More information can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.