Who is God of War based on?

Who is God of War Based On?

God of War, a popular video game series, has been based on various mythologies, including Greek and Norse mythologies. The main character, Kratos, is a demigod with incredible strength and fighting skills. But, where did the idea of Kratos and the God of War series come from?

Direct Answer

Kratos is primarily based on the Greek god of war, also known as Ares (Ancient Greek: Ἄρης). In Greek mythology, Ares is the son of Zeus and Hera, and is often depicted as a brutal and violent warrior. However, in the God of War series, Kratos is not exactly based on Ares, but rather inspired by his character.

Kratos’ Background

Kratos, the protagonist of the God of War series, is a demigod, meaning he is the son of a god (Zeus) and a mortal (Laomedon’s daughter). He was born with incredible strength and fighting skills, and quickly became a warrior. Throughout the series, Kratos battles various gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures from Greek mythology.

Influence from Greek Mythology

The God of War series takes significant inspiration from Greek mythology, particularly the works of Homer, Apollodorus, and other ancient Greek authors. The gods and goddesses in the series, such as Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, and Hades, are all based on their mythological counterparts. The series also incorporates elements of Greek mythology, such as the Oracle of Delphi, the Olympian gods’ meddling in human affairs, and the Titans’ imprisonment by the Olympians.

Norse Influence

In 2018, the God of War series made a significant departure from its Greek roots and transitioned to Norse mythology. The game, God of War (2018), follows Kratos and his son Atreus on a journey through Midgard, the mortal world, and the realms of the Norse gods. The game incorporates elements of Norse mythology, such as the nine worlds of the cosmos, the giants (Jotnar), and the gods of Asgard.

Norse Mythological Inspiration

The 2018 God of War game drew inspiration from various Norse mythological sources, including the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. The game’s storyline, characters, and even the design of the gods and creatures are all based on Norse mythology. Some notable examples include:

• Laufey (Faye): In Norse mythology, Laufey is a Jotunn and the mother of Loki. In the God of War game, Faye is Kratos’ wife and the mother of Atreus.
• Loki (Atreus): Loki, in Norse mythology, is a trickster god known for his cunning and magical abilities. In the game, Atreus is Kratos’ son, and while not directly based on Loki, shares similar traits.
• Aesir Gods: The game features several Aesir gods, including Odin, Thor, Freya, and Heimdall, who are all based on their mythological counterparts.

Why Kratos isn’t a God

Throughout the series, Kratos is often referred to as the God of War, but in reality, he is not a god himself. Kratos is a demigod, the son of Zeus and a mortal, which grants him incredible strength and fighting skills. In the game, Kratos is not considered a god, and instead, is often pitted against the gods themselves.

Comparison with Ares

Kratos, while inspired by Ares, is not a direct representation of the Greek god of war. Kratos’ backstory and character development are unique to the game series. While Ares is known for his brutal and violent nature, Kratos is driven by a desire for revenge against the gods and a need to protect his family.

Conclusion

The God of War series draws inspiration from both Greek and Norse mythologies, with Kratos serving as a demigod protagonist. The series’ storylines, characters, and world-building are heavily influenced by these mythologies, making the games a unique blend of mythology and action-packed gameplay. While Kratos may not be a direct representation of Ares, his character development and actions are shaped by the mythology of the ancient world.