Why is Kratos killing gods?

Why is Kratos killing gods?

Kratos, the protagonist of the God of War video game series, has a history of slaughtering gods and demigods throughout the franchise. His godly bloodline and centuries of rage have fueled his desire to destroy the pantheon of gods. Let’s explore the reasons behind Kratos’ bloody endeavors.

Ares: The Inciting Incident

Kratos’ killing spree began when he served under the Greek god of war, Ares. The god promised Kratos strength and victory in exchange for his service, but this proved to be a twisted and false promise. Ares manipulated Kratos, turning him into a mindless killing machine, and later betrayed him. Kratos’ perception of his own worthlessness and lack of purpose contributed to his rage, driving him to seek revenge against the gods.

Deception and Betrayal

When Kratos sought to exact revenge on the gods, he was tricked into killing his own wife and daughter by Ares. This traumatic event led to a deep sense of guilt, shame, and anger that fueled his desire to slay the gods. His actions were motivated by a desire for redemption, justice, and the eradication of those who had brought him so much pain.

Pursuit of Power and Revenge

Throughout the series, Kratos’ desire for power and revenge is a recurring theme. He seeks to overthrow the gods and establish himself as the supreme ruler. His interactions with gods, such as Zeus and Athena, have been marked by conflict, betrayal, and violence. Kratos views the gods as tyrants who have oppressed and used mortals for their own gain. By killing the gods, he aims to break free from their perceived tyranny and create a new world order.

Emotional Turmoil and Suffering

Kratos’ emotional struggles have played a significant role in shaping his actions. His past traumas, including the deaths of his loved ones and the manipulation of Ares, have created deep-seated emotional wounds. This emotional pain has fueled his rage, driving him to lash out at the gods and others. His feelings of inadequacy and self-blame have contributed to his desire to eliminate the gods, as a way of proving his strength and value.

Personality and Character Traits

Kratos’ personality is marked by rage, anger, and a relentless pursuit of revenge. His intense emotions have shaped his worldview, leading him to believe that the ends justify the means. He is impulsive, aggressive, and driven, often acting on instinct without considering the consequences.

Comparison with Other Characters

In the world of Saitama, the powerful and unbeatable hero from the anime series, we can observe a striking difference in behavior. While Saitama’s calm and nonchalant nature is at odds with Kratos’ intense emotions. Their approaches to solving problems also differ significantly, with Kratos opting for violence and Saitama preferring to avoid conflict altogether.

Conclusion

Kratos’ relentless pursuit of killing gods stems from a complex web of emotions, motivations, and experiences. His anger, revenge, and pursuit of power drive him to eliminate those he perceives as threats or tyrants. While his actions may seem brutal and chaotic, they are a result of his own personal trauma and character traits. Through his actions, Kratos seeks to find redemption, justice, and a new sense of purpose, free from the manipulation and exploitation of the gods.

Sources:

• God of War (2005) PlayStation 2 game
• God of War: Ascension (2013) PlayStation 3 game
• God of War (2018) PlayStation 4 game
• God of War: Ragnarök (2022) PlayStation 5 game
• Saitama and Friends (2022) Manga and Anime series