How Many Gods Did Kratos Kill? A Comprehensive Look
Kratos, the iconic protagonist of the God of War franchise, has a long and brutal history of killing gods from Greek mythology. From 23 gods, Titans, and monsters in total, Kratos’ rage and vengeance have left a trail of destruction across ancient Greece. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Kratos’ killings, exploring which gods he took down, who survived, and the implications of his actions.
The Early Years: From Mortal to Demigod
Kratos was once a mortal, an Athenian warrior serving Ares, the god of war. However, Kratos’ fate was changed when he killed Ares, becoming a demigod and gaining immortality. This transformation, while granting him incredible power, also made him nearly unbeatable in combat, fuelling his rage and propensity for killing.
Killing the Gods of Olympus
Kratos’ ascension to demigod status marked the beginning of his campaign against the Olympian gods. With a growing sense of righteous wrath, he set his sights on the gods he saw as responsible for the loss of his family, leading to a series of 12 brutal battles, resulting in the downfall of 12 of Olympus’ most powerful gods, including:
- Poseidon, the god of the sea
- Hades, the god of the underworld
- Helios, the god of the sun
- Hera, the queen of the gods
- Hermes, the messenger god
- Hercules, the demigod hero
- Artemis, the goddess of the hunt
- Ares, the god of war (his former employer and mentor)
- Dionysus, the god of wine and festivals
- Demeter, the goddess of agriculture
- Apollo, the god of music and prophecy
- Artemis, the goddess of the hunt
These events marked a significant shift in Kratos’ characterization, as he transitioned from a mortal warrior to an immortal, god-destroying force.
Escape from Olympus and Further Violence
After destroying the Olympus gods, Kratos escaped from Greece and fled to Scandinavia, where he fought against the Norse gods in God of War III. This transition represents a significant change in his character, as Kratos moved from a solitary assassin to a more compassionate parent, as seen in his interactions with his daughter Atreus.
Beyond Olympus: Kratos and the Egyptian Gods
God of War III, the final installment in the original trilogy, featured a new setting: Ancient Egypt. Kratos found himself battling against the gods and monsters of Egypt, but ultimately, he managed to kill no more than 7 deities, including Osiris, Ra, and Anubis.
Comparative Analysis: Kratos and the Egyptian Gods
| God | Kratos’ Attitude towards the God(s) |
|---|---|
| Poseidon | Target, Destroyed |
| Zeus | Resistant, Survived |
| Ra | Vengeful, Destroyed |
| Anubis | Resisted, Survived |
| Hermes | Target, Destroyed |
| Odin | Committed, Survived |
| Thor | Cowered, Survived |
| Freya | Committed, Survived |
While this table highlights the variations in Kratos’ encounters, it also underscores his distinct approaches to the Greek and Egyptian pantheons. His interactions with Greek gods were marked by hatred and a desire for destruction, whereas his encounters with the Egyptian gods were influenced by a sense of loss, guilt, and vulnerability.
Conclusion: The Gods Kratos Killed and Implications
Kratos has killed 23 gods, Titans, and monsters across the God of War franchise. His carnage serves as a testament to the god-killer’s ruthless intent and his capacity for devastation. The gods who did not fall to his attacks, such as Aphrodite, Hestia, Demeter, and Artemis, might see his actions as murderous or an expression of impulsiveness.
Regardless, Kratos’ reign of terror has left its mark on the world of ancient Greece and beyond, reminding us that even in fiction, the consequences of mortal actions can have profound impacts on the lives of deities and mortals alike.
Sources
[1] God of War Wiki. (2023). Kratos’ Quest for Revenge. Retrieved from https://www.gameinformer.com/m/showcase/god-war/p=kratos-revenge
[2] Polygon. (2020). God of War is one of the best game soundtracks of all time. Retrieved from https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2020/12/15/22084123/god-war-game-soundtrack-anthem-of-the-return-soundtrack
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