Is Kratos a Deicide?

Is Kratos a Deicide? The God of War’s Murky Past

Kratos, the legendary Greek monster-slayer and demigod, has left behind a trail of destruction throughout Greek mythology. With thousands of lives lost at the hands of the Spartan warlord, it’s common to question whether Kratos can be considered a god-killer or a mass murderer. This article scrutinizes Kratos’ character, examining his actions that have led to the killings of various gods and shedding light on his complex mental state.

Kratos’ Background

Before he became the God of War, Kratos was a humble Spartan warrior. Born into a renowned family of warriors, the young Kratos was mentored by the godlike being, the Olympian god of war, Achilles. Trained in mortal combat, Kratos became an accomplished fighter, eventually developing a taste for the adrenaline rush that came with eliminating his enemies. His most significant moment came when he slew his own people, including his wife, Lysandra, whom he was tricked by the god of war himself, Ares.

Under the guidance of Ares, Kratos became lost in his rage and slaughter, fueled by his vendetta against the gods on Mount Olympus. This ultimately led to the deaths of multiple gods, causing a significant rift in society. With the ascension of Kratos in the position of God, the Olympians became paranoid and vengeful forces, sacrifying innocent lives in the most heinous manner only to serve their own destructive agendas.

Kratos’ Consequences

Kratos’ brutal acts set in motion a series cycle of revenge, where Olympus itself sought vengeance for various crimes committed. His eventual descent into darkness was hastened by his actions involving the slaughter of gods – a grave and devastating breach of faith, leading one to ponder the very survival of Kratos’ faith. It seems telling that he sought shelter among the Norse gods by joining the Wild Hunt crew, signaling an existential identity crisis within his character in response to his destructive role.

The gods’ prophecy of his fate as recorded in God of War Ragnarök emphasizes Kratos’ desperate need for a chance without killing gods to defy fatality, implying a clear desire for a path sans destruction, in an unexpected turn. The choice and its subsequent repercussions highlight fundamental aspects of Kratos throughout his history. By examining Kratos’ motivations, it ultimately leads us to ponder as to whether his actions represent the ultimate god-destiny of this God who, for better or.