What Mythology is Gow Based On?
God of War, a popular video game series, is deeply rooted in Greek mythology. The game’s protagonist, Kratos, is a character drawn from ancient Greek mythology, and the series’ storylines and characters are heavily influenced by the myths of ancient Greece.
Greek Mythology as the Foundation
Kratos, the main character, is based on the Greek hero Heracles, who was known for his incredible strength and bravery. Heracles was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and a mortal woman, Alcmene. Kratos’ backstory is also similar to that of Heracles, as he is the son of Zeus and a mortal woman, Callisto. The game’s developers have stated that they drew inspiration from Heracles’ myths, including his twelve labors, when creating Kratos’ character.
Roman Influence
While Greek mythology is the primary source of inspiration for God of War, the series has also borrowed elements from Roman mythology. The game’s Norse mythology-based games, in particular, show the influence of Roman mythology. For example, the god Baldur is based on the Roman god Apollo, while the god Freyja is based on the Roman goddess Venus.
Roman Gods and Goddesses
Here is a list of Roman gods and goddesses and their Greek counterparts:
| Roman God/Goddess | Greek Counterpart |
|---|---|
| Jupiter | Zeus |
| Juno | Hera |
| Mars | Ares |
| Venus | Aphrodite |
| Mercury | Hermes |
| Diana | Artemis |
| Apollo | Apollo (same in both cultures) |
| Vulcan | Hephaestus |
God of War’s Creative Liberty
While God of War draws heavily from mythology, the series also takes creative liberties with the characters and storylines. For example, Kratos is a more complex and nuanced character than Heracles, and his storylines have deviated significantly from the original myths. The series’ developers have stated that they aim to stay true to the spirit of the myths while also adding their own twists and interpretations.
Norse Mythology’s Influence
The most recent games in the God of War series have focused on Norse mythology, with Kratos traveling to the world of the Norse gods and goddesses. This marks a significant departure from the series’ previous focus on Greek mythology. The game’s developers have stated that they drew inspiration from Norse mythology, including the stories of the gods and goddesses, as well as the mythological creatures that inhabit the world.
Norse Gods and Goddesses
Here is a list of Norse gods and goddesses and their Roman counterparts:
| Norse God/Goddess | Roman Counterpart |
|---|---|
| Odin | Jupiter |
| Freyja | Venus |
| Baldur | Apollo |
Conclusion
God of War is deeply rooted in Greek mythology, with elements of Roman mythology also playing a significant role in the series. The game’s developers have taken creative liberties with the characters and storylines, while still drawing inspiration from the original myths. The series’ most recent games have focused on Norse mythology, marking a significant departure from the series’ previous focus on Greek mythology.