Who Enslaved Kratos?
Kratos, the legendary Spartan warrior from the God of War franchise, has a complicated history that involves servitude and slavery. In the first God of War game, Kratos is indeed enslaved by the Greek god of war, Ares. But why and how did this happen? In this article, we will delve into the history of Kratos’ enslavement and explore the various instances where he was trapped in servitude throughout his life.
Direct Enslavement to Ares
Kratos was first enslaved by Ares after he tricked Kratos into killing his wife and child. As the god of war, Ares saw potential in Kratos and decided to mold him into a war machine, using his aggression and strength to further Ares’ own goals. Under Ares’ tutelage, Kratos was trained to fight and was given a magical sword and a shield, which allowed him to become a formidable warrior.
Servitude to the Gods
As the God of War franchise progresses, Kratos’ journey takes him to serve the gods themselves. Specifically, he becomes the slave of Zeus, the king of the gods, after he kills the former God of War, Ares. Zeus saw an opportunity to use Kratos’ skills to destroy other gods and mortals, and thus, he enlisted Kratos as a pawn in his own divine plans.
Fighting the Gods
Kratos eventually breaks free from Zeus’ control and begins fighting the gods themselves. During his battles, he befriends other gods, like Athena, who helps him navigate the complexities of Greek mythology. However, even in his newfound freedom, Kratos remains bound by the will of the gods. He is forced to confront his own destiny, and the weight of his responsibilities as the God of War.
Table of Key Events
| Event | Enslaver | Circumstances | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ares’ Enslavement | Ares | Tricked into killing wife and child | Molded into a war machine |
| Zeus’ Servitude | Zeus | Defeated Ares | Trained to fight; given magical sword and shield |
| Fighting the Gods | Zeus | Broke free from servitude; became God of War | Forced to confront destiny |
Consequences of Enslavement
Throughout Kratos’ journey, enslavement has left significant emotional scars. Guilty of Patricide, Kratos has murdered his own family at Ares’ behest and has been forced to live with the consequences. Additionally, his servitude to the gods has furthered his own sense of rage and vengeance, leading to countless battles and conflicts throughout Greek mythology.
Conclusion
Kratos’ enslavement has been a constant thread throughout his life. From Ares to Zeus, he has been manipulated and used for the gods’ own purposes. However, despite these circumstances, Kratos has managed to rise above his servitude, embracing his destiny as the God of War. Though still haunted by his past, Kratos continues to battle, driven by his anger and a desire for vengeance.
Additional Resources:
- God of War: Origins (2012)
- God of War III (2010)
- The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Mythology by Donna W. Hill