Why did Zeus let Kratos kill Ares?

Why Did Zeus Let Kratos Kill Ares?

The question of why Zeus allowed Kratos to kill Ares has been a topic of debate among fans of the God of War series. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind Zeus’s decision and examine the evidence from the game’s story and novelization.

Athena’s Plea

One of the most significant reasons for Zeus’s decision is the plea of Athena, the Goddess of War and Wisdom. In the game, Athena appears to Kratos and tells him that killing Ares will complete his penance and rid him of his past sins. This suggests that Athena had been seeking a way to balance the scales of justice, and Kratos’s killing of Ares was seen as a means to achieve this.

Fearing Ares’s Potential

Another reason for Zeus’s decision is that he fears Ares’s potential to become the "Marked Warrior" who would overthrow him. This is hinted at in the game’s novelization, where it is mentioned that Ares had the potential to become a great warrior, but his desire for power and glory consumed him. Zeus may have seen Kratos as a potential threat to his own power, and by allowing him to kill Ares, he was able to eliminate this threat.

Protecting the Gods

Zeus may have also seen Kratos as a necessary tool to protect the gods. As the God of War, Kratos was a powerful warrior who could be used to serve Zeus’s interests. By allowing him to kill Ares, Zeus was able to use Kratos to achieve his own goals, namely to maintain the balance of power among the gods and prevent any one of them from becoming too powerful.

Kratos’s Character

Kratos’s character also plays a significant role in Zeus’s decision. As the protagonist of the game, Kratos is driven by a desire for revenge against the gods who wronged him. By allowing him to kill Ares, Zeus was able to manipulate Kratos’s desire for revenge to serve his own purposes.

Table: The Possible Reasons for Zeus’s Decision

Conclusion

In conclusion, Zeus’s decision to allow Kratos to kill Ares can be attributed to a combination of these reasons. By allowing Kratos to kill Ares, Zeus was able to balance the scales of justice, eliminate a potential threat to his own power, protect the gods, and manipulate Kratos’s desire for revenge. This decision has far-reaching consequences for the rest of the game, setting the stage for Kratos’s journey to become the God of War.