Why Does Athena Torment Kratos? A Deep Dive into the Motivations of the Ancient Greek Goddess
Athena, the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts, is a crucial character in the God of War series. Her motives and actions towards Kratos, the protagonist, have been a subject of speculation among fans and critics alike. In this article, we will delve into the psychology of Athena’s behavior, exploring the reasons behind her torment of Kratos, and examine the implications of their complex relationship.
Athena’s Initial Confrontation with Kratos
The first encounter between Athena and Kratos dates back to the events of God of War (2018). Kratos, the former God of War, has retired to the forest, seeking to leave his bloody past behind. Meanwhile, Athena, the representative of the gods, finds Kratos and attempts to persuade him to return to his duties as the God of War. Kratos rejects her offer, and Athena begins to torment him, emphasizing his responsibilities and the balance of the world.
Athena’s Methods of Torment
Over the course of the games, Athena employs various strategies to torment Kratos:
• Manipulation: Athena manipulates Kratos, using his guilt, anger, and sense of responsibility to control him and drive him towards his godly duties.
• Emotional Distress: She creates emotional distress, exploiting Kratos’ lingering feelings of guilt and resentment towards the gods, whom he believes abandoned him during his time as the God of War.
• Physical Confrontation: Athena engages in physical altercations with Kratos, testing his strength, and pushing him to reveal his true potential.
Athena’s Benevolent Intentions
Behind her tormenting behavior lies a benevolent intention:
• Protection of Kratos: Athena’s goals are not solely focused on tormenting Kratos; she genuinely cares for him and wants to protect him from the consequences of his actions.
• Consequences of Kratos’ Actions: Athena is alarmed by Kratos’ disconnection from the gods, his lack of understanding, and his reckless behavior as the God of War.
• Balance of Power: She seeks to ensure the balance of power is maintained, preventing Kratos from becoming too powerful, and potentially destabilizing the world.
Kratos’ Perspective
Kratos’ perspective on Athena’s behavior is crucial in understanding their complex relationship:
• Resentment Towards the Gods: Kratos’ resentment towards the gods, whom he believes neglected him and his family, fuels his anger and contempt towards Athena.
• Sense of Responsibility: Athena’s constant reminders of Kratos’ responsibilities as the God of War exacerbate his feelings of guilt, anxiety, and frustration.
The Power of Hope and Kratos’ Redemption
In God of War (2018), Kratos undergoes a significant character development, as he transforms from a vengeful, rage-filled warrior to a more compassionate and mindful individual. This transformation occurs as a result of Athena’s torment, which motivates Kratos to accept his responsibilities and find balance within himself.
Comparison with Other Characters
By comparing Athena’s behavior to that of other characters:
• Odin vs. Athena: Odin’s treatment of Kratos (in God of War II) is more brutal, lacking the benevolent undertones present in Athena’s actions.
• Greek Gods: The Greek gods, particularly Zeus, engage in more overtly malignant behavior, whereas Athena demonstrates a more nuanced approach towards Kratos.
The Future of Athena and Kratos’ Relationship
Considering the events of God of War (2018) and the potential future, the relationship between Athena and Kratos is likely to remain complex and multifaceted:
• Diplomacy: After Kratos’ redemption and acceptance of his responsibilities as the God of War, the two may engage in a more diplomatic and amicable relationship.
• Confrontation: On the other hand, conflict between Athena and Kratos could arise if Kratos’ actions threaten the balance of power or if she perceives him as posing a risk to the stability of the world.
Conclusion
Athena’s torment of Kratos may seem cruel at first, but it stems from a desire to protect him from himself and the consequences of his actions. Through his struggles, Kratos’ character evolves, and Athena’s motivations become more altruistic. The complex relationships between characters in the God of War series serve as a testament to the thought-provoking storytelling that sets the franchise apart, encouraging players to reflect on the moral implications of actions and the consequences of divine intervention.