Why Doesn’t Kratos Tell Atreus His Past?
The God of War series has been known for its emotional storytelling, and the game’s latest installment is no exception. In the story of God of War, Kratos, the former God of War, and his son Atreus embark on a journey to spread the ashes of Kratos’ wife, Faye, from the highest peak in the realms. However, as they travel, it becomes clear that Kratos has a complicated past that he has yet to share with Atreus.
In this article, we’ll explore why Kratos chooses not to tell Atreus his past, and what impact this has on their relationship.
The Reason for Kratos’ Silence
Kratos’ reluctance to share his past with Atreus can be attributed to the traumatic events he experienced as the God of War. As the Greek God of War, Kratos was forced to fight in battles against gods and monsters, which led to the deaths of many people, including his own family. He believes that sharing his past will only bring Atreus harm and trauma.
In an interview, the game’s creative director, Cory Barlog, explained, "Kratos has gone through some very traumatic things in his life, and he doesn’t want to relive them. He doesn’t want to talk about it, and he doesn’t want to pass it down to his son." [1]
Kratos’ Fear of Losing Control
Kratos also fears losing control of his emotions if he starts sharing his past with Atreus. Throughout the game, we see Kratos struggling to control his temper and manage his emotions. He is worried that if he starts talking about his past, he will become vulnerable and lose the control he has over his emotions.
This fear is reinforced by Atreus’ growing maturity and independence. As Atreus becomes more confident and skilled in his own right, Kratos feels like he’s losing control over his son’s life. Sharing his past may make Kratos feel even more vulnerable and powerless in the eyes of Atreus.
Atreus’ Unwavering Love and Support
Despite Kratos’ silence, Atreus is determined to support his father and help him overcome his emotional struggles. Throughout the game, we see Atreus providing comfort and encouragement to Kratos, who desperately needs his son’s love and understanding.
Consequences of Kratos’ Silence
Kratos’ refusal to share his past with Atreus has several consequences that impact their relationship and the game’s narrative.
Impact on the Relationship: Kratos’ silence creates tension and mistrust between him and Atreus. Atreus becomes frustrated with Kratos’ unwillingness to open up and communicate with him, leading to feelings of anger and hurt.
Impact on the Game’s Narrative: Kratos’ silence also affects the game’s story and the journey of Kratos and Atreus. By not sharing his past, Kratos misses an opportunity to teach Atreus valuable lessons about courage, forgiveness, and redemption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kratos’ reluctance to share his past with Atreus is rooted in his traumatic experiences as the God of War and his fear of losing control of his emotions. However, Atreus’ unwavering love and support show that Kratos is not alone in his struggles and that sharing his past could ultimately bring healing and closure.
In the game, Kratos’ silence is a testament to the complex and deeply emotional storytelling of God of War. As players, we are forced to confront our own emotions and experiences, and the game’s themes of trauma, loss, and redemption serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of communication and understanding in our own lives.
References:
[1] "God of War Creative Director on the Importance of Trauma in Kratos’ Story" – IGN, 2018
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