Get to know in detail the character of Kratos. A mythological figure that has become popular in Sony games for Playstation consoles.
Who was Kratos?
Kratos is an interesting figure, related in Greek mythology, to the god Ares. His name is probably more familiar in modern times as the main character in the popular“God of War” video game series. Apparently, the title “God of War” does not refer to the character Kratos but to the Greek god of war Ares, who plays a role in the plot.
Kratos becomes the god of war in the popular video game “God of War”. But he was usually only found as part of a guardian of Zeus’ throne, always subordinate to his will.
is Kratos really the Greek god of war?
The real Greek god of war, Ares, might have something to say about that. Kratos is a fictional character composed by game creator David Jaffe, not a mythical character. While Cratus is loosely based on the idea of a Greek god and/or a Spartan hero, he is not part of the ancient and official pantheon, although he interacts with them in the game.
There was a spirit (daimon) or minor god of strength named Kratos or Cratus, but he was usually only encountered as part of a guardian of Zeus‘ throne, always subordinate to his will.Go
Kratos in Greek mythology
Since Kratos is fictional, created for the purposes of the game, his interactions with the Greek gods and goddesses are only loosely based on mythology.
- Appearance: Vigorous large muscular man with ashen gray skin.
- Symbols or attributes: Swords with double chains.
- Strengths: Powerful, strong and skilled fighter.
- Weaknesses: Constantly enraged, which can be an advantage in battle.
- Major Temples: As a fictional character, there are no sites in Greece legitimately associated with him. However, Mount Olympus is often present in the game.
- Birthplace: Sparta
- Wife: None known in the game so far
- Parents: In the game’s story, Zeus is said to be Kratos’ father. This is certainly consistent with Greek mythology, as Zeus was the father of many.
- Patrons: Kratos is initially a follower of the true Greek god of war, Ares. In the story, he is also assisted by Athena, Gaia and other gods and goddesses.
Basic Story
In the game “God of War” Kratos is a Spartan fighter and follower of Ares; he eventually tricks him into killing his own family, and Kratos ends up killing Ares and becoming the new God of War on Mount Olympus. He is also referred to as the “Ghost of Sparta” in the game.
Interesting fact
Although not a true Greek god, Kratos has a typically Greek-sounding name. Actually, the ending “-os” is pre-Greek, and is only found in pre-Greek words. Many Minoan words, such as Minos or Knossos, end in -os, but we don’t know the ancient Minoan name of their Greek god of war, or even if they had one.
Athena or other goddesses may have filled that role for the Minoans. As a Spartan, it is not surprising that this character was given a name ending in “-os,” since the Minoans had close ties to ancient Sparta and it is believed that Sparta retained many aspects of the then-defunct Minoan culture.
