Are you a fan of the iconic video game series God of War? If so, you may have wondered why Kratos, the game’s protagonist, ages despite being a god.
After all, gods are immortal, right? Well, it turns out that Kratos’ aging is not a plot hole or an oversight by the game’s developers. There is actually a reason why Kratos ages, and it’s rooted in the game’s lore.
Kratos’ aging is a result of his unique status as a demigod. In the game’s lore, demigods are not true gods and do not possess the immortality that comes with godhood.
Instead, they age at a slower rate than mortals but are not completely immune to the effects of aging. Kratos, being a demigod, ages at a slower rate than regular humans but still ages nonetheless.
This explains why Kratos appears older in the latest installment of the game, God of War (2018), than he did in previous games.
The Nature of Gods in Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, gods are immortal beings with supernatural powers and abilities. They are often depicted as being perfect and flawless, with no physical or mental imperfections. They are also believed to be ageless, as time does not affect them in the same way it affects mortals.
However, despite being immortal, gods are not invincible. They can be injured, killed, and even punished by other gods or mortals. They are also subject to emotions such as anger, jealousy, and love, which can sometimes cloud their judgment and lead to conflicts.
In addition, gods in Greek mythology are not all-powerful. They are often limited by their own domains and responsibilities, and their actions can have unintended consequences. For example, Zeus, the king of the gods, is often depicted as being wise and just, but he is also known for his infidelity and his tendency to use his power to get what he wants.
So, while gods in Greek mythology are powerful and immortal, they are not infallible or invincible. They are subject to the same flaws and limitations as mortals, and their actions can have far-reaching consequences. This helps to explain why Kratos, despite being a god, can still age and be affected by the passage of time.
Kratos’ Journey: Mortal to God
Kratos‘ journey from being a mortal to becoming a god is a complex one. He started off as a Spartan warrior, who was tricked by Ares, the god of war, into killing his own family. Driven by revenge, Kratos embarked on a journey to kill Ares and became the new God of War.
As a god, Kratos gained immense power and abilities, but he also became burdened with responsibilities and consequences. He had to serve the other gods and fight their battles, which led him to commit many atrocities and cause destruction on a massive scale.
Despite being a god, Kratos still had mortal qualities. He could be injured, feel pain, and even die. He also aged like a mortal, which raises the question: why does Kratos age if he’s a god?
One theory is that Kratos is not a full-fledged god, but a demigod. He didn’t achieve godhood until he was in his 30s, which means he was already well into his adulthood when he became a god. This could explain why he ages like a mortal.
Another theory is that Kratos’ mortality is linked to his humanity and emotions. He is haunted by the memories of his past and the guilt of his actions, which makes him vulnerable to aging and mortality.
Whatever the reason for Kratos’ aging, it adds a layer of complexity to his character and makes him more relatable to the player. It also raises questions about the nature of godhood and mortality in the world of God of War.
The Concept of Aging in Gods
As a mortal, you are accustomed to the concept of aging. You are born, grow, and eventually start to age, leading to physical and mental deterioration. However, when it comes to gods, things are a bit different. Gods are often portrayed as immortal beings who do not age or die, but this is not always the case.
In the case of Kratos, the God of War, you may be wondering why he ages if he is a god. The answer lies in the fact that not all gods are created equal. Some gods are immortal and do not age, while others are not. In many mythologies, gods are often portrayed as having human-like qualities and emotions, and aging is just one aspect of this.
In some cases, gods age at a slower rate than mortals, but they still age nonetheless. This is often the case with demigods, who are part god and part mortal. In the case of Kratos, he is a demigod, which may explain why he ages.
Another factor to consider is the source of a god’s power. In some mythologies, a god’s power is derived from worship and belief. If people stop believing in a god, their power may diminish, and they may start to age or even die. This is not the case with all gods, but it is a common theme in many mythologies.
Overall, the concept of aging in gods is complex and varies depending on the mythology. While some gods may be immortal and never age, others may age at a slower rate or even age like mortals. In the case of Kratos, his aging may be due to his status as a demigod or the source of his power.
Kratos’ Unique Case: Aging Despite Godhood
Kratos is a unique case among the gods. Despite being a god, he still ages like a mortal. This has led to confusion among fans of the God of War franchise, who wonder why Kratos is aging if he’s a god.
According to the game’s director, Cory Barlog, Kratos is immortal and does not age like mortals. However, Kratos himself has stated that he ages like a mortal. So, what’s going on?
One theory is that Kratos’ aging is a psychological effect. He subconsciously made himself appear older in order to appear fatherly when he chose to “live as a man”. This theory is supported by the fact that Zeus, who passed on his power to Kratos, also made himself appear older in order to seem wise as the leader of the gods.
Another theory is that Kratos’ aging is due to the fact that he is not a true god. In the God of War universe, there are two types of gods: those born of Titans and those born of other gods. Kratos falls into the latter category, which means that he may not have the same level of power and immortality as the former.
It’s also possible that Kratos’ aging is simply a plot device to show his growth and development as a character. As the series progresses, Kratos becomes more human and less godlike, which is reflected in his aging.
Whatever the reason for Kratos’ aging, it’s clear that he is a unique case among the gods. While most gods in the God of War universe are ageless and immortal, Kratos ages like a mortal. This makes him a fascinating and complex character, and adds to the overall depth and richness of the God of War franchise.