Is Kratos Black or White?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Kratos, the iconic protagonist of the God of War video game franchise, has a distinctive pale white skin complexion. However, this was not always the case. Kratos was originally a Spartan warrior with tanned olive skin before a pivotal tragic event changed his appearance forever.

Kratos Originally Had Tanned Olive Skin

In the early God of War games, it is revealed through flashbacks that Kratos was born a demigod and originally had the skin tone of a typical Spartan warrior. Ancient Spartans were olive-skinned Mediterranean people, so Kratos would have appeared as such.

Scenes showing Kratos before he became the Ghost of Sparta clearly depict him with a natural tan complexion, not the stark white we know today.

The Ashes of His Family Cursed His Skin White

After being tricked by Ares into killing his wife and daughter, their ashes cursed Kratos, baking permanently onto his skin and bleaching it ash white. This earned him the moniker "Ghost of Sparta" for his now pale, ghostly complexion.

So technically, Kratos‘ skin is not naturally white. The white is the literal ashes of his slain wife and child fused to his body. A permanent reminder of the tragedy he endured.

Kratos‘ Origins Are Greek, Not Norse

In the recent God of War games set in Norse mythology, Kratos‘ unusual appearance compared to those around him is explained by his Greek godly origins. The Norse gods and people view him as an foreign outsider.

So while Kratos traverses Norse realms now, he was born a Demigod in Greece originally and is not ethnically Norse. His roots are Mediterranean, hence the olive tone he once had.

The Ashes Gave Kratos His Iconic Look

The ashes covering Kratos are pivotal to his overall character design. They make him appear striking and ominous compared to average humans.

This memorable visual design choice defined Kratos as a video game character, cementing his vengeful "Ghost of Sparta" persona.

So in summary, Kratos was not born pale. But the white ashes that cursed his skin gave him the iconic ghostly look that made him the Kratos we know today. Underneath it all, he is still Greek by blood.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

Similar Posts