Why Did Kratos Kill Himself in God of War 3?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Kratos, the iconic protagonist of the God of War series, shockingly commits suicide by impaling himself on his own Blade of Olympus at the climax of God of War 3. This sacrificial act served as redemption after his bloody quest for vengeance against the Greek gods.

Kratos‘ Vengeance and Ascension

Throughout the original God of War trilogy, Kratos seeks increasingly brutal vengeance against Ares, the God of War, and the rest of the Greek pantheon for the deaths of his family. After killing Ares and taking his place as the new God of War in the first game, Kratos ends up betrayed by Zeus and stripped of his godly power.

This sparks a final vengeful crusade in God of War 3 to destroy Zeus and plunge the Greek world into chaos. But after a long journey and many battles against gods like Poseidon, Hades, Helios, and Hermes, Kratos comes face-to-face with Zeus and achieves the vengeance he long sought.

Confrontation with Athena and Sacrifice

With Zeus defeated, only Athena stands between Kratos and Pandora‘s Box, which contains the ultimate power within – Hope. Athena demands Kratos yield the Box‘s power, but he refuses.

Kratos declares the cycle of vengeance between himself and the gods over. In a surprising act of self-sacrifice, he impales himself on the Blade of Olympus – willingly giving up his life to release Hope to mankind rather than hoarding power for himself.

This shift from selfish to selfless marks the conclusion of Kratos‘ morally gray, rage-fueled quest for revenge. His suicide serves as an act of redemption, liberating Hope for humanity instead of enabling further destruction.

Aftermath and Impact

Of course, as a demigod, Kratos‘ suicide did not entirely end his story. He awakens years later in the Nordic realm Midgard, eventually revealing events set in motion by his mythic Greek exploits still haunt him. But his sacrificial choice nonetheless freed Hope and opened the door to a new age for the God of War.

Kratos‘ shocking suicide marked a fitting end to his Greek saga. While its full implications may still unfold in future games, his decision concluded his morally ambiguous war against Olympus on a surprisingly noble note. It highlighted immense personal growth reflecting how far Kratos had progressed from his origins as a ruthless, vengeance-driven antihero into a more self-aware and even heroic figure.

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.

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