God Of War: 5 Characters Kratos Should Not Have Killed

Key Takeaways

Modi was no longer a threat but was killed by Atreus due to his actions.
Kratos could have spared Hermes as he wasn’t a threat, he could have simply taken off his boots.
Helios offered to repay Kratos, but his attempt to blind him led to his demise.

I cannot help but feel a profound sense of sorrow when reflecting upon the tragic fate of Athena and Hera, two mighty goddesses who met their end at the hands of Kratos. As a historian, I am often struck by the complexities and contradictions that weave themselves through the tapestry of human history, and these tales are no exception.

The God of War series has earned the affection of countless fans, significantly contributing to the success of Sony and Santa Monica studios. Kratos’ tale of vengeance and his intense animosity towards Olympus and its inhabitants is widely recognized, with a degree of empathy due to the ordeals he’s experienced.

While it’s important to note that not all deities intended harm toward Kratos, many did not directly hinder his objectives. At times, it was Kratos’ own anger and unchecked rage that led him to slay those who posed no threat to him. Here are some gods from the God of War series that Kratos might have spared.

5 Modi

He Was Beaten And No Longer A Threat

God Of War: 5 Characters Kratos Should Not Have Killed

At the very end, Modi was not a threat
Kratos is responsible for his death as he should have controlled Atreus better

In the 2018 video game God of War, when Kratos and Atreus initially meet the brothers Magni and Modi, they offer a formidable challenge, compelling father and son to join forces. Although not as potent as Baldur or Odin, these two were still dangerous adversaries that required careful handling. However, upon Kratos slaying Magni with his Leviathan Axe, Modi succumbed morally, and although it was a mistake to initially consider letting him flee, it was also commendable.

On their second meeting with Modi, he menaces them with death threats and slanders Atreus’ mother. Fortunately, they manage to defeat him again. In their final encounter, Modi is severely battered and probably expelled by Odin. Since he can no longer defend himself, Kratos informs Atreus of this fact; however, Atreus still slays him and pushes his lifeless body into the abyss.

Although Kratos didn’t personally slay Modi, he bears responsibility for Modi’s son’s actions at a tender age, particularly given that he revealed to him the startling truth about his heritage and past deeds in Greece.

4 Hermes

While Kratos Needed His Boots, He Could Have Spared Him

Hermes taunted Kratos constantly
Kratos could have just taken off his boots and spared Hermes’ life

In terms of irritating characters within “God of War 3”, Hermes didn’t quite take the cake as the most aggravating. While he certainly enjoyed poking fun at Kratos and filling his life with unnecessary provocation, he never posed a significant threat. Given his lowly status in Olympus, there was no real reason for Kratos to pay him much mind.

In a prolonged pursuit, which culminated in Hermes getting hurt while Kratos stood victorious above him, the Ghost of Sparta brutally severed Hermes’ legs to obtain the messenger god’s boots. This grim act marked one of the bleakest conclusions for any deity within the game franchise, yet it was unnecessary; Kratos could have simply taken the boots to advance in the game without taking Hermes’ life.

3 Helios

He Was Badly Injured And Was Willing To Repay His Debt To Kratos

Helios offered to repay Kratos the debt he owed him
If game progression isn’t considered, Kratos had no real reason to kill Helios

Despite the fact that Helios wasn’t a saint by any means, except for the sake of game progression, there was no necessity for Kratos to slay him, especially in such a brutal manner. Following a fierce battle against the Titans, Helios’ chariot plummeted from the heavens, rendering him powerless and injured. He initiated a dialogue with Kratos and revealed that he hadn’t forgotten the favor he owed. In the game God of War: Chains of Olympus, Kratos had once assisted Helios, and the god pledged to repay this debt if Kratos spared him.

At a certain moment, Kratos seemed ready to spare him, but Helios resorted to harnessing the power of the Sun in an attempt to blind Kratos for self-preservation. Given how formidable Kratos appears, it’s understandable that Helios felt compelled to protect himself; however, this move likely fueled Kratos’ resolve to end Helios’ existence.

In terms of gameplay, Kratos had to slay Helios because if he had defeated Hades without doing so, he wouldn’t have been able to leave the underworld. Yet, outside of the storyline context, it would have been possible for him to simply let Helios perish naturally.

2 Athena

Her Death Could Have Been Prevented If Kratos Had Kept His Rage In Check

Athena was trying to prevent Kratos from killing Zeus
Kratos is visibly remorseful about killing her and never meant to do so

Athena‘s death is probably one of the saddest in the entire God of War franchise, and likely the one Kratos regrets the most. When fighting against Zeus, his father, Kratos entered a state of blind rage as his journey towards revenge neared an end. And while he was more than justified in wanting to kill Zeus in the most horrific way possible, it was his abrupt actions that eventually led to Athena’s demise.

In the heat of the struggle to retain the Blade of Olympus, I found myself aiming to halt the conflict and safeguard our home. Unfortunately, in a tragic twist, as I reached for the weapon, Kratos’ actions led to my unfortunate impalement, ending my life. The remorse etched on his face as I took my final breath was heart-wrenching, and even after Zeus’ fall, it’s evident that Kratos remains haunted by the repercussions of his unbridled fury.

As a devoted admirer, I must acknowledge that although slaying Athena wasn’t a decision Kratos consciously made, he nonetheless bears the responsibility of allowing his fury to overwhelm him. Fortunately, we witness in the 2018 reboot that the passage of time has granted him improved self-restraint and foresight. Some enthusiasts might perceive this as a weakness, given Kratos’ iconic image as an embodiment of unchecked rage. However, it is crucial to remember that strategy and maintaining a clear mind are equally essential for triumph.

1 Hera

She Was Once A Threat, But That Wasn’t The Case The Moment Kratos Killed Her

Hera deserved to die, but not necessarily by Kratos’ hand
It’s poetic justice that her actions didn’t get her killed, but her words did

In the game ‘God of War’, Hera is portrayed as a significant female character, yet she’s undeniably a terrible goddess. One could wonder if her husband’s infidelity and other acts of deceit played a role in her bitterness and resentment. Hercules pursuing Kratos was certainly enough for the Ghost of Sparta to desire vengeance against Hera, but given how effortlessly he dispatched him, it’s questionable if this single act was enough to earn her a place on his list of enemies.

Yet, the final straw occurred when Hera, intoxicated and aggressive, began mocking Kratos and slandering Pandora. This was the moment that prompted Kratos to swiftly break her neck, silencing her for eternity.

In the original trilogy, it was words that ultimately caused Hera’s death by Kratos, revealing his volatile temperament and uncontrolled rage. If the wiser, more mature Kratos from the 2018 reboot had been present instead, he likely would have chosen to ignore her and carry on his journey. This suggests a compelling argument that Hera could be included in a list of those who suffered at the hands of Kratos due to his unchecked anger.

2024-09-20 02:23