kratos

Kratos is a name that appears in Greek mythology as the personification of strength. In classical sources he is described as the son of Pallas and Styx, and a member of the divine cohort that includes Nike, Bia, and Zelus. Kratos is a relatively minor figure who often appears as an attendant of Zeus or as a symbol of power and authority in myths such as Prometheus Bound.

In contemporary popular culture, Kratos is best known as the main character of the God of War video game series, developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The character first appeared in God of War (2005) for the PlayStation 2 and has since featured in numerous sequels and spin-offs. In the original Greek-myth-inspired storyline, Kratos is a Spartan warrior who becomes the Ghost of Sparta after being manipulated by Ares, the god of war; he eventually defeats Ares and assumes the title of God of War, continuing to confront other Olympian gods and powerful adversaries.

The series was rebooted in 2018 with a new setting in Norse mythology. In this installment, Kratos is older and travels with his son Atreus, exploring themes of fatherhood, responsibility, and restraint while facing mythic threats. The 2018 game and its 2022 sequel, God of War Ragnarök, introduced new weaponry such as the Leviathan Axe, while Kratos’s iconic Blades of Chaos remain part of his broader mythos. The character has become a prominent figure in video games and broader popular culture, recognized for his complex arc and enduring combat influence.