How Old is Kratos in God of War?
The God of War franchise has been a staple of the gaming industry for over two decades, with the first game released in 2005. Throughout the series, one of the most iconic and complex characters has been Kratos, the Greek god-killer. As the protagonist of the series, Kratos’ age has been a topic of debate among fans and critics alike. In this article, we will delve into the history of Kratos’ age and explore the various theories and answers.
The Early Years:
Kratos’ early life is shrouded in mystery, but it is known that he was born in the city of Atlantis. According to the game’s lore, Kratos was around 20-25 years old when he first killed his father, Poseidon, and subsequently lost his family. This event marked the beginning of Kratos’ descent into madness and his quest for revenge against the gods.
The Original Trilogy:
The original God of War trilogy, which consists of God of War (2005), God of War II (2007), and God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008), takes place over a period of around 20-30 years. During this time, Kratos grows older, but his age is not explicitly stated. It is estimated that Kratos is around 35-40 years old by the end of the original trilogy.
God of War III and the Ascension of Olympus:
The events of God of War III (2010) take place several years after the original trilogy. Kratos is significantly older and grayer, with some estimates suggesting he is around 50-60 years old. The game’s story revolves around Kratos’ quest to kill Zeus and overthrow the gods. The game’s ending shows Kratos standing on the ashes of Olympus, with the fate of the world uncertain.
God of War (2018) and the Norse Era:
The 2018 God of War soft reboot takes place many years after the events of God of War III. Kratos is now an older man, with a more grizzled appearance and a beard. He has moved on from his Greek past and now resides in Midgard, the Norse realm. According to the game’s director, Cory Barlog, Kratos is around 60-70 years old. This age is confirmed by the game’s narrative, which reveals that Kratos has spent over 20 years in Midgard, raising his son Atreus.
Age and Timeline:
Here is a summary of Kratos’ age and timeline:
| Game | Approximate Age | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| God of War (2005) | 20-25 | Early years |
| God of War II (2007) | 35-40 | Original trilogy |
| God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) | 35-40 | Original trilogy |
| God of War III (2010) | 50-60 | Ascension of Olympus |
| God of War (2018) | 60-70 | Norse era |
Conclusion:
Kratos’ age is a complex and debated topic among fans and critics. Throughout the series, Kratos has aged significantly, with estimates ranging from 20-70 years old. The 2018 God of War game provides a definitive answer, with Kratos being around 60-70 years old. The character’s age and timeline have been expertly woven throughout the series, providing a rich and complex narrative. As the God of War franchise continues to evolve, Kratos’ age and story will remain a central part of the series’ lore.
Additional Insights:
- Kratos’ age is not explicitly stated in the games, but can be inferred through the narrative and character design.
- The God of War series uses a non-linear timeline, with events from different games overlapping and influencing each other.
- Kratos’ character development is closely tied to his age and experiences, with his struggles and motivations evolving over time.
- The 2018 God of War game provides a new perspective on Kratos’ character, with his older age and paternal responsibilities adding a new layer of depth to his story.
By exploring the various ages and timelines of Kratos, we can gain a deeper understanding of the character’s complex and fascinating narrative. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or new to the world of God of War, Kratos’ age and story are sure to captivate and inspire.
