Exploring Kratos - The Death of a Monster (God of War: Ragnarok)

[@SagesRain]

who's rocking with my kratos impression at the beginning? 🤣 (no, the title of the video is not a spoiler) May 2023 bring y'all nothing but the best.

[@J.B0009]

Sup sage's rain

[@peanutkaneshiro]

9/10

[@ComposedSage75]

Do more impressions or character quotes in the beginning like you did in this one. Also have a great 2023 dude.

[@THAGAMEKILLA]

it was spot on

[@tuguswisnu449]

B O Y

[@Brainflayer]

In God of War 4, Mimir explained why people loved Tyr so much, he was a God of War that used his power to protect rather than conquer, who used his knowledge and wisdom to stop wars rather than start them. Tyr was a God who brought peace and prosperity to The Norse World despite the machinations of Odin. What Tyr was, Kratos became.

[@jasonnewbery]

Wish we saw any resemblance of that Tyr in this game. And no i’m not talking about the fake one. I mean we legit meet him and it doesn’t seem like Odin was far off on his impression. Thought Tyr would be way more interesting

[@kevinpr10]

I agree to a degree. However, Tyr was incarcerated for a long time. He says he needs time and space to think things over. There really is no more to do in the Norse patheon since Kratos freed everyone from Odin. I think this leaves room for Tyr in the future narratives. Still, Kratos has become the beloved Tyr. The world’s needs can be addressed by Kratos (and Atreus), not just Tyr.

[@theirishviking9278]

@@jasonnewbery i mean when we see the real Tyr the realms are at peace Tyr being a god of war that looked for peace has nothing to do currently so he needs to figure out what he can do in this changed realms

[@acgearsandarms1343]

@@theirishviking9278 Besides finding good spots for tai chi and meditation?

[@theirishviking9278]

@@acgearsandarms1343 I do wish we saw him do more varied things than that though

[@michaelbk0076]

When you watch the scene of Atreus telling himself to close his heart during Ragnarok, Kratos' face says it all. He's quite literally watching his son push everything that makes him who he is away in order to win, and at that moment realizes that if he doesn't step in and stop that, Atreus will become just like him, regardless of how much effort he's put in to stop that from happening.

[@Hammer56Time]

That is easily one of my favourite character moments in recent memory it had me on the verge of tears. The break in his voice as he is telling Atreus that starting today they will be better is absolutely perfect, Christopher Judge knocked it out of the park.

[@cadeshanley218]

Would make him now worthy enough to hypothetically lift up Marvel's version of Mjölnir. Becoming a better man, a better God than he was at Greece.

[@MrSignman65]

@@cadeshanley218 ok i agree with the sentiment but that's digging a hole specifically to set the bar as low as possible. old Kratos was a truly awful person, his improvement is staggering between then and now.

[@Warrior-Of-Virtue]

2:30 Even this has a tragic element to it. In GoW1 it's made clear that Kratos indulges in alcohol and meaningless sex in a desperate and ultimately futile effort to drown out the voices in his head.

[@Z.L.R]

Great, now those mini games with them are depressing as hell for everyone that did them now….

[@jonathanathor117]

@@Z.L.R god of post nut clarity.

[@xxx_jim_the_reaper_xxx]

@@Z.L.R But still, everyone keeps jerking all over it. Even those perverted 10 year olds.

[@alwaysangry2232]

@@Z.L.R indeed, is not cool manly or badass as david Jaffe said, is adicction as a coping mechanism

[@ComposedSage75]

May well be my favorite video game character. He went from being this vengeful, destruction driven monster to being one of the most well liked characters of all time. There’s so many lessons to be learned from his past as well as the person he has become thanks to his son (Atreus aka Boi).

[@buildsparkling8911]

Don't forget that he was also in pain. He was denied to have his nightmares be erased. And he was denied his death when he wanted to kill himself by jumping off a cliff. He lost his family and just when he got a chance in reuniting with them, it always ends with him separated from them again. He was a man slowly turning into rageful monster that he doesn't care about right and wrong anymore. This pain slowly becomes anger until all he wanted was revenge. When he finally got it, he realize what he did and decided kill himself to give hope to humanity. And even then he was denied of death once again. But this time i think he was glad that his death never came.

[@tadrosse3786]

Well liked? People now awadays hate him, they really rooting more for Thor and Odin

[@ComposedSage75]

@@tadrosse3786 you’re entitled to your opinion if you hate him but I disagree with that.

[@tadrosse3786]

@@ComposedSage75 I myself don't hate him but the amount "fans" clowning on people that like Kratos and label them as Kratos fan boys are ridiculous thinking that the gow series is some type of comics or anime

[@ComposedSage75]

@@tadrosse3786 then they’re not real fans. I can understand if there’s genuine criticisms to be made about him from the last two games but most just jump on the bandwagon of online haters and go from there. They have no real arguments imo.

[@maew150]

As someone who played the old games back in the ps2 day and saw the entire journey of vengeance Kratos took. Seeing how much he's genuinely changed makes me feel so proud of him. He's become the sort of man who people worship out of respect and not fear.

[@ArkhamKnightChannel]

I have to say it’s from villain to actual protagonist. There are fools that are appalled by this transformation in character unless they want to follow Erik killmonger

[@spinosaurusstriker]

@@ArkhamKnightChannel Everyone who doesn't like what I like is a fool

[@mugsmcratmin6842]

@@spinosaurusstriker yes

[@eduardmanecuta5350]

@@ArkhamKnightChannel He wasn't a villan. He searched vengeance only when he was tricked by Ares to kill his family. And not even then. It was just poetic justice that he killed Ares. He killed Ares with the help of the gods, not alone. He didn't think he was capable of such thing. He even died and was brought back by Zeus. In GoW2 beginning you can see he is still suicidal. He wanted to escape his PTSD and they only made him immortal to suffer the nightmares brought by serving them. That's why he drinks and sleeps around... was human from the start. He spoke with respect to the gods. Look at the first game... He didn't hate them. He was more like jaded twords them. And also he serve the gods only for them to not take his nightmares creates by Ares. He serves them 10 years. There are also some games like chains of Olympus that don't make sense. He needed Pandora Box to kill Ares. Also he was serving the gods in that period. He tired to comit suicide in the first game because he knew he couldn't stand to a god. So how he could kill a deity (wife of Hades) when he needed Pandora Box and aid of the gods to kill Ares? All this, he was always angry and lack self awareness before ps4 GOW is bs.

[@xxx_jim_the_reaper_xxx]

@@eduardmanecuta5350 No, Zeus constantly keeps Kratos from overcoming trials just so he can get himself killed by a random monster. Zeus NEVER expected him to live through all of his death traps. The journey of embarking for the Pandora's Box is simply the Final Test for Kratos and he still succeeded. Then and ONLY then, Kratos released the Pandora's Box and infected Zeus with one of the Seven Deadly Sins and Zeus had personally murdered him just so he can no longer have any problems related to Kratos.

[@Comicbroe405]

Kratos's character growth from a bloodthirsty general to a pacifist God of War/Peace is genuinely one of the best arcs I've seen in any medium.

[@dubialexander9802]

Kratos isn't a pacifist, he kills still, but only in defence and is more compassionate.

[@sheevhernandez3869]

@@dubialexander9802 indeed

[@robertseptim3579]

That's what happens when you start eating greens

[@ViperDivinity]

Rational is more of a word. He will kill if it comes to it but killing would be the last option he would take.

[@sivanlevi3867]

A monster no more. These kinds of characters are rare. We've probably heard of those who are told that they are monsters when in fact they are not, but Kratos had already become a monster of his own making and then struggles to not be. It's such a fantastic idea for a story arc.

[@gothamdarkknight3729]

I wouldn't say he became a monster of his own making. More like a monster of the gods' making. All the shit the gods put him through took a toll on him and made him the monster he became. Man was suffering from PTSD after being tricked into killing his family, drowning his sorrows in alcohol and meaningless sex, doing the will of the gods as they lured him with the promise of getting rid of his nightmares.

[@HanyaPanya444]

In the ends the Norns were right Krato's OF SPARTA did die that day. But from the ashes arose someone he could never imagine himself becoming.

[@kabeezy232jr]

That’s a good point.

[@enizahm8660]

That scene at the final giant shrine was very moving. Even without seeing Kratos' face the subtle shaking of his body and slow movements tells you enough. Hats off to the mo-cap actor on such a great performance.

[@Ace_of_Cards11]

I’m not sure if it has been noticed before, but at 23:34 if you look carefully you can see that this future was drawn over the one where he dies, showing that Faye’s actions changed the path of the future. Just a cool detain I just noticed.

[@thewerdna]

More so she painted over the original prophecy with what she believed would happen. Because unlike all the other giants, who like the Norns, believed no one ever changes and makes different choices, she believed Kratos could change and be better.

[@chriswihulu]

Faye had hope, that even if the Giants carefully laid out plan, wasn't executed to its fullest, Kratos and Atreus would walk the path they choose and that would be enough to her.

[@idontknow0072011]

Never noticed that, thanks for pointing it out

[@Arturo-gh1on]

Holy crap 😮 I just notice it. That’s freaking AMAZING 🤩 😢 Kratos’s fate has changed for the better

[@lwandomadikizela2213]

Some people forget Kratos had some humanity and wasn't the killing machine they potray him prior to God of War Ascension. Kratos was a loving and caring husband and father despite craving for glory and honour for Sparta. He made a deal with Ares after getting humiliated by the Barbarians and that send Kratos to the path of destruction by killing innocent people including his family and the Oracle cursed him with his family's ashes permanently stuck to his skin as a painful reminder of his terrible deeds. In Chains of Olympus he had to forsake his daughter to save her soul and the world. Another tragic moment for him since can never see her again in the afterlife. It's also clear he drank alcohol and went to multiple brothels to runaway from the nightmares and guilt that haunts him and filled him with utter resentment towards the Gods after refusing to release him from his mental torment despite forgiving him. After Zeus betrayed him he was hell bent on killing him and near the end of the 2nd game Athena warned Kratos that every God of Olympus will protect Zeus and hence teamed up with the Titans to overthrow the Gods. The 3rd game shows that every God Kratos killed has a brutal consequence like killing Hermes causes plaques, killing Helios darkens the sky and killing Hades brings hell on earth and killing Zeus after failing to save Pandora for his quest for vengeance causes utter chaos to Greece. Near the end of the 3rd game he regain some of his humanity by ending his own life to give the power of Hope to other humans instead of allowing Athena to take the power for herself. Faye changed Kratos for the better despite his flaws and failures of past. Faye told him don't allow the guilt and failure define him. Become better than the monster he was during his past life. It was thanks to Faye Kratos is able to change and become a better leader, father and God in his new home and defied his fate with his son. That's why I love God of War so much. From Ascension to God of War 3 the themes is fear, rage, guilt, vengeance and power. The themes from God of War 4 to Ragnarok is redemption, hope, forgiveness, atonement and change. Sorry for the long post Sage, I had to share my view on some people misunderstanding Kratos. Great video btw.

[@historicflame972]

I'd like to add they weren't just humiliating him, they were turning his comrades, friends and people into a red stain in a field

[@xxx_jim_the_reaper_xxx]

​@@historicflame972 It was to signify that at the hands of the gods, everything he's gained will eventually be taken away. Meaning, he cannot save everything and everyone from the gods no matter how strong or monstrous he becomes.

[@Lyndonmaman]

I love the direction they took Kratos' story in. As someone who has made terrible mistakes and hurt people I care about in the past, knowing that it is possible to be redeemed and to be better is so encouraging.

[@Terralncognita]

Remember, friend - it is never too late to make a better choice.

[@mattpassos5689]

“You know what I’ve done” “Yes, but what will you do now?” Such a powerful statement

[@Terralncognita]

@@mattpassos5689 Exactly!

[@MitchRanMurray]

This game had me legit weeping at several points and your vid sums it all up perfectly. This journey he has gone through not as a God but man.

[@SpammytheHedgehog]

It all started when Zeus had a vision that a person with red markings would one day overthrow him.

[@zacharybosley1935]

Or when Kronos murdered his father. The first revolution of the cycle

[@MarcelDiantha13]

And that is why, he needed to take kratos' life while we was drained by blade of olympus in god of war 2, to end the cycle of "son destroying father", something that he did against kronos in god of war 1, in a merciful way.

[@chriswihulu]

He feared that his child, would be no better than him and without realising it, cemented the path that would result in just that. If Zeus had once, just considered the possibility that he could be wrong and taught that to others, his fate might have been different.

[@OMartinez91]

A lot of Greek tragedies start with mortals trying to prevent a prophecy, but their actions end up jumpstarting those prophecies

[@emperorfaiz]

@@OMartinez91 Good ol "self-fulfilling prophecy" trope.

[@GrtSage]

Parents doing everything in their power to make sure their child doesn’t end up like them. But going to far in some directions. It’s always an interesting development in the story on both ends. You see what it does to Atreus and you see Kratos slowly realize what he did wrong and be better.

[@NBM1942]

Kratos definitely learned from his own father

[@shadangel47]

Before the age of Ragnarök set upon the gods, a legend had hidden himself among the realms, and even though Kratos rested within his new home as the exiled God of War, he was launched into an adventure to honor the last wish of his deceased wife, to spread her ashes on the tallest peak in all the nine realms... But the hands of Baldur could not defeat him, the All-Father could not control him... on this day, the man, the legend, Kratos, would exact justice.

[@calamityknyte]

Nice job. Love the redeemed take on this speech.

[@edatthegovernance]

One thing at the final shrine that struck me: Kratos had to learn to let himself regret. Others here have commented on the great animation/ mocap work. I really felt Kratos miss Faye in that moment. Wishing she was there to share in it. And that's when it hit me: all this time, Kratos has used violence, rage, and war to avoid having to accept, to change, to regret. He cannot say sorry to his son until he can let himself regret instead of rage.

[@obadijahparks]

A story told once is a tale. A story told again is a story worth hearing. A story told over the generations is a legend. It's funny how some legends grow fresher with time. Keep telling the tale.

[@bedsidekhair3667]

Kratos. From a heartless monster to a true hero

[@michaelmurray8134]

The best character development I've seen in the video game character that spans trilogies.

[@neznypepe]

Seeing Kratos nearly break down as he sees the shrine was one of the most beautiful gaming moments ever.

[@hammerheadtheseawing3263]

That “open your heart” line is one of the most powerful moments in video game history to me. It’s one that not only he and Atreus needs, but we need as well.

[@Dead_head4565]

Man this is beautiful, you truly showed what these games were about. I remember some people talking about how they wanted tyr to be like the old Kratos and smack people around, and they wanted it to be three games, and they wanted it to be not what was. To put Kratos on his old path when that wasn’t meant to be he was meant to be better than that, and those who we’re talking about were idiots and they never understood what the game was about. Compared to how you understood what it was truly saying about kratos.

[@vivianduffen]

When Kratos apologizes to Atreus it was so touching when his son answered with the same words as Faye's: "Don't be sorry, be better." That really got me.

[@ic3389]

The last scene with kratos realizing that hes become a god worthy of worship made me shed a tear, seeing his reaction and knowing how far hes come made it so powerful

[@danielxavior9618]

I LOVE YOU SAGE YOU BRING TEARS TO MY EYES

[@lillianalefay5580]

This game strikes a pretty emotional chord within me. As someone who feels like she is drowning in her mistakes and her shame, as someone who does not feel like a worthy parent for her child, I relate to Kratos rather well, in feeling like I do not deserve to be with my daughter, and who needs to but cannot change. Kratos' story, the words of Faye and the growth Kratos has gone through to become the person he is gives me some hope that I might be someone that can be better.

[@topdoomslayer3913]

Is it just me, or does Kratos’ ashes seem to be fading? Not a lot, but just a little bit enough for someone to notice. It’s almost like he’s being forgiven in a sense.

[@Simply_resharkable]

They are actually

[@topdoomslayer3913]

@@Simply_resharkable So I’m not going crazy. It’s like his past sins are just fading away. It’s almost poetic in a sense…

[@synthpotato]

Cory Barlog confirmed it actually! That the ashes are fading but just really slowly

[@Caliif]

I thought that it's just more detailed since the graphic is better and we now see the ash on his skin instead of it being just completely white

[@YouVSMeTV]

Kratos has been using that Vaseline hydrating lotion. Good shit.

[@DamnCyrus]

The ending was very good, Ragnarock was a masterpiece of storytelling. It was a beautiful game. The sight of Kratos taking in that final piece of information at the end was such a swell of emotion to me.

[@thekingghidorah93]

I’m glad that there are people who recognize the nuance and humanity of Kratos, not just the rage and vengeance.

[@maximumonus5946]

Kratos, a father to all who wish him to be.

[@Nailfut]

When the final mural showed up, holding back my tears, all I had in mind was Gaia's final speech form the ending of the very first game: "And from that point forward, throughout the rest of time, whenever men rode forth to battle, for good cause or for evil, they did so under the watchful eye of the man who had defeated a god. They were driven forward by Kratos, the mortal who had become the new God of War." Kinda fitting circling back to that same message, now with a completely different meaning behind it however.

[@CaptainMirko]

dude I just finished the Game Today. and I needed to take all day to process it, Kratos has become one of my favourite characters of all time. In the first 3 games, he was good but didn't have that much depth to him compared to someone like Dante or Snake (just a reference for the times) but GOW 2018 & Ragnarok made him such a great character by exploring the worst parts of him & help make him grow into a better person. its 11/10 character writing. I'm 20 and the ending made me cry, I can only imagine how much the story would've hit someone who's a parent. I wanna replay it when I'm a Father one day, and see how my perception of the game changes. Love the video, Love the Channel can't wait for more.

[@SSJ3Tim]

Bro. I had a son shortly before playing the 2018 game, and a daughter before Ragnarok. It hits fucking hard, I cried in so many spots. Among other things, GoW 2018 is a story about a guy trying to learn how to be a dad from scratch, while Ragnarok is a story about that dad learning to trust his son as he becomes capable, independent, and ultimately forges his own path. My son is only 4, so that part of my life seems so far away, yet I know it will be here in the blink of an eye. I can only imagine how some of my older dad friends experienced it, whose kids are going off to college or otherwise leaving home now. I have no idea how they will pull off a sequel, because Kratos has struck true, wielded his power with wisdom, and his job is done. It needs to complete the story of closure and healing, and it can't do that if Kratos is still fighting at the end, still carrying those logs. Story-wise I can see how Kratos is poised to hand those responsibilities to the next generation, but gameplay-wise and franchise-wise I don't think Atreus or anyone else can take over for the God of War. But I'm excited to see where the studio ultimately decides to go.

[@kobayashi1194]

Without question my favorite video made about this franchise, ever. This video and your words perfectly sum up why Ragnarok cemented Kratos as my favorite character in any video game. As someone who had followed this series since the second game, I never thought that it would move me in such a deep way. This is the first time since Mario Galaxy 1 that a game has effected me on an emotional level to the point of tears, and I’m so happy Chris Judge got the recognition at the game awards he deserved.

[@SagesRain]

i appreciate that, thank you!

[@Maddieisabaddie-et4py]

Wait I gotta know, what about Mario galaxy made you cry? Great game I grew up playing it but also don’t remember what would that emotional

[@XxEggman_Meme_GodxX]

Hold on Galaxy? You mean the Rosalina story’s or something? Galaxy is a Mario game so I can’t really think of much story to cry about. Game was bloody awesome but what

[@kobayashi1194]

@@Maddieisabaddie-et4py The music mainly. I get very easily invested with music, especially when I was younger (I was like 8-9 years old).

[@kobayashi1194]

@@XxEggman_Meme_GodxX It was the music. The soundtrack is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever heard imo. Pre-teen me was very overwhelmed.

[@kevinpr10]

Wow, Sage’s Rain making an episode on Kratos. What an introspective video. This video just shows why Kratos is such a good, well-written character. Thanks Rain.

[@stevenpres1226]

Not nearly enough appreciation goes towards the subtleties of the characters faces. Their emotion is fully felt without a single line of dialog. Brilliant work from Santa Monica.

[@maiola2000]

All of my feelings and emotions about Ragnarok, perfectly articulated, and better said than I ever could have. Thank you

[@hoop6822]

Kratos is a fantastic character regardless of who you are but the more you have in common with him the better he gets. I had a rough childhood I was adopted because my parents died in a car crash but my neighbourhood got rougher over the years, I never did anything too bad but definitely stuff I’m not proud of. I met my girlfriend at 16 and we had our daughter at 20. Despite living in a similar part of the city she was impossibly good natured. When she died I was utterly at a loss about how to raise my daughter, i became quite withdrawn because I was grieving and didn’t know the first thing about parenting and she was starting puberty. She got in trouble for smoking and i realised she was going to end up like me if I didn’t do something. Now she’s having my grandson in two months with a good guy. Kratos’ story is obviously exaggerated but I don’t think that it’s a coincidence that it shares a similarity with people like me and it makes me appreciate his character more than I can explain.

[@ThatBOiAnthony]

Best redemption story ever, change my mind.

[@gnf_swampboi3305]

😂

[@Sellawntronolias]

Beautifully put. I've never played nor been interested much in GoW. When Ragnarok came out I ridiculed things like Odin and Thor' character. But learning more into how human these characters are and how they grow really pulled me in. It gives me a lot to think about on my own personality seeing this simple video game character overcome so much and face such real and honest life problems

[@razormaw2228]

Kratos has an incredible arc. As a fan of the original series, I cried so many times during GoW and GoW:R. Thank you for this video

[@filipvadas7602]

Kratos's character arc is literally one of the greatest ever told in the entirety of the video game genre. As someone who played the original trilogy as a kid/teen I legitimateky got emotional seeing the culmination of Kratos's character arc in Ragnarok. The Ghost of Sparta finally died so that *Kratos* could finally continue living

[@leomvnoz]

i’ve watched all your videos, but i skipped the god of war videos because i wasn’t abel to play them, but after 60 hours of gameplay, i came straight to your video to watch your opinion on it, you’re such a amazing creator, i always respect your opinion on a topic.

[@quanzoboi420]

I love the added fact that the last panel of the mural Kratos see’s at the end of Ragnorok was actually painted over by Angroboda after the fact. It really shows just how much Kratos grew over the course of the game and how he was able to break free from the chains of prophecy.

[@L0K1THETRICKSTER]

Ragnarok is a game that is perfect in every imaginable way

[@StormSnakeMG]

Ragnarok cemented Kratos as one of my favorite video game characters of all time. To see him finally open his heart to the people around him, and eventually to the world, and for them to love him in return is making me tear up again just typing this.

[@Iguessimhere154]

This is why I really~~ hope we get to see Tyr sharing his wisdom as a fellow god of war in the future.

[@eleos-7845]

This video made me realize two things: Athena may be the true mastermind of the Greek saga, and the word “friend” was never spoken at all in those games.

[@skyrock1759]

This is the Ragnarok review I’ve been looking for, concise, perfectly put together, and right on the money. Sage Rain done did it again 🙌

[@jackluffy7914]

Even at the beginning of god of war I’ve always felt bad for Kratos because he was dealt such a bad hand. Brainwashed to kill his family cursed to have his family always with him by ashes. He even tried killing himself two times because he couldn’t deal with the guilt anymore. People don’t realize the reason he was a monster is because he really went through some stuff. I’m just happy to see Kratos be happy again honestly and finally see him smile and tell his past stories to others…it’s really nice

[@evanwenger9821]

Everytime I think I’ve found the best GOWR video essay a new better one comes along. Holy crap dude this was beautiful

[@bricelevai8520]

While I would totally play another game with Kratos. This feels like the most fulfilling and one of the best ending of a character in gaming ever

[@Wizgoht]

Kratos and Atreus having development was so powerful. The biggest part, he tells Atreus he has a kind heart. Almost made me cry

[@BrotherVoidBomber]

God of War is still a fitting title for this franchise. The only difference between games is how a God of War acts.

[@jamesbaker6006]

"This is Kratos, a monster no more." So powerful, well done video sir absolutely loved it. Subscribed for sure ^_^

[@Da_caffeinated_insomniac]

In the final scene with the shrine the statue of kratos is done in the same paint as Faye’s handprints it’s kind of showing how he has truly lived up to her legacy and has become everything Faye had seen within him

[@brandonmoore3725]

Man out of all the video essays & character deep dives of kratos. This one is my absolute favourite, almost brought me to tears. Awesome video dude

[@drnoname2098]

damn you make an already emotional tale just that much more impactful, Thank you

[@Dakrs06]

I can listen to this mans voice for hours

[@lonelysith66]

I was like Kratos in my 20s; angry at the world, indulging in vices to fill the emptiness in my heart. As I got older, I began to surround myself with positive people and things that helped me grow while learning from my mistakes. I still mess up from time to time, but I’m in a better place than I was when I was younger.

[@loukitmyname]

I just played through the scene where Kratos says that he is sorry and Atreus replies by saying: "Don't be sorry, be better". A recall back to the 2018 game. Man, I loved that scene so much because for the first time, it felt like Kratos started regarding his son as not only his equal, but also as a friend. It was a beautiful moment.

[@gtrfan137kereere6]

Vengeful Monster to Dad Of The Year now that's character development💯😁

[@bronze8935]

This is the best video explaining Kratos I have seen

[@wesleycolvin7158]

The one unifying theme among all of them (that I've seen) is the destructive nature of revenge. Why wrath is considered a 'deadly' sin.

[@paulwoodworth6829]

Wow one of the best videos I have ever watched

[@SpareMango]

Never seen or played God of War but this REALLLLLLY makes me feel like I missed out, fuck man, I wish I had a chance to play these when I was younger

[@michaelmurray8134]

Honestly beautifully done ✔️ 👏 I wasn't sure how I felt when they decided to continue Kratos's Journey after God of War 3. But now I'm happy they did, The beginning trilogy was his journey of getting his revenge on the gods that wronged him and Yet not finding peace, and The 2nd part has him Fighting not for the sake of his vengeance but to Protect his New family that he felt unworthy of.

[@Cth-k9n]

He reminds me of lava. Because in his prime he murdered gods quick and brutally, but when lava hardens, it’s obsidian that could also kill just far slower.

[@supersoldierx40]

I like the love the new games are getting but god of war has always had a great story look at how tragic Kratos is in gow 1 he literally just wanted to die or get his memory erased because of how much pain he felt he served the gods for 10 years because of that he basically just wanted to be able to sleep for once and after all that they denied him his wish and even his death just so he can serve them and then betrayed him and killed him and at that point he just broke and became a monster. Gow 2018 and ragnarok are great because of the old games imo Great video just thought I'd point that out because a lot of people still don't respect the original trilogy enough.

[@thedarkknight727]

“Remember that your children are not your own, but are lent to you by the creator.” -Native American Proverbs

[@Uncle_Tijikun]

Kratos evolving through the games has been one of the most satisfying one's ever. I was raised by my dad after my mom died, so the last two games had a deeper meaning to me. The ending of Ragnarok had me feel a lot of things. Loved the game, coincidentally, finished it with my father sitting beside me just earlier today.

[@acuteoctogon9303]

“The power to protect someone and the power to be with someone are different.“ quote from Berserk that I feel like represents kratos relationship with his loved ones in the beginning of God of war (2018)

[@theproject9577]

simply beautiful thank you. "open your heart. open your heart to their suffering". have been playing the god of war games since i was very young . in all that time and in all the games ive ever played nothing had brought to tears as instantaniously as the moment kratos placed his hand on his son and uttered those words. Sage, youre a legend.

[@kellenbrinton5637]

I love how the mural showing kratos' death kind kind of right in a symbolic sense. When he encourages Thor to be better he's rejecting his mistrust and his old ways, thus killing the old idea of kratos

[@Sages_Rain__]

Congratulations you’re the lucky winner of the ongoing giveaway text me on telegram to claim your package.........🎁

[@mcswaggerduff8946]

I think one of the things that makes Kratos' arc so satisfying is how much he did not seek redemption. He was resigned to being nothing, because being nothing was better than being a monster. While he has dreams of Fay in Ragnarok, we know from the first trilogy that he is perpetually plagued by dreams of the day he killed his family. He was ready to throw his life away after one lifetime of that living hell, and he has lived many, many lifetimes. Even while with Fay, he does not hope for happiness. He wants to be a provider and a protector but he never sees himself as a father. And then the day comes when he needs to pick up his blades once more and his worst fear is confirmed: he will always be a monster. He accepts that title and resigns himself to what it means. Even in Ragnarok as he resists over and over the call to war, he sees the moments where his past surfaces. When he fights Thor, when he lashes out at the dwarves and Atreus, and when he forges a weapon meant to kill a god. Even the march on Asgard, he fears what he may do. It's only Atreus who is able to keep him on this path that he never believed he could even start down. And after everything is done and the dust is settled, he sees a new destiny: as a general, a leader and a figure of hope. The relief in his face seeing the mural broke me, because it is the face of a man who had forsaken hope, being shown that there is always hope.

[@bg-cc6hn]

Loved that you brought up the parts about Calliope and Pandora in the pre-Norse games. I feel in a lot of analysis of the new games its portrayed as if old Kratos was just Id incarnate, acting on impulse and being a monster and that coming to the Nine Realms and having a family is the only thing that made him have character development. Or that the original games had no depth of story or character. While Kratos is monstrous in the original games, there is definitely more depth than there appears, and I feel like you highlight that well. Great video!

[@theimprovedbore550]

this vid is about to go unbelievably crazy edit: this might be the single most beautiful video you've ever made

[@blades1239]

[SPOILER WARNING] The moment it really kicked in for me was fight against the Valkyrie queen with Freya. It took likely 6 tries and with my rage and relief on beating her, my violent nature took over as I jumped out of chair and cheered Kratos on as he was going to rip the wings from her back. But then he stopped. He took a breath and I froze. I realized how easy it is to fall into violence. To wish for death in battle and to rip the wings with blood everywhere as we had done in the last game is the monster in us. Kratos has changed and evolved as a character and I love it.

[@jeremyallen5974]

One thing I don't think gets enough credit is how each of Kratos weapons in GoW Ragnarok represents a different phase of his life The Blades are a permanent reminder of his dark, violent and hate fueled past The Leviathan Axe is a symbol of his present life where his only goal is to protect those he cares for The Draupnir Spear, a symbol of the future and the hope that he could move beyond his dark history and become a God worthy of praise rather than condemnation

[@liesofk]

Sage’s Rain and GoW?? Sign me up!

[@tristonperry2378]

His development is amazing

[@Jord2099]

YEAHHHH SAGES RAIN IS BACKK BABYY, love your videos homie keep em coming

[@kristianjohn663]

Oh hell yeah, love it when you upload. You're my favorite KZbinr man, you always make my day.

[@SagesRain]

glad to hear that!

[@BeastyBlerd]

This is the proper analysis video of Kratos I've been waiting for! Thank you, Sage.

[@escobar8617]

Those that didn’t experience the old trilogy when it came out are missing so much when playing ragnorok or the one before that

[@jaxsgamesiguess9731]

As the god of war training and traveling along brothers and found family, it has given me a brief glimpse of pause I’ve had few times in my existence. I am a god of war, I cannot deny how the years have craved me into a strictly efficient and effective god slaying immortal, I aspire to be better and break the cycle for my son and those who suffer in wrath’s way

[@WILLNOTCOMPLY72]

WoW!! This is absolutely and easily my favorite Kratos video. Broken down so well. Spoken so eloquently and intelligently. Kratos is easily my favorite video game character. The creators have done such a stunning and thorough job with his development and growth. I feel so many connections with him. With my violent past and being closed off to everyone ... To now being married for 17 years and a father doing all I can to keep my own kids from traveling down my painful, lonely and violent path. I tear up everytime I watch or play because it hits home so much. Thank you for this. You've done something that's not only brought me closer to my favorite game and character but also helped me to understand myself just that much more! Thank you. An amazing video. God bless.

[@kingnamor777]

Only one word to describe this video: Poetic

[@BIOshockForEver098]

I caught that. sneaking "Orepheus' Lament" in there. good touch

[@isittho2401]

Always a pleasure watching your vids keep up the good work champ!

[@SagesRain]

thank you!

[@Frznwhrlpll]

This was a beautiful telling that story touched my heart as someone who has a dad who wasn't exactly the most loving up until he's gotten older

[@weeaboojones3850]

Goddammit! This story brings me just to the brink of tears every time I look closer than the immediate action going on 🥺

[@FlameofEulien]

from a god of war and vengence to a god of peace and redemption thats how i see kratos's arch

[@dirkz.duggitz1567]

Kratos is easily my favorite game character. I grew up with him. When I was young, stupid , and full of hate I got to demolish everything that called Greece home. Then, as I got older and learned and lived a bit, I can relate to Kratos now more than ever. Life has a way of beating you down and teaching you lessons you never wanted to learn. Kratos is a firsthand example of a life hard-earned, but deserved.

[@mopdycke94]

In the middle of playing the game but I love your channel so I wanted to pop in and give this a "view" while my phone is on silent so i'm not spoiled and I'll watch it again later. I know how important those early views are

[@SagesRain]

i really appreciate this, thank you!

[@jacobwyatt1314]

I feel like someone has said something along the lines of this already in the comments but screw it! If you think about it, in a way the Norns were right when they said, "You will die, Kratos of Sparta." In Asgard, he told Atreus that he was wrong and that he should open his heart. He spared Thor and he wasn't the one that chose whether Odin lived or died. The Ghost of Sparta, the God Killer is dead. Kratos is no longer a God of War, but maybe a God of Peace.

[@redgehenna4493]

i’m not crying, you are!

[@maggiiopgott8975]

Kratos is a lovely person of honor! The fuel of his vengeance were these two because he loved and honored his family so much that's why he didn't stop, because he still loved them.

[@DorneysHouseofGames]

11:20 Tbf, he does call him Atreus many times, if I remember correctly

[@Dctctx]

He does. He uses Atreus and son more. He only calls him boy once.

[@nathanielmarks4872]

I think when it comes with trust i think the only people who didnt betrayed kratos was the Spartans