“He was so in need of his father’s approval…”: God of War’s Atreus Theory is Both Deeply Sad and Utterly Insane

God of War fans caught one detail that may explain the upbringing of Atreus.

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SUMMARY

  • One God of War fan theory suggests one sad tidbit of information about Atreus.
  • Kratos never wanted Atreus to be like him and intended him to be better in all ways.
  • God of War Ragnarok was the perfect stepping stone for these characters to be independent.
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God of War has been around for the past two decades and the gaming community keeps finding new details that can bridge the gap between unexplored lore. Game developers love to use visual characteristics to tell a story and one in particular is sad and thought-provoking.

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It is not easy to be the son of a former war general and it is among the reasons why the Ghost of Sparta chose to show his affection for his son from a distance, unfortunately, his love caused more harm than good. Parenting is hard enough and his heritage only made it worse.

The Gaming Community Feels a Great Swell of Pity for One God of War Character

Atreus wanted his father's approval and a sense of purpose.
Atreus wanted his father’s approval and a sense of purpose. Image Credit: Santa Monica Studio

Santa Monica Studio is in an interesting position, the developers have a few options as to where they can take the franchise next. The ending of Ragnarok signifies the ascension of Loki and fully accepting his godhood by setting out and seeing the world without his father. There is a strong possibility that he might be the new face of the God of War franchise, however, not everyone is a fan of his gameplay.

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The gaming community assumed Atreus would have to wrestle with his godhood and mortality. Being the son of a retired god was not easy and no matter how hard he tried to win his father’s approval and affection, he never got what he wanted until the two journeyed the Nine Realms.

Atreus’s scar is deep stuff
byu/No-Mammoth1688 inGodofWar

Kratos was never born with the red markings and applied them to honor his brother, Deimos. The fan theory suggests that his son carved it on himself to feel more like his father. Kratos never displayed the affection his son desired but would go to great lengths to protect him.

Throughout the duo’s journey, both characters develop a unique bond and understanding for one another establish their love, and become a formidable duo. Atreus aspired to be more like his father but failed to realize that he didn’t have to and that he could become even better.

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The God of War May Not Be the Best Father Figure but He Did His Best

Raising a demigod and part giant could not have been easy.
Raising a demigod and part giant could not have been easy. Image Credit: Santa Monica Studio

The Ghost of Sparta was raised in war and the Spartan customs, which was not an option for caring for a child. Kratos only wanted his son to be capable of self-defense but ended up raising a hero which he never thought was possible, and for himself.

The father-son duo faced many threats but the battle against Garm solidified their relationship. Both characters became vulnerable and their combat skills were put to the test which made it a memorable moment for the franchise.

Ragnarok made their bond stronger by putting aside petty grievances and realizing that all of these arguments came out of a place of love. Kratos feared that showing affection would make them both weak but came out stronger than ever before.

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The future of the young god is looking bright. Only time will tell where the developers will go, perhaps exploring Japanese culture is an option.

What are your thoughts about this God of War theory? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Written by Rouvin Josef Quirimit

Articles Published: 853

Rouvin is deeply fascinated by pop culture media ranging from comics, movies, TV shows and especially video games with a rich narrative.