The God of War franchise has followed Kratos’ story for years, starting from his glory days as a Spartan to his Norse battles at Ragnarök. Kratos is an angry protagonist who has become a beloved character through his series of God of War adventures. Along the way, he has said some of the most unforgettable lines that stay with players long after they’ve put their controllers down.
The God of War games are known for their brilliant storytelling and well-written characters, which are best seen through the protagonist’s story. Kratos’ violent past, unfair treatment from the gods, and efforts to change his son’s future are masterfully woven together with reimagined Greek and Norse mythologies. Culminating with what developers have said is the end of the Norse saga in God of War Ragnarok, the tale could be at an end. While there is still a chance for more games, it sounds like players may have heard the last of Kratos’ epic quotes, which showcase the depth of these narratives.
15 “War Does Not Measure The Strength Of A Man.”
God Of War Ragnarök (2022)
In a moment of fatherly teaching from Kratos to Atreus, Kratos is explaining that “war does not measure the strength of a man,” which is exceptionally notable coming from the god of war, himself. This line is not only instructional to Atreus, as Kratos is hoping to help him understand that strength of character and integrity mean more than strength in battle, but also displays the character development that Kratos has had.
While it is a powerful quote in and of itself, the depth of feeling given by the god of war, who has changed his own viewpoint over the years, adds weight to it. Where once Kratos would have focused on nothing but vengeance, now he sees there are many more important things that define a person.
14 “A Choice From The Gods Is As Useless As The Gods Themselves.”
God Of War 2 (2007)
One of the most profound quotes in the God of War series is said just a few minutes into the events of GoW 2 when Kratos gets into an epic fight with his father, Zeus, on Mount Olympus. His father doesn’t believe he’s worthy of being considered the god of war, and he gives Kratos one last chance to respect the gods and join their pantheon.
After years of servitude to the cruel gods, Kratos is not about to change his mind. With blood coming out of his mouth and the Sword of Olympus buried deep in his abdomen, he mocks his father in his last moments with the statement, “A choice from the gods is as useless as the gods themselves.” He has learned from experience that a choice from the gods is just an illusion, making inferior beings feel like they have control.
13 “Death Can Have Me When It Earns Me.”
God Of War Ragnarök (2022)
In God of War Ragnarok, a bit more is revealed regarding the seemingly cold, unfeeling Kratos. While reluctantly telling Freya about a death prophecy which Kratos has seen that outlines his own demise, Freya rightfully notes that Kratos does not fear death. Kratos agrees, leading to the quote, “death can have me when it earns me.”
Seeing the prophecy of how his life comes to an end does not bother Kratos in the way it might affect others. He knows that death will not come easily, particularly as he has died several times. Freya suspects that what actually is eating at Kratos is the knowledge that he was sent to where he would see the image of the prophecy by Faye, but he doesn’t know why he was supposed to see it.
12 “A Spartan Never Lets His Back Hit The Ground.”
God Of War 3 (2010)
In God of War 3, players are shown a flashback that features Kratos and his brother Deimos training to become Spartans as kids. It reminds fans of just how difficult life has always been for the protagonist, especially when he learns the hard lesson that defeat often means losing something valuable.
Kratos is no match for the gods Ares and Athena, who arrive out of nowhere to kidnap Deimos, mistakenly thinking that he’s the prophesied child meant to take down Zeus. When Kratos tries to resist, Ares strikes him down and causes him to fall to the ground, giving him a nasty scar. The protagonist has tried to live by the line, “a spartan never lets his back hit the ground” for the rest of his days, always keeping his guard up and never showing weakness.
11 “Be Wary Of Shortcuts To Knowledge.”
God Of War Ragnarök (2022)
Another short but very instructional bit of guidance that Kratos gives to Atreus in God of War Ragnarok is that he should “be wary of shortcuts to knowledge,” because Kratos knows that there is always a catch that goes with it. The advice is given in regard to a mask in God of War Ragnarok that Atreus was told by Odin could provide all the answers Atreus wanted. Kratos knows that a quick fix comes at a cost.
The same mask is later revealed to be the reason for Odin losing an eye, which further confirms a bit of the warning that Kratos gave. Ultimately, any shortcut in life is not something that can be trusted, and Kratos wants the boy to understand this.
10 “Do Not Mistake My Silence For Lack Of Grief.”
God Of War (2018)
Out of all the most tragic characters in God of War, Kratos has undoubtedly had the worst experiences throughout his life. He had no choice but to become hardened to these events, perhaps even to expect something bad at every turn. This is in stark contrast to the naivety and innocence of his son, Atreus, whose first terrible life event is the death of his mother, Faye. Atreus accuses Kratos of not caring about Faye’s passing, at least not visibly.
It’s a statement that causes the god of war to snap and state, “do not mistake my silence for lack of grief.” This reminds both Atreus and the players that his wife’s death still hurts him deeply and that he is grieving in his own way.
9 “I Am Your Monster No Longer.”
God Of War (2018)
Kratos realizes his mistake too late in God of War, as he learns that keeping Atreus’ true nature from him only does more harm than good. During his grueling journey back to their home, an illusion of his half-sister Athena accompanies him, reminding him of his chaotic past and his previous blunders.
Standing by his doorway, the specter says a haunting line: “You cannot change. You will always be a monster.”
Standing by his doorway, the specter says a haunting line: “You cannot change. You will always be a monster.” Kratos pauses and seems to think about this for one second before closing his eyes and accepting this as a fact. He says that he knows what he is, but “I am your monster no longer.” Meaning that at least he is no longer controlled by the monsters that made him.
8 “Zeus! Your Son Has Returned. I Bring The Destruction Of Olympus!”
God Of War 2 (2007)
After crawling out of the Underworld and getting Gaia’s help to overthrow the pantheon, God of War 2 gives fans one of the most epic cliffhangers in gaming history. It shows Kratos hanging on to Gaia as she ascends towards Mount Olympus, preparing to annihilate the gods. Kratos, of course, wanted to take revenge on Zeus above everyone else. This memorable line would set the stage for one of the hardest boss fights in God of War, which fans would, unfortunately, have to wait three years to see.
The quote, “Zeus! Your son has returned. I bring the destruction of Olympus!” is actually repeated both at the end of God of War 2 and the beginning of God of War 3, thereby tying the games together. The delivery of the line is slightly altered between the two, however, with many players feeling that the God of War 2 quote was given in a much more powerful manner.
7 “We Win Because We Are Determined. Disciplined. Not Because We Feel Ourselves Superior.”
God Of War (2018)
After Atreus reflects on how many things they have faced and defeated, and that he is feeling as though they could win against anything, Kratos shares the advice that “we win because we are determined. Disciplined. Not because we feel ourselves superior.” While Atreus is right that it is good to celebrate victories and to feel strong, Kratos shows him that it is also dangerous to become prideful.
It takes work to be successful in these battles, and they cannot afford to let their guard down through thinking they can handle anything. At the same time, Kratos does acknowledge that Atreus is correct, it is a good feeling to be strong.
6 “My Vengeance Ends Now.”
God Of War 3 (2010)
The end of GoW 3 marks an important transition between Kratos’ brutal rule as the god of war and his role as a father figure in the latest installment in the franchise. Instead of giving Athena the power of hope he gained from Pandora’s Box, he decides to release it into the world and trusts that the universe will correct itself. He’s grown tired of letting the gods control his actions, whether through commands or indirectly through his rebellion against the pantheon. Using the Sword of Olympus, he sacrifices himself to give the planet a fighting chance after nearly destroying it by starting a war with the gods.
5 “In Moments Of Crisis, Panic Does Nothing. Harness It, Let It Serve You.”
God Of War Ragnarök (2022)
In God of War Ragnarok, there is a distinct progression of Kratos learning from Atreus and growing as a character in ways that one would never expect from seeing the Kratos of early games. However, more than just learning about how to harness his own feelings, he also adapts to become a better father for the boy. Atreus is a very emotional person, and Kratos instructs Atreus that “In moments of crisis, panic does nothing. Harness it, let it serve you.”
This line is given in the typical deep voice of Kratos in a way that could sound condescending, yet it is truly a loving piece of fatherly guidance. The quote has become an oft-quoted one not just in reference to God of War, but also as a tool for many who struggle with panic and anxiety in real life and may find some comfort and direction through the thought.
4 “Do Not Be Sorry, Be Better.”
God Of War (2018)
Part of what made the 2018 God of War game so great was the connection between Kratos and Atreus. God of War Ragnarok continues to explore the intimate father and son story, a bond initially rough in the prequel. During the earliest moments of the 2018 game, Atreus makes a mistake and shoots the deer the pair were hunting too soon, causing it to run away. Kratos loses his cool, which scares his son into apologizing.
The simple reprimand shows how much he wants to ensure Atreus learns how to kill and defend himself.
Fans get a glimpse into the effects of the god of war’s tumultuous past through his response, “do not be sorry, be better.” The simple reprimand shows how much he wants to ensure Atreus learns how to kill and defend himself.
3 “Boy!”
God Of War (2018)
This single word is perhaps Kratos’ most unforgettable quote, partly because it’s so easy for fans to remember. The way he says it has become iconic and has been echoed repeatedly in fan videos, memes, and reviews of the game. Instead of calling Atreus by his name, the protagonist often chooses to shout, “boy,” to instruct or berate him.
He says it with his deep voice, which often makes it sound threatening, but it eventually becomes more endearing as their relationship improves, and belies a hidden depth of emotion. If fans remember any single line from any of the GoW games, it would undoubtedly be this one.
2 “But We Will Die Seeking Justice, Not Vengeance.”
God Of War Ragnarök (2022)
In God of War Ragnarok, Kratos and Atreus finally understand that they need to work together and save as many people as they can rather than just killing everyone in sight. When they are faced with one of their biggest threats, Kratos says, “we will die seeking justice, not vengeance.” This straightforward line, combined with his reflections on Atreus’s response to needless death, acknowledges that if they are to die, then they will do so honorably rather than in anger. It is a moment that highlights Kratos’ growth as a character in finally giving up his quest for vengeance for the greater good.
1 “The Cycle Ends Here. We Must Be Better Than This.”
God Of War (2018)
Towards the end of God of War, Kratos has to make a difficult decision when Baldur attempts to kill his mother, Freya. It’s sadly a familiar sight for the protagonist, who has grown used to patricide and matricide among the gods. He decides to snap Baldur’s neck, hoping that it will end the vicious cycle of murder.
There’s a moving moment after this where he admits he killed his own father, explaining to Atreus that he won’t have to experience the same hardship that he did. Kratos and Atreus have journeyed far and realized at this point that they are responsible for their own actions, and the tragic scene ends God of War on a somewhat hopeful note that the father and son will do better than their predecessors.
Sources: Grant Health/YouTube, horwy56/YouTube, Sharkhanatic/YouTube, thecreator.2/YouTube, Ferzen RPG/YouTube, Contemporary Ape/YouTube, BADA/YouTube, Alexloai64/YouTube, FEAR/YouTube, Mamuttum – Wild By Nature/YouTube, A.L./YouTube, pgp/YouTube
