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The characters of the God of War video game franchise belong to a fictional universe loosely based on Greek mythology. All are organized in groups, including the Olympian Gods, Titans, classical monsters, heroes, and supporting characters. The overall story arc focuses on the series' only playable character, the protagonist Kratos, a Spartan warrior haunted by his accidental murder of his wife and child. The character eventually avenges his family by killing his former master and manipulator Ares, the God of War. Kratos takes Ares' place as the new God of War, but he is still troubled and is betrayed by Zeus, King of the Olympian Gods, who is revealed to be Kratos' father. The gods and Titans play a major role in shaping Kratos' attitude and his eventual decision to destroy Mount Olympus.

God of War (2005), created by Sony's Santa Monica Studios, was the inaugural game in the series, which continued with sequels God of War II (2007), God of War: Betrayal (2007), God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008), God of War III (2010), God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010), and the upcoming God of War: Ascension (2013). The God of War mythos expanded into literature, with a novelization of the original God of War released in 2010 and a six-issue God of War comic series that introduced new characters and plot developments released in 2010-11. A novelization of God of War II is to be released in 2013. A film adaptation has also been in development since 2005.

God of War has become a highly lucrative franchise on account of the commercial and critical success of the series. Products include action figures, artwork, clothing, Slurpee cups, sweepstakes, and video game consoles. The character of Kratos received positive comments from reviewers, and was described as a "sympathetic antihero" by GameSpy. Game Guru claimed "Practically anyone, even if they hadn't played any of the God of War games, would know about Kratos." Several reviewers have praised the series for its voice acting. PAL Gaming Network claimed that God of War's voice acting is "up there with the best" in comparison to other games. IGN claimed that God of War II's characters were timeless and the voice acting was great. Although IGN claimed that God of War III's voice acting "could better," Gamestyle claimed it was "an impressive voice cast." IGN has also praised Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta for their voice acting.

Concept and creation

During the creation of God of War, the game's director David Jaffe attempted to create a version of Kratos that looked brutal but had a different appearance from what is considered to be the traditional Greek hero. The character's traditional armor was removed to show the character's individualism, and details such as hair and other "flowing things" were removed. Jaffe said of his final version of the character, that while " may not totally feel at home in Ancient Greece from a costume standpoint, I think he achieves the greater purpose which is to give players a character who they can play who really does just let them go nuts and unleash the nasty fantasies that they have in their head."

When designing Ares, Charlie Wen was advised that the character should be 90% elemental and 5-10% human, then began sketching. He said that the rest of the team liked the designs, but were uncertain about execution. The transition towards Ares' human form was slow, and Wen said of the final design, "he's still a huge guy, but he's got all this armor on that allows him to do all these things." Like most of the Olympian gods in God of War, Zeus first appeared as a floating translucent head, and was modeled on the typical representation of the god in Greek mythology. Cory Barlog (Game Director of God of War II) said that for God of War II, they wanted to maintain Zeus' appearance from literature, but also to add their own interpretation to the character. Zeus' human appearance was originally designed by Charlie Wen for God of War II. This design was also used in God of War III, with updated graphics and the addition of an arm piece during the final fight. Andy Park was responsible for designing Zeus' spirit form for the final fight. Park produced several sketches, and imagined Zeus as a "massive tornado creature with lightning searing throughout the form." Park said that the ultimate goal was that "we are looking at Zeus, but it is him transformed into a big cloud of smoke."

Hades first appeared in God of War; the original design portrayed Hades as a fiery, demonic face with horns. Statues in the game adhered to this design. Hades' character design was changed for God of War II and God of War III. The latter game featured a background statue of the original design, with the character now appearing in a more human-like form with spikes protruding from his body and wielding a pair of chained claws, similar to Kratos' chained blades. Hades wore a helmet that appeared to cover a fiery face, which is eventually revealed to be very grotesque but more human-like than the original design from God of War.

The character Daedalus was designed by Izzy Medrano, who said that he imagined Daedalus as a brilliant architect gone mad, and that Daedalus, similar to Kratos, was a pawn of the gods. The character was originally intended to have long white hair, but was eventually rendered bald, "as long hair is a difficult thing to manage." Medrano also designed Pandora, whom he said is vital in reintroducing the player to the human side of Kratos. Medrano also said that they knew Pandora had to be young and reminiscent of Kratos' daughter, Calliope, and that " had to be pretty without being sexy and spunky without being saucy." Medrano said the character's final attire was a "Greek Punk" fashion style. Hermes was originally designed for God of War II by Andy Park and did appear in the final cut scene of the game. For God of War III, Park updated the design and painting of the character. Park said he "wanted to create a character that was sly, cunning, and a bit comical in both appearance and personality" and he imagined he would be "much like a dancer."

The first version of Medusa, a gorgon, was to have five feet, but due to perceived animation difficulties, the final version had one tail. Icarus was conceived as an "old disgusting man" and portrayed as an evil, although slightly comedic, character. The Titan Oceanus was sketched by Erik San Juan and was originally intended to appear in God of War II in a completely watery form with no feet. This concept, however, was cut during development. Oceanus appeared in God of War III, with a similar appearance to the other Titans and with an emphasis on lightning instead of the original watery design. Oceanus's original watery design was the basis of the design for Poseidon's avatar sea construct for God of War III.

Major characters

• Kratos – The protagonist of the God of War series. The character is a power-hungry Spartan who, to save his life, is eventually forced to serve the Olympian god Ares. During one murderous rampage, Kratos accidentally kills his wife and child. Kratos renounces Ares, becomes a tormented soul, and serves the gods for ten years, eventually becoming the God of War and revealed to be a demigod, until betrayed by his father Zeus. A series of attempts to free himself from the influence of the gods and Titans follow, culminating in a final confrontation with Zeus. The character is voiced by Terrence C. Carson,and Antony Del Rio voices the character as a child in God of War: Ghost of Sparta.
• Athena – The Goddess of Wisdom and Kratos' mentor and ally. Athena initially tasks Kratos to find Helios as in the absence of light, the god Morpheus has caused the remaining gods to fall into a deep slumber. Athena later charges Kratos with the murder of Ares, as Zeus has forbidden divine involvement, and is instrumental in allowing Kratos to become the new God of War. Although she begs Kratos to stop his second quest for the Ambrosia of Asclepius and lies to him to about his brother Deimos, Athena is still sympathetic towards Kratos even after he renounces the gods and is betrayed by Zeus. Athena dies trying to protect Zeus from Kratos, and is resurrected and elevated to a new level of understanding. With ulterior motives, Athena becomes Kratos' ally once more and guides him to the Flame of Olympus surrounding Pandora's Box, which will allow Kratos to kill Zeus and end the reign of Mount Olympus. The character was voiced by Carole Ruggier in God of War and God of War II and Erin Torpey in God of War: Chains of Olympus, God of War III, and God of War: Ghost of Sparta.
• Gaia – The mother of the Titans and embodiment of Earth. Gaia was banished with her fellow Titans at the conclusion of the Great War. She saves Kratos from the Underworld after a disastrous encounter with Zeus, and directs the Spartan to find the Sisters of Fate in order to change Kratos' fate. A successful Kratos plucks Gaia and the Titans from the moment in time before their defeat in the Great War to launch an abortive attack on Olympus. Wounded in the attempt, Gaia abandons Kratos, who eventually finds and cripples Gaia. She returns to interrupt the final battle between the Spartan and Zeus. The pair enter Gaia, and Kratos destroys her heart, killing the Titan. The character was voiced by Linda Hunt in God of War II and Susan Blakeslee in God of War III.
• Zeus – The King of the Olympian Gods and the main antagonist of God of War II and God of War III. Zeus and Ares believed the destruction of Olympus would come at the hands of Kratos' brother Deimos, so they had Deimos imprisoned and tortured by Thanatos. Many years later, Zeus aids Kratos against Ares by bestowing him with the magic "Zeus' Fury." Zeus becomes infected with fear and tricks Kratos into draining his godly powers into the Blade of Olympus, stating it is required to deal with a new threat actually created by Zeus. Kratos, stripped of his power, is mortally wounded while human, and killed by Zeus. With the help of the Titan Gaia, Kratos uses the power of the Sisters of Fate to return to the moment Zeus betrayed him and defeats Zeus after extensive combat. Zeus is saved by Athena, who sacrifices herself to preserve Olympus. Before dying, Athena reveals that Kratos is Zeus' son, and that Zeus fears a perpetuation of the son-killing-father cycle, as Zeus imprisoned his father Cronos. This is confirmed when Kratos discovers that Zeus was infected with fear when Kratos first opened Pandora's Box and used its power to kill Ares. After an enlightening encounter with Pandora, Kratos finally kills Zeus. The character was voiced by Paul Eiding in God of War, Corey Burton in God of War II and God of War III, and Fred Tatasciore in God of War: Ghost of Sparta after-game "Combat Arena" mode.

Olympian gods

• Aphrodite – The Goddess of Love and Sexuality, and wife of Hephaestus. Aphrodite helps Kratos by empowering the head of the slain Medusa, and later offers advice regarding the architect Daedalus and directs Kratos to her estranged husband. She is indifferent to Kratos' war on Olympus, seduces him, and is the only Olympian spared by the Spartan in God of War III. The character was voiced by Carole Ruggier in God of War and April Stewart in God of War III.
• Athena  – See "Major characters" section.
• Ares – The former God of War and main antagonist of God of War. Ares captures Kratos' brother Deimos and has him imprisoned and tortured due to a misinterpreted prophecy in God of War: Ghost of Sparta, and later chooses Kratos as his champion during a successful wager with other Olympian Gods in the God of War comic series. Years later, in God of War during a battle, Kratos calls to the God of War, and pledged his life in servitude if Ares spares him from his foes and provide the power to destroy them. Ares grants Kratos' wish and empowers his new servant. A victorious Kratos eventually renouncs his servitude to Ares when the god tricks Kratos into accidentally killing his own wife and child. When Ares wages war on the city of Athens, Kratos is tasked by Athena to find Pandora's Box, an artifact capable of destroying Ares. Ultimately successful, Kratos ascends to Mount Olympus and replaced Ares as the new God of War. The character was voiced by Steven Blum in God of War and Fred Tatasciore in God of War III.
• Artemis – The Goddess of the Hunt. Artemis participated in the Olympian wager, and aids Kratos in the Temple of Pandora by providing him with the "Blade of Artemis". The character was voiced by Claudia Black in God of War.
• Eos – The Goddess of Dawn and the sister of Helios. Eos tells Kratos of the machinations of Morpheus who has taken advantage of her brother's disappearance. When Kratos finds Eos in the Temple of Helios, she advises him to find the Primordial Fires and free Helios' loyal Fire Steeds, as they will find the Sun God. The character was voiced by Erin Torpey in God of War: Chains of Olympus.
• Hades – The God of the Underworld. Hades participated in the Olympian wager. Hades also aids Kratos in Pandora's Temple, although the combined murders of Hades' wife Persephone, niece Athena and brother Poseidon drive him to near madness and a final confrontation with Kratos, ending in the gods death. The character was voiced by Nolan North in God of War and Clancy Brown in God of War III.
• Helios – The God of the Sun. Helios had entered into Ares' wager, choosing the fiery-being Cereyon, who was drowned by Kratos. Years later, Helios is kidnapped by the Titan Atlas on behalf of the goddess Persephone, who intends to use Helios' power to destroy the Pillar of the World, causing the destruction of Olympus. The plan is thwarted by Kratos, and Helios is rescued. When Kratos turns against the gods and leads the Titans in an assault against Olympus, Helios is injured and left for dead by the Titan Perses. Found by Kratos, Helios remains loyal to Zeus and attempts to trick Kratos at the cost of his life, but is decapitated by the Spartan. The character was voiced by Dwight Schultz in God of War: Chains of Olympus and Crispin Freeman in God of War III.
• Hephaestus – The Smith God and husband of Aphrodite who has fallen from the grace of Olympus. The creator of Pandora and Pandora's Box, Hephaestus concealed the truth about his artificial "daughter" from Zeus, advising that the Box should be stored in an impregnable temple on the back of Cronos instead of in the Flame of Olympus. When Kratos eventually penetrates the temple and opens the Box, it released three previously trapped evils, anger, fear and hate, into the world. Infected by fear, Zeus beats and deforms Hephaestus as punishment for his deception before trapping him in his forge in the Underworld. Kratos locates Hephaestus in his quest to find the Flame of Olympus and eventually finds Pandora, the key to quenching the flame and opening Pandora's Box. Hephaestus betrays Kratos by sending him into what he hopes is a fatal confrontation with the Titan Cronos for the Omphalos Stone, but Hephaestus is killed by a triumphant Kratos. He was voiced by Rip Torn in God of War III.
• Hera – Zeus' jaded wife and The Queen of the Gods. Hera is a discreet opponent of Kratos; she first sends Argos, her giant pet, to oppose Kratos, then sends the demigod Hercules to kill Kratos. Kratos, however, kills Hercules and eventually Hera herself. The character was voiced by Adrienne Barbeau in God of War III.
• Hermes – God of Speed, Commerce, Messenger of the Gods and father of Ceryx. Hermes participated in the Olympian wager. Hermes taunts Kratos about murdering his family during Kratos' assault on Mount Olympus, leading to a chase through the city of Olympia. Kratos eventually catches Hermes off guard, and kills him. The character was voiced by Greg Ellis in God of War III.
• Morpheus – The God of Dreams and the silent ally of the goddess Persephone in God of War: Chains of Olympus. After Helios is taken from the sky by Atlas, Morpheus forces both gods and mortals to slumber. Although he is not seen in the series, Morpheus is thwarted when Kratos kills Persephone, imprisons the Titan Atlas, and returns Helios to the sky.
• Persephone – The Queen of the Underworld and main antagonist of God of War: Chains of Olympus. Bitter at being abandoned to the Underworld by her fellow gods, Persephone enters into an alliance with Morpheus and then frees and uses the Titan Atlas to capture the god Helios, intending to use Helios' power to destroy the Pillar of the World. Persephone offers to reunite Kratos with his daughter Calliope in the Fields of Elysium. This she does, but Kratos reluctantly abandons Calliope and kills Persephone to stop her from destroying the Pillar. The character was voiced by Marina Gordon in God of War: Chains of Olympus.
• Poseidon – The God of the Sea. Poseidon also participated in the Olympian wager, and later tasks Kratos with slaying the Hydra. Poseidon comes to resent Kratos for his role in the destruction of Atlantis, and is eventually killed by Kratos during his assault on Olympus. The character is voiced by Fred Tatasciore in God of War, Gideon Emery in God of War III and God of War: Ghost of Sparta.
• Thanatos – The God of Death, father of Erinys, and main antagonist of God of War: Ghost of Sparta. Thanatos is Ruler of the Domain of Death, and imprisons and tortures Kratos' brother Deimos. Thanatos eventually kills Deimos in battle, but is killed in turn by an angered Kratos. The character was voiced by Arthur Burghardt in God of War: Ghost of Sparta.
• Zeus – See "Major characters" section.

Titans

• Atlas – A four-armed Titan imprisoned in Tartarus after the Great War. Atlas is eventually freed by the goddess Persephone and used to capture the god Helios. Persephone directs Atlas to use Helios' power to destroy the Pillar of the World. Atlas, however, is chained to the weakened pillar by Kratos, and is doomed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders forever. After Kratos defeats Persephone, Atlas mocks Kratos and his choice to defend the gods. Atlas and Kratos meet later, and Atlas helps Kratos to reach the Sisters of Fate. The character was voiced by Fred Tatasciore in God of War: Chains of Olympus and Michael Clarke Duncan in God of War II.
• Cronos – Father of Zeus, Hades, Poseidon, and Hera. Cronos learned of a prophecy that foretold that one of his children would become greater than him. In an attempt to cheat fate, Cronos devoured his own children and imprisoned them in his stomach. Due to the trickery by Cronos' wife Rhea, the young child Zeus was spared the fate of his siblings, and secretly grew to manhood. Zeus freed his siblings and defeated Cronos and the Titans in the Great War. As punishment, Cronos was forced to crawl through the Desert of Lost Souls with Pandora's Temple chained to his back. Kratos eventually learned that Cronos attempted to change his fate by offering a gift, the gigantic stone "Steeds of Time", to the Sisters of Fate. Kratos later traveled to Tartarus in search of the Omphalos Stone where he was confronted by a vengeful Cronos. The Titan blames Kratos for Gaia's death and his imprisonment, as when Kratos penetrates the Temple and retrieved the Box, a fearful Zeus casted Cronos into Tartarus. Cronos is killed in battle by Kratos. The character was voiced by Lloyd Sherr in God of War II and George Ball in God of War III.
• Epimetheus – A Titan of living rock featured in God of War III. Epimetheus participates in the assault on Olympus, but is repelled by Poseidon.
• Gaia – See "Major characters" section.
• Hyperion – Hyperion is featured in God of War: Chains of Olympus as a Titan chained in the pits of Tartarus.
• Oceanus – A Titan of water and lightning featured in God of War III. Oceanus participates in the assault on Olympus, but is repelled by Hades.
• Perses – The volcanic Titan of Destruction featured in God of War III. Perses participates in the assault on Olympus. After mortally wounding Helios, Perses attacks Kratos but is wounded with the Blade of Olympus.
• Polyphemus – The Titan cyclops and son of Poseidon—although not a Titan in Greek mythology. Polyphemus will appear as a boss in God of War: Ascension's "Desert of Lost Souls" multiplayer map in a battle between Sparta and Troy, who are battling to kill the Titan with the Spear of Olympus.
• Prometheus – Punished by Zeus for giving mankind the Fires of Olympus. Prometheus is made mortal and attacked by an eagle that rips out his liver, which regrows instantly, on a daily basis. Kratos encounters Prometheus near Typhon's lair. Prometheus is eventually freed by Kratos, and dies by self-immolation in fire, and his ashes empower Kratos. The character was voiced by Alan Oppenheimer in God of War II.
• Rhea – Featured in a flashback in God of War II, Rhea is the wife of Cronos. When Cronos devours their children in an attempt to cheat the prophecy that one of his children will become greater than him, Rhea tricks Cronos and ensures the young Zeus is hidden away and protected by Gaia.
• Thera – A lava-based Titan, Thera is an original character and does not appear in Greek mythology. Imprisoned in a volcano within the city of Atlantis. Kratos frees the Titan, causing the volcano to erupt and destroy the city. The character was voiced by Dee Dee Rescher in God of War: Ghost of Sparta.
• Typhon – A Titan imprisoned within a mountain after the Great War. Gaia directs Kratos to Typhon for aid. When Typhon refuses to help him, Kratos blinds him and steals his magical bow. The character was voiced by Fred Tatasciore in God of War II.

Greek heroes

• Hercules – A demigod and half-brother to Kratos. Hercules seeks to claim the throne of "God of War" after performing a thirteenth, and unofficial, labor: the murder of Kratos. Hercules is killed in combat by Kratos. The character was voiced by Kevin Sorbo, who was chosen for a previous portrayal of the character in the television series, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.
• Perseus – The second Greek hero Kratos encounters in his quest to find the Sisters of Fate. Perseus was also seeking the Sisters in the hope of reviving his dead love. The character was voiced by Harry Hamlin, who was chosen for a previous portrayal of the character in the 1981 film, Clash of the Titans.
• Theseus – A servant of the Sisters of Fate who guards the Steeds of Time, and the first Greek hero that Kratos encounters on his journey to the Temple of the Fates. Challenges Kratos to determine "who is greatest warrior in all Greece" but is killed in battle. The character was voiced by Paul Eiding in God of War II.

Mythological characters

• Argos – The giant pet of the goddess Hera and sent by the gods to stop Kratos' rampage across Greece in God of War: Betrayal. After several skirmishes with Kratos, Argos is killed by an unknown assassin who frames Kratos for the murder.
• Ceryx – The son of Hermes and a messenger of Olympus, Ceryx is the main antagonist in God of War: Betrayal. He attempts to warn Kratos about the consequences of his bloody rampage across Greece, but Kratos kills him for interfering.
• Charon – The ferryman of the River Styx in the Underworld who guides lost souls to their final destination. Kratos encounters Charon on the River Styx twice. Although he almost kills Kratos during their first encounter, Kratos returns and destroys Charon. The character was voiced by Dwight Schultz in God of War: Chains of Olympus.
• Daedalus – A brilliant architect, Daedalus constructs the labyrinth in which Pandora is imprisoned after Zeus discovers her existence. Zeus also promised to reunite Daedelus with his son Icarus as a reward, but never revealed that Icarus was already dead. Kratos encounters Daedalus hanging in a part of the labyrinth and reveals that the labyrinth must be united to free Pandora. Daedelus is killed when Kratos unites the labyrinth. The character was voiced by Malcolm McDowell in God of War III.
• Erinys – Daughter of Thanatos. After the destruction of Atlantis, Erinys searches for Kratos, killing various Spartans as a warning to Kratos to stop his quest to find Deimos. Erinys eventually finds Kratos in Sparta, the pair battle, and Erinys shape shifts into an enormous bird. She is killed by Kratos. The character was voiced by Jennifer Hale and Erin Torpey in God of War: Ghost of Sparta.
• Euryale – A Gorgon and a servant of the Sisters of Fate, Euryale seeks revenge against Kratos for his murder of her sister Medusa, but is killed and decapitated. The character was voiced by Jennifer Martin in God of War II.
• Gyges – Featured in the God of War comics #4, #5, and #6, he is one of the three Chaos Giants with one hundred arms and fifty heads. During Kratos' first quest for the Ambrosia, his battle with Cereyon burned off the hundred arms of Gyges. During Kratos' second quest, Gyges reveals that he had planned to use the Ambrosia to revive his brothers Briareus and Cottus and then reclaim the world, but Kratos' initial retrieval thwarted that plan. Kratos destroys both Gyges and the Tree of Life—which contains the Ambrosia—with the Fire of Apollo.
• Icarus – The son of Daedalus, Icarus is now insane. Kratos encounters Icarus by the Great Chasm and attacks him. The two battle while falling down the chasm. Kratos eventually strips Icarus of his wings, allowing him to fall into the Underworld to his death. The character was voiced by Bob Joles in God of War II.
• Judges of the Underworld – Featured in God of War III, King Minos—voiced by Mark Moseley, King Rhadamanthus, and King Aeacus are the judges of the dead. Statues of the trio hold the Chain of Balance connecting Olympus to the Underworld. Kratos encounters the trio who declare he is not ready for the afterlife.
• King Midas – A king whose touch will turn anything to gold, he is now grief-stricken and hallucinating as he accidentally turned his daughter to gold. Kratos encounters Midas in the mountains where the Spartan kills him by throwing him into a lava river—turning it to gold—creating a passage for Kratos. The character was voiced by Fred Tatasciore in God of War: Ghost of Sparta.
• Medusa – Featured in God of War. Medusa is the Queen of the Gorgons who is decapitated by Kratos.
• Pandora – An animated creation of Hephaestus who becomes like a daughter to the god, and is neither living nor dead. Pandora is imprisoned by Zeus when he is infected by the fear released from Pandora's Box. Kratos rescues Pandora after he learns that she is the key to pacifying the Flame of Olympus that surrounds Pandora's Box. Kratos reluctantly allows Pandora to sacrifice herself to open the Box and mourns her death, as Pandora reminded him of his deceased child Calliope. Pandora reappears in Kratos' psyche and helps him find the power of hope locked deep inside himself, thereby allowing him to overcome and kill Zeus. The character was voiced by Natalie Lander in God of War III.
• Peirithous – A prisoner of the Underworld who possesses the "Bow of Apollo" and is in love with Persephone. He offers his bow to Kratos in exchange for freedom, but the uncaring Spartan ignores the offer, kills Peirithous, and takes the bow. The character was voiced by Simon Templeman in God of War III.
• The Sisters of Fate – Featured in God of War II, they are three sisters who control the fates of all mortals, gods and Titans. All are eventually killed by Kratos. In God of War III, their voices are heard in Kratos' psyche.
  • Lakhesis – The first Sister, she is determined to deny Kratos his revenge. The character was voiced by Leigh-Allyn Baker in God of War II and Marina Gordon in God of War III.
  • Atropos – The second Sister, she attempts to alter the result of Kratos' battle with Ares. The character was voiced by Debi Mae West in God of War II and Marina Gordon in God of War III.
  • Clotho – The final Sister and the gigantic keeper of the loom that decides the final fate of all. The character was voiced by Susan Silo in God of War II and Marina Gordon in God of War III.

Minor characters (comic series and video games)

Kratos' family

• Calliope – Kratos' daughter. As an infant, she was stricken with the plague and to be killed due to Sparta's law. Calliope is saved by Kratos when he obtains the Ambrosia of Asclepius, but is eventually killed with her mother by Kratos during a berserker rage in a temple dedicated to Athena. Kratos is briefly reunited with Calliope in the Underworld in the Fields of Elysium, but is forced to abandon her to save the world from Persephone and Atlas. Kratos later finds a note from her in the Underworld, and when Kratos enters into his psyche during his final fight with Zeus, he is spiritually reunited with both Lysandra and Calliope. The character was voiced by Debi Derryberry.
• Callisto – The mother of Kratos and Deimos. Kratos finds his ailing mother in the city of Atlantis. As she attempts to reveal the identity of Kratos' father, she is punished by Zeus and transformed into a beast, which Kratos must kill. Before dying, Callisto advises Kratos to find Deimos. The character was voiced by Deanna Hurstold as Old Callisto and Jennifer Hale as Young Callisto in God of War: Ghost of Sparta.
• Deimos – The younger brother of Kratos. Kidnapped by Ares and imprisoned and tortured by Thanatos because of his unusual birthmarks, as a prophecy predicted the demise of Olympus would come at the hands of a "marked warrior". As time passed, Deimos' hatred for Kratos grows, as his hope of rescue decays. When eventually reunited with his brother, Deimos is initially bitter for Kratos' perceived failure and the two battle. When Kratos saves Deimos from falling to his death, he joins his brother and battles Thanatos. Deimos is killed by Thanatos, who is killed in turn by Kratos. In God of War III, Deimos' voice is heard in Kratos' psyche. The character was voiced by Elijah Wood in God of War III, and Mark Deklin as an adult and Bridger Zadina as a child in God of War: Ghost of Sparta.
• Lysandra – Kratos' wife. Although she was responsible in granting Kratos his quest for the Ambrosia to save Calliope, she is killed with her daughter. After being spiritually reunited with both Lysandra and Calliope in his psyche, Lysandra aids Kratos in forgiving himself for his crime. The character was voiced by Gwendoline Yeo

Other

• Barbarian King Alrik – Ruler of a horde of barbarians. As the champion of Hades, he seeks the Ambrosia to save his ailing father. Alrik is ultimately unsuccessful and is killed by Kratos. Resurrected by Hades, Alrik learns that he has become King after the death of his father. Alrik seeks vengeance against Kratos, and his barbarian horde threatens to overwhelm an opposing Spartan army. Alrik almost kills Kratos in combat, but this is undone at the critical moment when Kratos offers up his life to Ares and is returned to battle equipped with the Blades of Chaos, which Krtaos uses to decapitate Alrik. Alrik eventually fights his way out of the Underworld, and intent on revenge, finds and confronts Kratos on the Island of Creation. Kratos kills the Barbarian King once again. The character was voiced by Bob Joles in God of War II and Fred Tatasciore in God of War III.
• Boat Captain – A humorous addition, the Boat Captain encounters Kratos on several occasions, although these are always to the Boat Captain's detriment: Kratos ignores him when in the belly of the Hydra and brushes him aside in the Underworld (God of War). The Boat Captain flees from Kratos as a spirit even though summoned to fight him (God of War II) and he leaves a note of hatred for Kratos in the Underworld and his voice is heard in Kratos' psyche (God of War III). The character was voiced by Keith Ferguson in God of War and God of War II and Josh Keaton in God of War III.
• The Body Burner – Grants Kratos passage to Pandora's Temple. The Body Burner was the first warrior to die while seeking Pandora's Box, and is cursed by the gods to continue to live as a rotting corpse and act as custodian of the Temple. The character was voiced by Christopher Corey Smith in God of War.
• Captain Nikos – Featured in the God of War comics #2, #3, and #4, Captain Nikos is a Spartan who Kratos meets after he'd slain the Hades Phoenix. Captain Nikos and his men assist Kratos in his search for the Ambrosia of Asclepius. Nikos is injured in battle against Poseidon's champion Herodius, but survives. Hades later sends fireballs from the sky to stop the Spartan army. As a fireball is about to strike Kratos, Nikos sacrifices himself to save him. Before dying, he passes the rank of Captain to Kratos. During Kratos' second journey, Nikos' corpse, and those of other Spartans, are reanimated by Hades, and Kratos dispatches them.
• Cereyon – Featured in God of War comic #4, he is the fiery champion of Helios. Although never revealing his intent for finding the Ambrosia, he fights Kratos but is drowned by the Spartan.
• Danaus – Featured in God of War comic #3, he is the champion of Hermes and a warrior who can magically command beasts. With the animals in his village dying of plague, Danaus is forced to seek the Ambrosia. He is decapitated in battle by Barbarian Prince Alrik, who retains Danaus' head as it can still command the beasts.
• The Gravedigger – A mysterious figure, eventually revealed to be Zeus, digging a grave in the midst of a war. The Gravedigger counsels Kratos and eventually rescues him from the Underworld. He later counsels Kratos against making enemies of the gods after Kratos' rampage through Atlantis. The character was voiced by Paul Eiding in God of War and God of War: Ghost of Sparta.
• Herodius – Featured in God of War comic #4, Herodius is a warrior from the village of Thera. Poseidon chose Herodius as his champion in Ares' wager. His village is stricken with a plague, cast by Poseidon, so that Herodius would search for the Ambrosia. Herodius is killed by Kratos.
• The King of Sparta – Featured in God of War comic #6. The King's Guard is convinced by Kratos' wife Lysandra to allow Kratos to embark on a quest for the Ambrosia that will restore their plague-stricken daughter. Kratos and his men are given until the next full moon to return before the King executes Calliope, Kratos' daughter. Ultimately successful, Kratos returns and saves his daughter, giving the rest of the elixir to the King. The King then officially awards Kratos with the rank of Captain.
• Lanaeus – A servant of Poseidon in Atlantis who opposes Kratos on two occasions. The first encounter occurs before the volcanic destruction of Atlantis and the second in the sunken Atlantis. The character was voiced by Fred Tatasciore in God of War: Ghost of Sparta.
• The Last Spartan – A loyal follower of Kratos. The Last Spartan orders the replacement of a statue of Ares with one of Kratos and gives Kratos his former weapons, the "Arms of Sparta", which Kratos used as Captain of the Spartan Army. The Last Spartan later witnesses the destruction of Sparta at the hands of a vengeful Zeus. Thinking Kratos dead, he attempts to find the Sisters of Fate to change the fate of Sparta. He is accidentally killed by Kratos, but reveals the extent of Zeus' treachery before dying. The character was voiced by Josh Keaton in God of War II and Gideon Emery in God of War: Ghost of Sparta.
• Narrator – Voiced by Linda Hunt, she narrates every game except God of War: Betrayal and only provides an introductory narration for God of War III.
• Oracle of Athens – An oracle that lives in Athens. Shocked at Athena's decision for choosing Kratos, the Oracle directs Kratos to find Pandora's Box. The character was voiced by Susan Blakeslee in God of War.
• Persian King – Leader of the Persian forces that invade the Greek city of Attica, he is killed in battle by Kratos. The character was voiced by Fred Tatasciore in God of War: Chains of Olympus.
• Pothia – Featured in God of War comic #3, she is the warrior-queen of an Amazonian tribe. Pothia is seeking the Ambrosia to make the Amazons whole again as their children are stillborn. Artemis chose Pothia as her champion, but she is ultimately killed by Kratos.
• Unknown Assassin – An unidentified assassin in God of War: Betrayal who frames Kratos for the murder of Argos. Kratos chases the assassin throughout Greece to discover the identity of the assassin's master, but the assassin ultimately escapes when Ceryx intervenes.
• Village Oracle – A female soothsayer who attempts to warn away Kratos - still in the service of Ares - when he arrives at a village dedicated to Athena. The Village Oracle curses Kratos once he is tricked by Ares into killing his wife and child, and proclaimes that "from this day forward, the mark of your terrible deed will be visible to all" as the ashes of Kratos' burnt family merge with his skin. This turns Kratos' skin ash-white and earns him the title "Ghost of Sparta". The character was voiced by Susan Blakeslee in God of War.

Reception

God of War received praise for its voice acting. Chris Sell of PAL Gaming Network stated that the voice acting is "up there with the best" in comparison to other games, and that the cut scenes are "superbly voiced, but it’s the narrator of the story that is the most professionally convincing throughout." Eric Blattberg of PlayStation Universe stated that the voice acting is a great feature of the game, that narrator Linda Hunt's "authentic voice really helps set the attitude during the unbelievable ’s", and that that Kratos "acts and sounds like a badass." Kristan Reed of Eurogamer wrote, "Even the straight-laced voice work is handled with an expertise so sadly lacking in most other videogames." Raymond M. Padilla of GameSpy, wrote that some of the voice acting and music tracks are overstated; one of his few dislikes in the game. Matt Leone of 1UP wrote that "There's a mixture of in-game characters that speak to you and extremely nice CG sequences that show moments such as flashbacks, and it all blends together surprisingly well."

God of War II received similar praise for its voice acting. Chris Roper of IGN said the characters were timeless and the voice acting was great. Kristan Reed said that the voice acting was "top notch." Alex Navarro of GameSpot wrote that "The voice acting is ... all-around excellent, though it's not quite as enjoyable as it was in the last game", and that "Kratos is as gruff and over the top as ever." He praised the supporting voice performances, such as Linda Hunt as Gaia and the narrator, Corey Burton as Zeus and Harry Hamlin as Perseus as "top-notch work." However, Navarro said that a few of the performances felt "a bit labored or overwrought. In particular, Michael Clarke Duncan as Atlas feels more wooden than imposing. The voice is right, but his performance is oddly subdued." With these exceptions, Navarro said that "this is another enjoyable voice cast." GameSpy described Kratos as a "sympathetic antihero" and Game Guru claimed "Practically anyone, even if they hadn't played any of the God of War games, would know about Kratos."

God of War III received mixed reviews; Chris Roper of IGN stated that the voice acting "could be better", and that some of the characters are the "biggest culprits" to "creating an uneven feeling in the visual presentation" and that they "don't feature the same level of lighting quality or perhaps texture work as others." Roper also said that a few look "fantastic ... but many are clearly not on the same level as Kratos, and some are even only passable as 'good'." Garry Webber of Gamestyle wrote that the game has "an impressive voice cast which is so suitable it’s scary", and that Kevin Sorbo as Hercules was a "good choice." Webber also said that since Kratos is such an "utterly vile and angry" character, having other characters speaking of the goodness within him seemed rather strange.

Maria Montoro of Cheat Code Central stated the voice acting in God of War: Chains of Olympus' is as immersing as the camera work and both TC Carson as Kratos and Linda Hunt as the narrator "truly do a great job and put the stamp of authenticity on the game." Roper said that the voice acting was nice. For God of War: Ghost of Sparta, Nicole Tanner of IGN wrote that it "ontinues the tradition of great voice acting" that "we've come to expect from a God of War installment." Joe Juba of Game Informer said that the voice work was solid.

Merchandise

Two series of action figures based on God of War II have been produced by NECA. The first set included two versions of Kratos; one wielding the Blades of Athena and the second wearing the Golden Fleece and holding a gorgon's head. The second set included a twelve-inch figure that plays six game quotes. A second two-figure set was also released, with Kratos wearing Ares' God of War armor. DC Unlimited produced a line of action figures based on God of War III, which included the characters Kratos, Zeus, Hades and Hercules. Between February 1, 2010 and March 31, 2010, 7-Eleven sold a limited edition Slurpee drink called "Kratos Fury", available in four exclusive God of War III cups, which featured codes that could be used to access God of War III and Slurpee-themed downloadable content on the Slurpee website. Kratos' visage has appeared on the PlayStation Portable Chains of Olympus exclusive bundle pack, and on the PlayStation 3 God of War III sweepstakes prize video game consoles. Other products include artwork, clothing, and sweepstakes.

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External links

• "Franchise: God of War". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved 2012-06-24.
• "God of War - Credits". allgame. Retrieved 2012-06-24.
• "God of War II - Credits". allgame. Retrieved 2012-06-24.
• "God of War: Chains of Olympus - Credits". allgame. Retrieved 2012-06-24.
• "God of War III (2010) PlayStation 3 credits". MobyGames. Retrieved 2012-06-24.
• "God of War Ghost of Sparta - Voice Credits". Voice Chasers. Dekiru Productions. Retrieved 2012-11-19.

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