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The characters of the God of War series are organized below by their respective role in the fictional universe that is loosely based on Greek mythology. The multimedia franchise's central story revolves around the Spartan warrior, Kratos, who is on a path of vengeance to rid himself of the nightmares of murdering his wife and child. The character eventually kills Ares to become the new God of War until betrayed by his father, Zeus – the King of the Olympian Gods. The Olympian Gods, as well as the Titans, play a major role in shaping Kratos' attitude towards the gods and eventual destruction of Mount Olympus. Throughout the series, Kratos meets and kills various characters and creatures from the mythology, as well as exclusive characters to the series.

Commencing with Santa Monica Studios' 2005 video game, God of War, the franchise expanded to include the sequels God of War II, God of War: Betrayal, God of War: Chains of Olympus, God of War III, God of War: Ghost of Sparta, and the upcoming God of War: Ascension (2013). The franchise has also expanded to include the limited six-issue God of War comic series and the God of War novel. A second novel – God of War II – is to be released in 2013. A film was announced in 2005 but has yet to be made.

God of War's commercial and critical success has led to large amounts of merchandise featuring the franchise's characters to be produced. Kratos, the most visible symbol of the series, has been heavily marketed, with the character's visage appearing on slurpee cups, t-shirts, and video game consoles (PSP and PS3). Other merchandise produced includes artwork, cell phone skins, sweepstakes, and several sets of action figures produced by NECA and DC Unlimited. God of War's characters have received varying reception, with the character Kratos being well received by critics, with Game Guru claiming that "Practically anyone, even if they hadn't played any of the God of War games, would know about Kratos."

Concept and creation

During the creative process, David Jaffe (Game Director of God of War) attempted to create a character (Kratos) that looked "brutal", but still separated his appearance from what is considered to be the traditional Greek hero. Traditional armor was removed to promote the character's "individualism". Excessive details, such as hair and other "flowing things" were removed. Jaffe commented on the final version of Kratos stating 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. Wen began sketching concepts, eventually stating that Ares was just pure power. Wen said that the rest of the team liked the concepts, but were uncertain about execution. Wen stated it was a slow transition towards Ares' human form and with the final design, Wen said that "he's still a huge guy, but he's got all this armor on that allows him to do all these things."

Zeus first appeared in God of War as a translucent head of an old man that represented the typical image of what Zeus looked like in Greek mythology. Cory Barlog (Game Director of God of War II) stated that for God of War II, they wanted to maintain Zeus' appearance from the literature about Greek mythology, but also add their own interpretation on 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 the exception of 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 stated he made various sketches, imagining Zeus as a "massive tornado creature with lightning searing throughout the form." Park stated that the ultimate goal was that "we are looking at Zeus, but it is him transformed into a big cloud of smoke."

The first version of Medusa was to have five feet, but due to perceived animation difficulties, the final version had one tail. Stig Asmussen stated that with the character Icarus, they tried to take an "old disgusting man" and make him look as evil as possible, but with a little comedy to the character. The Titan Oceanus was sketched by Erik San Juan and was to originally appear in God of War II in a complete watery form with no feet. This concept, however, was cut during development. Oceanus did appear in God of War III, however, and his appearance resembled the other Titans in the game, but was lightning based as opposed to the original water based concept. The original concept of Oceanus that was to appear in God of War II was partially used in designing Poseidon's sea avatar construct of hippocampi for God of War III.

The character Daedalus was designed by Izzy Medrano. Medrano stated that he imagined Daedalus as a brilliant architect gone mad. Medrano also stated he was similar to Kratos as Daedalus was also a pawn of the gods. His original concept was for Deadalus to have long white hair, but he ultimately became bald, "as long hair is a difficult thing to manage." Pandora was also designed by Medrano, who climed that she is vital in reintroducing the player to the human side of Kratos. Medrano stated that they knew Pandora had to be young and reminiscent of Kratos' daughter, Calliope. He stated that " had to be pretty without being sexy and spunky without being saucy." Medrano regarded the character's final attire as 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 stated 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."

Hades first appeared in God of War as a translucent head (like all the Olympian gods in the game except Athena). The original design portrayed Hades with a fiery, demonic face with upward pointing horns. Statues in the game resembled this appearance (a statue in God of War III also resembles this original design). Hades design was vastly changed for God of War II and God of War III, with the character now appearing in a full body form with spikes protruding from the body and wielding a pair of chained claws, similar to Kratos' chained blades. The character wore a helmet with downward pointing horns that appeared to cover a fiery face. The characters face is eventually revealed to be very grotesque, but more humanoid than his original God of War appearance.

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. Renouncing Ares and becoming a tormented soul, Kratos 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 convuluted series of attempts to free himself from the influence of the gods (and eventually the Titans) and exact vengeance follow, culminating with a final confrontation with Zeus. The character is voiced by Terrence C. Carson, with Antony Del Rio voicing 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 begging Kratos to stop his second quest for the Ambrosia of Asclepius and lying to Kratos about his brother Deimos, Athena is still sympathetic towards Kratos even after he renounces the gods and is betrayed by Zeus. Although dying trying to protect Zeus from Kratos, Athena 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 has been 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. Gaia 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 his 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 the injured Titan. Kratos cripples Gaia, but the Titan eventually returns to interrupt a final battle between the Spartan and Zeus. Kratos and Zeus enter Gaia, where the Spartan destroys her heart, killing the Titan. The character has been 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 was to come by the hands of Deimos, the brother of Kratos, 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." Becoming infected with fear, Zeus tricks the Spartan into draining his godly powers into the Blade of Olympus, stating it is necessary so as 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 after extensive combat, he defeats the King of Gods. Zeus is saved by Athena, who sacrifices herself to preserve Olympus. Before dying, Athena reveals that Kratos is in fact Zeus' son, and that he fears a perpetuation of the son-killing-father cycle (as he himself 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 has been 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 wife of Hephaestus. Aided Kratos by empowering the head of the slain Medusa, which gave Kratos the power of "Medusa's Gaze" to turn enemies to stone. She later offered advice regarding the architect Daedalus and directed Kratos to her estranged husband, Hephaestus. She also seduces Kratos (activating a sex-mini-game if player accepts) and is the only Olympian left alive in God of War III. The character has been voiced by Carole Ruggier in God of War and April Stewart in God of War III.

• Ares – The former God of War and main antagonist of God of War. Ares was responsible for capturing Kratos' brother Deimos and having him imprisoned and tortured by Thanatos in the Domain of Death due to a prophecy foretelling the demise of Olympus by a marked warrior (which actually referred to Kratos). Ares later made a wager with Artemis, Hades, Helios, Hermes, and Poseidon choosing Kratos as his champion (unknown to Kratos) to see who can find the Ambrosia of Asclepius. Ares ultimately won this wager when Kratos successfully retrieved the Ambrosia. Years later, in a moment of desperation, Kratos called to the God of War, and pledged his life in servitude if Ares would spare him from his foes and provide the power to destroy them. Ares heard Kratos' prayer and bonded the weapons, the "Blades of Chaos", to his new servant. A victorious Kratos eventually renounced his servitude to Ares when the god tricked Kratos into accidentally killing his own wife and child. When Ares waged war on the city of Athens, Kratos was tasked by Athena with finding Pandora's Box, an artifact capable of destroying Ares. Ultimately successful, Kratos ascended to Mount Olympus and replaced Ares as the new God of War (his remains are in the Tomb of Ares in God of War III and he can be heard during the psyche sequence). The character has been voiced by Steven Blum in God of War and Fred Tatasciore in God of War III.

• Artemis – The Goddess of the Hunt. Artemis had entered into Ares' wager with her champion being Pothia, the warrior-queen of an Amazonian tribe, who was killed by Kratos. Years later, Artemis aids Kratos in the Temple of Pandora by providing him with the "Blade of Artemis", stating it was the blade that she used to slay a Titan. The character is voiced by Claudia Black in God of War.

• Athena – See "Major characters" section.

• Eos – The Goddess of Dawn and the sister of Helios. Eos told Kratos of the machinations of Morpheus who had taken advantage of her brother's disappearance. When Kratos finds Eos in the Temple of Helios, she advises Kratos to find the Primordial Fires and free Helios' loyal Fire Steeds, as they will find the Sun God, and bestows Kratos the magic, the "Light of Dawn". The character is voiced by Erin Torpey in God of War: Chains of Olympus.

• Hades – The God of the Underworld. Hades also entered into the Ares' wager, choosing the Barbarian Prince Alrik to be his champion. If successful, Hades was to construct a temple that would overpower Pandora's Temple. Hades' attempts to stop Kratos were unsuccessful and Alrik's father died, making Alrik king. Years later, Hades aids Kratos in Pandora's Temple by bestowing on him the magical gift, the "Army of Hades." However, the combined murders of Hades' wife Persephone, niece Athena, and brother Poseidon drove him to near madness and a confrontation with Kratos. Kratos kills the god (freeing the spirits of the Underworld) and takes his "Claws of Hades" for personal use. The character has been 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 his power to destroy the Pillar of the World, causing the destruction of Olympus. The plan is thwarted by Kratos, however, 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 the Spartan at the cost of his life (his death causing worldwide storms and darkness). Kratos decapitates the Sun God with his bare hands taking the decapitated "Head of Helios" for personal use. The character has been voiced by Dwight Schultz in God of War: Chains of Olympus and Crispin Freeman in God of War III.

• Hephaestus – The Smith God who has fallen from the grace of Olympus and husband of Aphrodite. 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 the Flame of Olympus. When Kratos eventually penetrated the temple and opened the Box, it released three previously trapped evils (anger, fear and hate) into the world. Infected by fear, Zeus beat and deformed 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 Pandora: the key to quenching the Flame and opening Pandora's Box. Hephaestus betrays Kratos by sending him into what is hoped to be fatal confrontation with the Titan Cronos for the Omphalos Stone. Kratos, however, returns with the stone. Hephaestus crafts a weapon from the stone and attempts to kill Kratos himself, but is killed in turn by the Spartan who takes the gods last creation, the "Nemesis Whip". The character is voiced by Rip Torn in God of War III.

• Hera – The Queen of the Gods and Zeus' jaded wife. Discreet opponent of Kratos, she first sends her giant pet Argos to oppose Kratos, but it is killed by an unknown assassin (Betrayal). Hera later sends the demigod Hercules to kill Kratos. Kratos, however, kills Hercules and eventually Hera herself (an act that kills all plant life) for mocking Pandora (God of War III). The character is voiced by Adrienne Barbeau in God of War III.

• Hermes – The God of Commerce, Speed, Messenger of the Gods, and father of Ceryx. Taking up Ares' wager, Hermes chose Danaus, a warrior with a magical ability to command beasts, to be his champion only for Danaus to be killed by Alrik. Later, Hermes takes part in the fight against the Titans and taunts Kratos about murdering his family, leading to a chase through Olympus. Eventually caught off guard, Hermes is butchered by Kratos (an act that releases a plague on the world) who confiscates the "Boots of Hermes" for personal use. The character is 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 not seen, 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. The goddess offers Kratos to be reunited with his daughter Calliope in the Fields of Elysium. Though being reunited with his daughter, Kratos reluctantly abandons Calliope to stop Persephone from destroying the Pillar as it would in turn destroy Calliope. Ultimately successful, Kratos chains Atlas to the Pillar (forcing him to hold the world on his shoulders) and kills Persephone.(her remains are seen in a tree casket in the Underworld in God of War III). The character is voiced by Marina Gordon in God of War: Chains of Olympus.

• Poseidon – The God of the Sea. In Ares' wager, Poseidon chose Herodius from Thera to be his champion. Poseidon purposely cast a plague on Herodius' village so the warrior would search for the Ambrosia of Asclepius. Herodius was killed by Kratos, causing the god to release his Hippocamp to destroy Kratos' ship, but Kratos and his men managed to escape. Later, Poseidon tasks Kratos with slaying the Hydra and bestows upon Kratos the magical ability, "Poseidon's Rage". Kratos also took use of "Poseidon's Trident" while in Pandora's Temple in the section dedicated to the god. Poseidon comes to resent Kratos for his role in the destruction of his city Atlantis, and is eventually killed by Kratos during his assault on Olympus (an act that causes the sea to flood the land). The character has been voiced by Fred Tatasciore in God of War and 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. Ruler of the Domain of Death, Thanatos is responsible for imprisoning and torturing Kratos' brother Deimos. While Kratos and Deimos were battling, Thanatos snatches Deimos from the battle and drops him on the edge of a cliff. Deimos is saved by Kratos who unites with his brother to fight the God of Death (transforming into a winged beast). Thanatos mocks Kratos for Ares' mistaken decision and eventually kills Deimos, but is killed in turn by an angered Kratos. The character is 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, directing the Titan to use the god's power to destroy the Pillar of the World. Atlas, however, is chained to the weakened pillar by Kratos, now 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, stating he will one day regret the decision. Kratos encounters Atlas again during his search for the Sisters of Fate. Although initially resentful towards Kratos, Atlas learns of Kratos' quest and aids the Spartan with passage across the Great Chasm and providing him with the last of his magic – Atlas Quake – before stating they'll meet again. The character has been voiced by Fred Tatasciore in God of War: Chains of Olympus and Michael Clarke Duncan in God of War II.

• Cronos – The father of Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, and Hades. Cronos learns of a prophecy that foretold 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 under the protection of Gaia. 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. Later, whilst on the Island of Creation, Kratos learned that Cronos vainly attempted to change his fate by offering a gift (the gigantic stone "Steeds of Time") to The Sisters of Fate and received a gift of power left by the Titan - "Cronos' Rage.". Kratos later travelled to Tartarus in search of the Omphalos Stone where he was attacked by a vengeful Cronos. The Titan blamed Kratos for Gaia's death and his imprisonment, as when Kratos penetrated the Temple and retrieved the Box, a fearful Zeus cast Cronos into Tartarus. Despite several attempts by Cronos to kill Kratos, he is eventually killed by the Spartan. The character has been 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. The Titan participates in the assault on Olympus, but is repelled by Poseidon.

• Gaia – See "Major characters" section.

• Hyperion – A Titan featured in God of War: Chains of Olympus chained in the pits of Tartarus.

• Oceanus – A Titan of water and lightning featured in God of War III. The Titan participates in the assault on Olympus, but is repelled by Hades.

• Perses – The volcanic Titan of Destruction featured in God of War III. The Titan participates in the assault on Olympus. After mortally wounding Helios, the Titan attacks Kratos but the Spartan repels him with the Blade of Olympus.

• Polyphemus – The Titan cyclops who is the gigantic son of Poseidon. Polyphemus will be featured as the boss of the desert multiplayer map in God of War: Ascension in a battle between Sparta and Troy to kill the cyclops with the Spear of Olympus (though not a Titan in Greek mythology, the character will be featured as one in the game).

• Prometheus – Punished by Zeus for giving mankind the Fires of Olympus. He was made mortal and attacked by an eagle that rips out his liver (that 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, his ashes empowering the Spartan with the ability, "Rage of the Titans". The character is voiced by Alan Oppenheimer in God of War II.

• Rhea – Featured in a flashback in God of War II, she 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 her husband and ensures the young Zeus is hidden away and protected by Gaia.

• Thera – A lava-based Titan imprisoned in a volcano within the city of Atlantis. Thera begs Kratos for freedom and the Spartan does so reluctantly (receiving the ability "Thera's Bane"), causing the volcano to erupt and destroy the city. The character is voiced by Dee Dee Rescher in God of War: Ghost of Sparta (Thera is an original character and does not appear in Greek mythology).

• Typhon – A Titan imprisoned within a mountain after the Great War. Gaia directs Kratos to Typhon for aid. When the Titan refuses, Kratos blinds Typhon and steals his magical bow, "Typhon's Bane". The character is 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 unofficial and final labour: the murder of Kratos. Believed Kratos to be the favorite son as while Kratos was being crowned the God of War, Hercules was sent to find an apple. He is killed in combat by Kratos, who claims Hercules' "Nemean Cestus" (which Hercules received from slaying the Nemean Lion) as his own. The character is voiced by Kevin Sorbo who was chosen because of his previous portrayal of the character in the television series, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. In God of War II, there is a Hercules bonus costume (though the appearance differs from the character in God of War III).

• Perseus – The second Greek hero Kratos encounters in his quest to find the Sisters of Fate. Perseus is also seeking the Sisters in the hopes of reviving his love. Believes Kratos' appearance is a test and attacks the Spartan, but is killed in combat (with Kratos confiscating his shield to further his quest). The character is voiced by Harry Hamlin who was chosen because of his previous portrayal of the character in the 1981 film, Clash of the Titans.

• Theseus – A servant of the Sisters of Fate (guarding the Steeds of Time), and the first Greek hero that Kratos encounters on his journey to the Temple of the Fates. Killed by Kratos in a battle to determine who is the greatest warrior in all of Greece. The character is voiced by Paul Eiding in God of War II.

Mythological characters

• Argos – The giant pet of the goddess Hera featured in God of War: Betrayal. Argos lead a number of beast against Kratos to stop his rampage through Greece. Argos, however, is killed by an unknown assassin who frames Kratos for the murder.

• Ceryx – The son of Hermes and a messenger of Olympus himself, he is the main antagonist of God of War: Betrayal. Sent by Zeus, he attempts to warn Kratos about the consequences of his bloody rampage across Greece, but is killed by the Spartan 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 almost killing Kratos in a first encounter, Kratos returns and destroys Charon, taking the ferryman's magic, "Charon's Wrath" for personal use. The character is 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 in fact 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 is voiced by Malcolm McDowell in God of War III.

• Erinys – Daughter of Thanatos. After the destruction of Atlantis, Erinys searched for Kratos, killing various Spartans as a warning for Kratos to stop his quest to find Deimos. Eventually finding Kratos in Sparta, the pair battle (Erinys also shape shifting into an enormous bird). Killed by Kratos who confiscates her magic, the "Scourge of Erinys." The character is voiced by Jennifer Hale and Erin Torpey (overdubbed voices) 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 also decapitated, with Kratos retaining the "Head of Euryale" as he did with Medusa. The character is voiced by Jennifer Martin in God of War II.

• Gyges – One of the three Chaos Giants (with one-hundred arms and fifty heads) featured in the God of War comics. During Kratos' first quest for the Ambrosia, his battle with Cereyon inadvertently burned off the one-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 and now insane. Kratos encounters Icarus by the Great Chasm and attacks Kratos. The two battle while falling down the chasm. Kratos eventually strips Icarus of his wings (taking them for personal use), allowing Icarus to fall to his death into the Underworld. The character is voiced by Bob Joles in God of War II.

• Judges of the Underworld – Featured in God of War III, King Minos, King Rhadamanthus, and King Aeacus are the judges of the dead. The statues of the trio hold the Chain of Balance connecting Olympus to the Underworld. King Minos advises Kratos that he is not ready for the afterlife and sends him on his way. King Minos is voiced by Mark Moseley.

• King Midas – A king whose touch will turn anything to gold. Grief-stricken as he accidentally turns his daughter to gold. Kratos encounters Midas in the mountains where he unknowingly burns off his hand in lava. Midas is killed when Kratos throws the king into a lava river, turning it to gold, creating a passage for Kratos. The character is voiced by Fred Tatasciore in God of War: Ghost of Sparta.

• Pandora – An animated creation of Hephaestus (neither living or dead) who becomes like a daughter to the god. Imprisoned by Zeus once he is infected by the fear released from Pandora's Box. Learning Pandora is the key to pacifying the Flame of Olympus that surrounds Pandora's Box, Kratos rescues her. 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 finally overcome and kill Zeus. The character is 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. Peirithous offers his bow to Kratos in exchange for his freedom. The uncaring Kratos kills Peirithous and takes the bow regardless of his offer. The character is voiced by Simon Templeman in God of War III.

• The Sisters of Fate – Featured in God of War II, three sisters who control the fate 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 and determined to deny Kratos his revenge against Zeus. Killed by Kratos who traps her in a mirror with Atropos and shatters the mirror. The character has been voiced by Leigh-Allyn Baker in God of War II and Marina Gordon in God of War III.
  • Atropos – The second Sister who attempts to alter Kratos' battle with Ares. Killed by Kratos who traps her in a mirror with Lakhesis and shatters the mirror. The character has been voiced by Debi Mae West in God of War II and Marina Gordon in God of War III.
  • Clotho – The final Sister and gigantic keeper of the loom that decides the final fate of all. Killed by Kratos who sends a blade attached to a pendulum through her head. The character has been voiced by Susan Silo in God of War II and Marina Gordon in God of War III.

Original characters (video games and comics)

• Barbarian King Alrik – Ruler of a horde of barbarians. As the champion of Hades, he seeks the Ambrosia to save his ailing father. Alrik manages to kill Danaus, taking his head to magically control beasts. He was ultimately unsuccessful, however, and killed by Kratos (who took control of Danaus' head). Resurrected by Hades, Prince Alrik learns that his father has died and he is now King. Seeking vengeance against Kratos, his barbarian horde threatens to overwhelm Kratos' opposing Spartan army. Alrik almost kills the Spartan in combat, but is undone at the critical moment: Kratos offered up his life to Ares and was returned to battle equipped with the Blades of Chaos, with the Spartan using the blades to decaptitate the King. Alrik eventually fought his way out of the Underworld, and intent on revenge, he found and confronted Kratos on the Island of Creation. Kratos, however, kills the Barbarian King once again, taking his "Barbarian Hammer". The character has been 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 meetings with the uncaring Kratos are always to his detriment such as being ignored by Kratos when in the neck of the Hydra and brushed aside while Kratos is in the Underworld (God of War); fleeing from Kratos as a spirit even though summoned by Barbarian King to battle him (God of War II), and leaving a note of hatred towards Kratos in the Underworld and his voice being heard in Kratos' psyche (God of War III). The character has been voiced by Keith Ferguson in God of War and God of War II and Josh Keaton in God of War III.

• The Body Burner – He was the first warrior to die seeking Pandora's Box, and cursed by the gods to continue to live as a rotting corpse and act as custodian of the Temple. Grants Kratos passage into Pandora's Temple. When Cronos and Pandora's temple are transferred to Tartarus as seen in God of War III, the Body Burner was nowhere to be seen. The character is voiced by Christopher Corey Smith in God of War.

• 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 their father to Kratos, she is punished by Zeus and transformed into a beast Kratos must kill. Before dying, Callisto advises Kratos to find Deimos. The character is voiced by Deanna Hurstold as Old Callisto and Jennifer Hale as Young Callisto in God of War: Ghost of Sparta.

• Captain Nikos – Featured in the God of War comics, Captain Nikos is a Spartan who Kratos met after he had slain the Hades Phoenix. Captain Nikos and his men assisted Kratos into looking for the Ambrosia of Asclepius. He was injured in battle against Poseidon's champion Herodius, but survived. Hades later sent fireballs from the sky to stop the Spartan army. As a fireball was about to strike Kratos, Nikos sacrificed himself to save Kratos. Before dying, he passed on the rank of Captain to Kratos. During Kratos' second journey, Nikos' and the other Spartans' corpses are reanimated by Hades, which Kratos dispatches.

• Cereyon – Featured in the God of War comics, he is the fiery champion of Helios. Although never revealing his intent for finding the Ambrosia, he fights Kratos burning down many trees (later revealed to be Gyges' arms). Kratos drowns Cereyon.

• Danaus – Featured in the God of War comics, 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. Decapitated in battle by Barbarian Prince Alrik. Alrik retains Danaus' head as it can still command the beasts.

• Deimos – The younger brother of Kratos. Kidnapped by Ares and imprisoned and tortured by Thanatos due to Deimos' unusual birthmarks, as a prophecy claimed the demise of Olympus would come at the hands of a "marked warrior". As time passed, Deimos' hatred for his brother grew, as his hope of rescue decayed. 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 the god 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 has been 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.

• The Grave Digger – A mysterious figure (eventually revealed to be Zeus) digging a grave in the midst of a war who counsels Kratos and eventually rescues him from the Underworld. He later counsels Kratos against making enemies of the gods after Kratos' rampage through Atlantis. He is last seen by the graves of Callisto and Deimos with an empty third grave, stating "Now...only one remains" (referring to Kratos). The character is voiced by Paul Eiding in God of War and God of War: Ghost of Sparta.

• Herodius – Featured in the God of War comics, 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, which was cast by Poseidon. The god purposely cast the plague so that Herodius would search for the Ambrosia. Herodius, however, is killed by Kratos, which angered Poseidon.

• The King of Sparta – Featured in the God of War comics, he is suffering ill health. Although initially denying Kratos his request to search for the Ambrosia, the King is convinced by Kratos' wife Lysandra to allow the Spartan to embark on the quest to save his daughter Calliope and the King. Kratos and his men are given until the next full moon to return before the King executes Kratos' daughter due to Spartan law. Ultimately successful, Kratos returns and saves both his daughter and the King of Sparta. 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 occurring before the volcanic destruction of Atlantis and the second time in the sunken Atlantis. The character is voiced by Fred Tatasciore in God of War: Ghost of Sparta.

• The Last Spartan – A loyal follower of Kratos. Orders the statue of Ares to be torn down for one of Kratos and gives Kratos his former weapons, the "Arms of Sparta" (the weapons Kratos used as Captain of the Spartan Army). He later witnesses the destruction of Sparta at the hands of a vengeful Zeus. Thinking Kratos dead, the Spartan attempts to find the Sisters of Fate to change the fate of Sparta. Accidentally killed by Kratos, but reveals the extent of Zeus' treachery before dying. The character has been voiced by Josh Keaton in God of War II and Gideon Emery in God of War: Ghost of Sparta.

• Lysandra and Calliope – Kratos' wife and daughter respectively, and the only two people who do not fear Kratos. When Calliope was born, she was stricken with the plague and was to be killed due to Sparta's law. Thanks to convincing by his wife Lysandra, Kratos is granted permission to search for the Ambrosia of Asclepius to save Calliope and the King of Sparta. Ultimately successful, Calliope and the King are saved. Kratos also carved a wooden flute for Calliope that she learned to play. After surrendering his life to Ares, both Lysandra and Calliope were killed by Kratos during a berserker rage in a temple dedicated to Athena. Ares was instrumental in the murders as he had Kratos' wife and daughter placed in the temple with Kratos believing they were still in Sparta. The Village Oracle then cursed Kratos to become the "Ghost of Sparta", fastening the ashes of his deceased wife and child to his skin. Kratos then renounced his servitude to the God of War. While in the Underworld in search of Helios, Kratos hears a haunting flute melody which he eventually recognizes as a song once played by Calliope. Soon after, Kratos is briefly reunited with Calliope in the Fields of Elysium, but is forced to abandon her to save the world from Persephone and the Titan Atlas. Calliope also left a note before entering the Fields of Elysium which Kratos later found. When Kratos enters into his psyche during his final fight with Zeus, he is spiritually reunited with both Lysandra and Calliope, and with Lysandra's aid, Kratos finally forgives himself for his crime. The characters are voiced by Gwendoline Yeo and Debi Derryberry respectively.

• 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 key to defeating Ares. The character is voiced by Susan Blakeslee in God of War.

• Persian King – Leader of the Persian forces that invaded the Greek city of Attica. Killed in battle by Kratos who takes his magic, the "Efreet", for personal use. The character is voiced by Fred Tatasciore in God of War: Chains of Olympus.

• Poseidon Princess – A mortal lover of Poseidon, Kratos finds her imprisoned in the god's private chamber. Initially freed, but killed when Kratos uses her to further his quest. The character is voiced by Erin Matthews in God of War III.

• Pothia – Featured in the God of War comics, she is a warrior-queen of an Amazonian tribe. Seeking the Ambrosia to make the Amazons whole again as they cannot conceive children. Artemis chose Pothia as her champion, but she is ultimately killed by Kratos.

• Town Square Woman – A woman in the Athens Town Square with a key that is required of Kratos. The Spartan attempts to kindly talk to the woman, but she flees in fear, eventually jumping off a balcony, committing suicide. Kratos retrieves the key from her corpse. The character is voiced by Gwendoline Yeo in God of War.

• Unknown Assassin – Featured in God of War: Betrayal, an unidentified assassin kills Hera's pet Argos and frames Kratos for the murder. Kratos pursues the assassin through Greece, but the assassin ultimately escapes after Ceryx' interference.

• Village Oracle – A female soothsayer who attempted to warn away Kratos – still in the service of Ares – when he arrived at a village dedicated to Athena. Cursed Kratos once he is tricked into killing his wife and child by Ares, and proclaimed 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 turned Kratos' skin ash-white and earned him the title "Ghost of Sparta". The character is voiced by Susan Blakeslee in God of War.

• Zora and Lora – Daughters of Aphrodite, they are twins that Kratos encounters in God of War on his ship (to which the player can activate a sex mini-game with). They encourage Lord Kratos to "come and play with us." They later appear at the feet of Kratos' throne in God of War II. The characters are voiced by Courtenay Taylor in God of War.

References

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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
• Lists of video game characters