God of War's 2018 reboot left players with one burning question: Why does Kratos always say he isn't hungry? Does the fallen god really just not need to eat anymore? Thankfully, there is a definitive answer to this most intriguing mystery, thanks to God of War's official novelization.
No longer just a pantheon-massacring brute on a one-man mission of dramatically ironic vengeance, the titular God of War is now a father. This change was inspired by director Cory Barlog's own newfound fatherhood. The new role has given Kratos someone to look after and has given players an in-game companion worth caring about - and relying on for combat assists.
Despite all the growth, one facet of Kratos' personality remains fixed in God of War. He may have mellowed with age, but Kratos is still a stubborn, grumpy loner. So, no matter how many times allies offer him food, players can always count on one refrain: Kratos is not hungry. At least, that's what he keeps insisting, but the truth is another matter.
Video games don't often get the novelization treatment, at least not since the halcyon days of the long-running Halo books. But fans got lucky with God of War: The Official Novelization, which provides fascinating insight into the game's characters - especially Kratos and Atreus, whose relationship is explored in greater depth. Fans of God of War will be pleased to learn that the voice of Mimir, Alastair Duncan, provides the narration of the novelization's audiobook, and the author is none other than J.M. Barlog, Cory Barlog's father.
In a scene essentially lifted from the game, Kratos is offered food by Brok. In God of War, this mythical dwarf is as crotchety as Kratos, so he quickly accepts Kratos' excuse that, "We are not hungry." However, the novelization offers a glimpse into Kratos' mind that illuminates his character. In the book, the scene unfolds like this:
"Oh, fer... You already spoiled my solitude. Ya may as well join me." Brok's voice seemed anything but accommodating.
"We are not hungry," Kratos lied. As a god, he never allowed himself that human failing of becoming obligated to anyone for anything.
It isn't that Kratos isn't hungry. Rather, he doesn't want to indebt himself to anyone and brashly assumes he can look after himself. Of course, this simply isn't possible when someone is reliant on him and looking to him as a role model; note that he speaks for his son in claiming "we are not hungry." Kratos' antisocial rejection of solidarity and cooperation rubs off on Atreus, who acts out in dangerous, arrogant ways. Though the game and novel leave off on a hopeful moment in the father-son relationship, it's clear that they both have a lot of growing to do in the realm of accepting and offering help in the next God of War game.
from ScreenRant - Feed https://ift.tt/3n1VOPq
0 Comments