The Blades of Chaos have been an integral part of Kratos’s identity since the very firstGod of Wargame on PlayStation 2. A gift from the previous Greek god of war Ares to his then-servant, the Blades of Chaos are imbued with the fires of Hades and seared into the flash of their wielder. Even thoughKratos has long since freed himself from Ares' servitude, he continues to use the Blades of Chaos in the Norse realms.
Being magical, the Blades of Chaos possess multiple unique properties. Their fiery aura can cut through almost any obstacle, including the frosty creatures of Helheim. Since the Blades of Chaos are affixed to Kratos via a pair of chains, they can also return upon command. But one of the biggest mysteries surroundingGod of War’s Blades of Chaos is what becomes of them when their wielder dies for good.
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Dying is in Kratos' Nature
The once-Greek god of war has suffered from multiple severe injuries throughout his adventures; some of which have sent Kratos to the afterlife. Just to give one example, Kratos died in the originalGod of WarwhenAres became aware of his former servant’s plans to kill him, hurling a large pillar at the Spartan. Kratos, still eager for revenge, battled his way out of the underworld with Hades' help and resumed his quest to kill Ares. There are more instances where Kratos dies, but thanks to his godly nature and sheer will, he manages to come back to life angrier than ever.
What’s interesting about Kratos' previous deaths is that the Blades of Chaos follow him into the afterlife. He uses the blades to fight the denizens of Hades inGod of War,and they can even be found on his person when Zeussends him to the underworld inGod of War 2. Due to their magical nature, the Blades of Chaos must be bound to their wielder as much as the other way around.
What Happens to the Blades if Kratos Dies Permanently?
The Kratos inGod of War Ragnarokis very different from who he was in his younger years. He is wiser, more tired, andnot as attached to the Blades of Chaosas he once was. In fact, Kratos seems disgusted by his iconic weapons in the 2018 reboot, as they remind him too much of his storied past. During one particular exchange with his son Atreus, Kratos mentions how he once tries getting rid of them, only for the blades to find their way back to him.
It is hard to say what will happen to the Blades of Chaos at this stage of Kratos' life.Kratos looks to be in his twilight yearsand wants nothing more than to hang up his weapons and lead a normal life (something he was doing before the events of 2018’sGod of War). While he might still have the power to escape another afterlife, he might not want to - provided he feels like he earned his eternal rest and left Atreus in a good position.
When Kratos dies for good, no one knows if the Blades of Chaos will follow him once more. They might disappear due to their magical nature, or transfer to Kratos' next of kin.While seeing Atreus wield the Blades of Chaos is unlikely(Kratos mentions that the blades will never become a family heirloom), there might come a time when he has to pick them up in his father’s stead. The most likely outcome of Kratos' final death is that the Blades of Chaos will simply lose their magic and remain by Kratos' lifeless body. With his life’s mission complete, there will hopefully be no need for another Ghost of Sparta, nor any rage-filled god to carry the bloodstained blades.
God of War Ragnarokis available now for PS4 and PS5.
