The God of War franchise has followed Kratos’ story for years, starting from his glory days as a Spartan to his Norse battles at Ragnarök. Kratos is an angry protagonist who has become a beloved character through his series of God of War adventures. Along the way, he has said some of the most unforgettable lines that stay with players long after they’ve put their controllers down.

The God of War games are known for their brilliant storytelling and well-written characters, which are best seen through the protagonist’s story. Kratos’ violent past, unfair treatment from the gods, and efforts to change his son’s future are masterfully woven together with reimagined Greek and Norse mythologies. Culminating with what developers have said is the end of the Norse saga in God of War Ragnarok, the tale could be at an end. While there is still a chance for more games, it sounds like players may have heard the last of Kratos' epic quotes, which showcase the depth of these narratives.

20 "Tell The God Of War I Am His No Longer! Tell Him He Is Not Safe While I Walk The Earth."

God of War (2005)

Harpies are mythological creatures who are half-human, half-bird hybrids. The harpies in God of War act as servants to the original Green god of war, Ares. When Kratos encounters a group of harpies feasting on the bodies of those fallen in battle, he sends them back to their master with a message.

The Kratos of the original God of War title is vengeful and wrathful and he will stop at nothing to get back at Ares. The message he sends to the god of war reflects this bloodlust, informing a literal god that Kratos will not rest until he finds Ares and gets his vengeance on him. This scene sets Kratos up as not being afraid of anything, not even a god — in fact, it is the god that should be afraid of him.

19 "We Will Be The Gods We Choose To Be, Not Those Who Have Been."

God Of War (2018)

This line appears in the Norse saga of Kratos' story, which takes him north to the lands of the gods of Asgard. By this point in the story, Kratos had become a father, but his son, Atreus, knew nothing of his past. Kratos decides to reveal everything about his past to Atreus in this scene, telling him where he came from, and what it cost him to be here. Kratos tells his son that he has killed many people because of a deal he made with a god, including his own father.

The young Atreus asks his father if this is what it means to be a god. "Is this how it always ends?" asks Atreus. "Sons killing their mothers... their fathers?" Kratos' response shows his character development from the angry god he used to be to a man who chooses his own fate. In his son, he sees a brighter future, letting Atreus know that he will not end up like him. "We must be better," Kratos tells Atreus, casting aside the shackles of his past and choosing to move forward for the sake of his son, who represents a future Kratos never had.

18 "The Time Of The Gods Has Come To An End!"

God Of War 2 (2007)

The Kratos of the earlier games in the franchise is a bloodthirsty man who's out to kill the gods of Olympus. Athena's death, though, is one that he did not intend to have on his conscience. During a showdown with Zeus, Athena steps in front of Zeus, and Kratos accidentally kills her. As she lies in his arms dying, Kratos asks Athena why she sacrificed herself, to which she responds "To save Olympus."

In this deciding moment, Kratos realizes that to complete his quest, he will not rest until all the Greek gods are dead. Although he didn't mean to kill Athena, he makes it clear from his response that he will not hesitate to shed more innocent blood, killing anyone else who stands in his way. "If all on Olympus will deny me my vengeance," he states, "then all on Olympus will die." Kratos decides with this one quote that he will single-handedly end the rule of the gods over mortals, freeing himself and humankind from the "shadow of the gods."

17 "War Does Not Measure The Strength Of A Man."

God Of War Ragnarök (2022)

In a moment of fatherly teaching from Kratos to Atreus, Kratos explains that "war does not measure the strength of a man," which is exceptionally notable coming from the god of war himself. This line is not only instructional to Atreus, as Kratos is hoping to help him understand that strength of character and integrity mean more than strength in battle, but also displays the character development that Kratos has had.

While it is a powerful quote in and of itself, the depth of feeling given by the god of war, who has changed his own viewpoint over the years, adds weight to it. Where once Kratos would have focused on nothing but vengeance, now he sees there are many more important things that define a person.

16 “A Choice From The Gods Is As Useless As The Gods Themselves.”

God Of War 2 (2007)

One of the most profound quotes in the God of War series is said just a few minutes into the events of GoW 2 when Kratos gets into an epic fight with his father, Zeus, on Mount Olympus. His father doesn’t believe he’s worthy of being considered the god of war, and he gives Kratos one last chance to respect the gods and their pantheon.

After years of servitude to the cruel gods, Kratos is not about to change his mind. With blood coming out of his mouth and the Sword of Olympus buried deep in his abdomen, he mocks his father in his last moments with the statement, "A choice from the gods is as useless as the gods themselves." He has learned from experience that a choice from the gods is just an illusion, making inferior beings feel like they have control.

15 "Death Can Have Me When It Earns Me."

God Of War Ragnarök (2022)

In God of War Ragnarok, a bit more is revealed regarding the seemingly cold, unfeeling Kratos. While reluctantly telling Freya about a death prophecy which Kratos has seen that outlines his own demise, Freya rightfully notes that Kratos does not fear death. Kratos agrees, leading to the quote, "death can have me when it earns me."

Seeing the prophecy of how his life comes to an end does not bother Kratos in the way it might affect others. He knows that death will not come easily, particularly as he has died several times. Freya suspects that what actually is eating at Kratos is the knowledge that he was sent to where he would see the image of the prophecy by Faye, but he doesn't know why he was supposed to see it.

14 “A Spartan Never Lets His Back Hit The Ground.”

God Of War 3 (2010)

In God of War 3, players are shown a flashback that features Kratos and his brother Deimos training to become Spartans as kids. It reminds fans of just how difficult life has always been for the protagonist, especially when he learns the hard lesson that defeat often means losing something valuable.

Kratos is no match for the gods Ares and Athena, who arrive out of nowhere to kidnap Deimos, mistakenly thinking that he’s the prophesied child meant to take down Zeus. When Kratos tries to resist, Ares strikes him down and causes him to fall to the ground, giving him a nasty scar. The protagonist has tried to live by the line, "a spartan never lets his back hit the ground" for the rest of his days, always keeping his guard up and never showing weakness.

13 "Be Wary Of Shortcuts To Knowledge."

God Of War Ragnarök (2022)

Another short but very instructional bit of guidance that Kratos gives to Atreus in God of War Ragnarok is that he should "be wary of shortcuts to knowledge," because Kratos knows that there is always a catch that goes with it. The advice is given in regard to a mask in God of War Ragnarok that Atreus was told by Odin could provide all the answers Atreus wanted. Kratos knows that a quick fix comes at a cost.

The same mask is later revealed to be the reason for Odin losing an eye, which further confirms a bit of the warning that Kratos gave. Ultimately, any shortcut in life is not something that can be trusted, and Kratos wants the boy to understand this.

12 “Do Not Mistake My Silence For Lack Of Grief.”

God Of War (2018)

Out of all the most tragic characters in God of War, Kratos has undoubtedly had the worst experiences throughout his life. He had no choice but to become hardened to these events, perhaps even to expect something bad at every turn. This is in stark contrast to the naivety and innocence of his son, Atreus, whose first terrible life event is the death of his mother, Faye. Atreus accuses Kratos of not caring about Faye’s ing, at least not visibly.

It’s a statement that causes the god of war to snap and state, "do not mistake my silence for lack of grief." This reminds both Atreus and the players that his wife’s death still hurts him deeply and that he is grieving in his own way.

11 “I Am Your Monster No Longer.”

God Of War (2018)

Kratos realizes his mistake too late in God of War, as he learns that keeping Atreus’ true nature from him only does more harm than good. During his grueling journey back to their home, an illusion of his half-sister Athena accompanies him, reminding him of his chaotic past and his previous blunders.

Standing by his doorway, the specter says a haunting line: "You cannot change. You will always be a monster."

Standing by his doorway, the specter says a haunting line: "You cannot change. You will always be a monster." Kratos pauses and seems to think about this for one second before closing his eyes and accepting this as a fact. He says that he knows what he is, but "I am your monster no longer." Meaning that at least he is no longer controlled by the monsters that made him.