In the iconic video game franchise God of War, Ares serves as the central antagonist whose manipulative schemes launch the entire narrative arc. As the original Greek God of War, his quest for total power on Mount Olympus directly leads to the creation of the Ghost of Sparta. Understanding his character motivations and story details reveals why he remains one of the most impactful villains in action gaming history.
The Scheme to Overthrow Mount Olympus
Ares harbored immense resentment toward his father Zeus and felt deep jealousy regarding the favoritism shown to his sister Athena. To gain ultimate control over the Greek pantheon, he formulated a covert plan to overthrow Olympus using a mortal warrior. His strategy involved shaping a champion capable of destroying any divine obstacle in his path.
By entering a divine wager with other gods, Ares orchestrated events to test and claim Kratos as his personal instrument. He manipulated the Spartan's battles and military career to ensure complete loyalty to his cause. This strategic calculatedness showcased Ares as a master manipulator within the pantheon.
Manipulating Kratos and the Tragic Deception
Ares intervened at a critical moment when Kratos faced imminent death against the barbarian army. In exchange for victory, Kratos pledged his eternal servitude, receiving the legendary Blades of Chaos fused to his forearms. However, Ares intended to sever all remaining emotional ties holding the Spartan back from becoming the ultimate warrior.
The God of War secretly tricked Kratos into attacking a village temple dedicated to Athena, where his wife and daughter were seeking refuge. Driven by battle frenzy, Kratos unknowingly slaughtered his own family before realizing the cruel deception. This tragic event bound the ashes of his family to his skin, forever transforming him into the Ghost of Sparta.
The Final Confrontation and Legacy in God of War
Years after the tragedy, Ares launched an all-out assault against the city of Athens to defy Zeus and the other Olympians. Recognizing the threat, Athena tasked Kratos with retrieving Pandora's Box to acquire the power needed to slay a deity. The quest culminated in a massive duel between the mortal-turned-champion and the original God of War.
Despite his divine size, raw power, and psychological tactics, Ares was ultimately defeated by Kratos. His downfall created a power vacuum on Mount Olympus, leading to Kratos ascending as the new God of War. Ares' actions set off a chain reaction of destruction that eventually brought down the entire Greek pantheon.
