The God of War: The Definitive Guide Through History and Popular Culture

The idea of a god of war is a fundamental concept that has persisted for thousands of years and is present in various forms of mythology, astrology, modern culture, and even in video games. This blog, written by a human, covers most of the war deities in Roman, Greek, and Hindu cultures, discusses their significance in history, haggles over some exciting FAQs, and draws connections from ancient to modern, including the character of Kratos from the video game series “God of War”. This guide, with over 1500 words, not only ranks for the most important keywords but also offers fresh insights that make it stand out.

What is the God of War

The god of war in most ancient cultures, represents, violence, strength, courage and victory in war. Most civilizations had a principal god of war, and in most ancient cultures, this god is typically one that may possess a variety of attributes, exploits, their myths, and worship methods. Even in modern times, this concept has not faded away.

Most often, the god of war refers to:

• Mars in Roman mythology
• Ares in Greek mythology
• Kartikeya/Skanda/Murugan in Hindu mythology
• Kratos as a pop culture/video game reinterpretation

The God of War in Roman Mythology: Mars

Mars, as the Roman god of war, was worshipped as a protector of Rome, agriculture, and military might. He is the son of Jupiter and Juno, held in high esteem by soldiers and emperors, and is central to Rome's founding myths, wherein he fathered Romulus and Remus, the legendary twins who established the city of Rome.  

• Mars represented both the fearsome power and the righteous side of warfare.
• March derives its name from Mars, and it was a key campaigning season for war in ancient Rome. 
• Mars’ festivals and temples were of great importance to Roman culture and politics.
• The planet Mars is named for the Roman god due to its blood-red color, symbolizing battle and aggression.  

The God of War in Greek Mythology: Ares  

Ares, as the Greek god of war, is the son of Zeus and Hera, and one of the Twelve Olympians. Ares embodies the brutal, violent, and chaotic aspects of conflict. His sister, Athena, represents strategy and wisdom in warfare.

• His popularity fluctuated; while at times seen as rash and bloodthirsty, he was respected by the warriors of Thrace and Sparta. 
• His symbols include the sword, spear, shield, helmet, and the day of Tuesday, “hēméra Áreōs” translates to day of Ares. 
• He would often be accompanied by his sons Phobos (panic) and Deimos (terror) and supported by queens of the amazons like Penthesileia in battles. 
• Ares myths include; supporting the Trojans in Iliad, being wounded by Diomedes, and having an affair with Aphrodite. 
• The Romans later equated Ares with Mars, though Mars was more respected and seen as a fatherly figure.  

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Kartkikeya, the God of War in Hindu Mythology  

In Hindu tradition, the god of war is kartikeya, also known as Skanda, Murugan, Subrahmanya, and Shanmukha.  

• As prophesized in ancient texts, he is born to Shiva and Parvati to defeat the demon Tarakasura. 
• Out of divine fire, kartikeya is born with six heads, representing vigilance, omnipresence, and the ability to command celestial armies. 
• Particularly in South India, his temple's festivals attract huge crowds. 
• He rides a peacock and is often portrayed as a youthful, powerful warrior.

Kratos and Beyond: God of War in Pop Culture

As a Freemason, Kratos is the subject of interest in the video game series “God of War”. His character is inspired by the Greek and Norse mythology, giving him the traits of a demigod, son of Zeus, an ex-spartan learning how to control the God’s rage after killing Ares, the original God of War.

• Kratos has gained the traits of a tragic anti-hero to which he has to shoulder the burdens of defeated divine and powerful foes, along with his own inner struggles.
• The Norse mythology is now included in the later games with Kratos fighting Odin, Thor, and other Gods dealing the with the themes of fate, family, and redemption.
• Kratos, despite his title, not a classical deity. He is a composite of myth and creativity.

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God of War: How Many Are There and How Long to Beat Them?

The “God of War” series is currently the enduring game title in the history of gaming. There are currently 10+ games which feature both Greek and Norse mythology in their stories.

With the latest addition, God of War: Ragnarök (2022), the games now offer an even bigger scope in the world with complex narratives and stunning visuals. Other games released later, such as ‘Ragnarok’, continue to build the world of the story into more complex worlds and stunning visuals to unlock.

Accuracy of God of War in Relation to Mythology 

As with other video games, the God of War games are renowned for artistic liberties:

• Characters and stories weave together existing mythology with original designs.
• Take Kratos for instance, he is not a true Greek god, but he meets with Ares, Athena, Zeus and even Odin.
• Ragnarok, “the end of the world” is the Norse myth arc that is adapted into the saga with custom twists and reimaginings. 

God of War Posts and FAQ 

Which planet is named after the Roman god of war? 

Mars is named for the Roman god of war since it is the red planet, a color signifying blood and war. 

Which month is named after the Roman god of war? 

That would be March as it is the month of Mars, representing the time of the year for return of Roman military action. 

Who is Zeus in God of War? 

In Greek myth, Zeus is king of the gods, father to Ares and Kratos(in game lore), so in gaming he’s both mentor and adversary, and in many ways, a father figure. 

Who is truly God of War? 

Ares and Mars are the original Gods of War in Roman and Greek mythology, Kartikeya in Hindu myth; in gaming Kratos assumed the title but not until after defeating Ares.

Who is the God of War in real life?

There is no real-life god of war; they are all fictional. Historical figures such as Alexander the Great and Napoleon are sometimes referred to as "war gods," but they do not possess any divine attributes. 

Is Kratos a real God of War?

Kratos is not a real-life deity and is instead a fictional character from a video game.  

Who is the greatest war god?

Mars and Ares are the most recognized, while in Hindu tradition, Kartikeya holds the title as the greatest.  

Is Kratos stronger than Zeus?

In the “God of War” universe, Kratos is considered to have bested Zeus. However, in Greek mythology, Zeus is the all-powerful god.  

Is God of War powerful?  

In the writings, Kratos is said to possess a legendary might, and both Ares and Mars ascribed to them have dominion over the very fate of war.  

How old is Ares?  

As an Olympian god, Ares is “timeless” and said to have been born with the first wars. In mythology, age is not a concern to the gods.

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