Blades of Athena

Astral Form: the higher existence of the gods

The Astral Form was a rare state in which a god existed without a physical body, appearing as a higher, transcendent version of themselves. Only Athena and, briefly, Zeus ever achieved it, and each reached it by a different road, she through selfless sacrifice and he through the evil of Fear.

Athena: from Kratos' guide to his enemy

Athena set Kratos against Ares to save Athens, then turned on him when his reign grew worse. She died taking a blow meant for Zeus, and named Kratos his son.

Blades of Chaos: chained to Kratos' arms

The Blades of Chaos were forged in the Underworld for Ares, who seared their chains onto Kratos' forearms. They burn with the fire of Tartarus.

Blades of Exile

The Blades of Exile were a refashioned form of the Blades of Athena, the third and final set of chained blades that Kratos wielded in Greece. Created by the astral form of Athena from his ruined weapons, they carried him through his last war against Olympus.

Dark Rider: the Warrior of Destiny

The Dark Rider, called the Warrior of Destiny in the novelization, was the leader of the Griffin Riders who guarded the skies around the Island of Creation. Armed by the Sisters of Fate with the Spear of Destiny, he intercepted Kratos on his flight to the island and died in a duel fought on the back of his own Griffin.

Erinys

Erinys was the goddess of vengeance and death, daughter and messenger of Thanatos. She hunted Kratos across Greece after the fall of Atlantis, killing Spartans as a warning, until he slew her in the Mounts of Aroania.

God of War (2005) Story Explained: Plot Summary and Ending

The whole story of the first God of War in order, from the Hydra in the Aegean to the death of Ares at Athens. Then the ending in plain terms: why Kratos jumped from the cliff, why Athena saved him, and how he ended up on Ares's throne.

God of War Weapons List: the Name of Every Weapon Kratos Has Used

Kratos has carried two dozen weapons across two lifetimes, from a Spartan spear to a spear built from a ring that copies itself. This list runs through them in the order he got them, Greek era first, then Norse.

God of War: Ghost of Sparta Story Explained

The plot of Ghost of Sparta in order, from Kratos's visions of his mother to the death of his brother Deimos in the Domain of Death. Then the ending explained: the marked warrior prophecy, Athena's apology, and why Kratos leaves at war with Olympus.

River Styx: the river of hatred beneath Greece

The River Styx was the great river of the Greek Underworld, a barrier that killed the living on contact and carried the souls of the dead toward judgement. Charon ferried across it, the Path of Hades bridged it, and Kratos crossed, fell into and finally swam it more times than any mortal.