The Automaton is a mechanical construction that served as an artificial guardian for the kingdom of Atlantis and the lands around it. Automatons were also located in the volcano beneath Atlantis, serving its purpose in protecting Poseidon's Temple from intruders.
Real World[]
An Automaton is a relatively self-operating machine or control mechanism designed to automatically follow a sequence of operations or respond to predetermined instructions.
The word “automaton” is derived from the Ancient Greek term “αὐτόματον,” meaning “acting of one’s own will.” It was first used by Homer to describe automatic movements like opening doors or wheeled tripods.
In ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece, automata were created for various purposes, including religious ceremonies, entertainment, and demonstrating scientific principles. For example, in Egyptian legends, statues were believed to have souls and could provide advice through movements. Greek mythology also includes references to automata created by figures like Hephaestus and Daedalus.
Automata in the Hellenistic world served as tools, toys, and religious spectacles. Notable inventors like Ktesibios and Hero of Alexandria built water-powered automata and described mechanisms like siphons and programmable carts. The Antikythera mechanism from ancient Greece is one of the earliest known analog computers.
In other cultures, such as China, accounts of automata date back to early encounters between kings and mechanical engineers who presented lifelike human figures capable of movement and music.
God of War: Ghost of Sparta[]
One Automaton, controlled by Lanaeus, was deployed against Kratos, after the latter had destroyed most of the volcano by retrieving Thera's Bane, and releasing the Titan Thera from her torment.
Making short work of the Automaton, Kratos defeated it by smashing its head in with its own gear, ultimately retrieving it himself. The gear, used as the Automaton's weapon, also acts as a key. Because of its durable armor, the Automaton can only be damaged using Thera's Bane. Later in his quest for Deimos when he returns to Atlantis, Kratos defeated two more of these mechanical enemies. There was even a dysfunctional one that electrocuted the surrounding waters in the area where Lanaeus was trapped.
In the fifth Challenge of the Gods, Kratos is tasked in retrieving three Gears from Automatons before his health is drained. The Gears can only be retrieved from the Automatons by killing them.
Notes[]
- The Automaton's appearance is a nod to God of War II's first boss, the Colossus of Rhodes.
- While similar in appearance to the Colossus of Rhodes, the Automaton is most likely based on Hercules, not Helios.
- They are very similar to the Talos from God of War: Ascension and God of War III.
- His armor breaks similar to that of the Bronze Talos.
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Concept Art[]
God of War: Ghost of Sparta[]
