Daedalus in God of War 3
Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, Daedalus (Latin, also Hellenized Latin Daedalos, Greek Daidalos (Δαίδαλος) meaning "cunning worker", and Etruscan Taitle) was a skilful craftsman and artisan. Daedalus had two sons: Icarus and Iapyx, along with a nephew, whose name varies. He is first mentioned by Homer as the creator of a wide dancing-ground for Ariadne. The Labyrinth on Crete, in which the Minotaur (part man, part bull) was kept, was also created by the artificer Daedalus.
The story of the labyrinth is told where Theseus is challenged to kill the Minotaur, finding his way with the help of Ariadne's thread.
God of War III
Daedalus appears in God of War III as another tortured architect of the gods much like Pathos Verdes III in God of War. He builds the Labyrinth for Zeus in return for his son being returned to him, but it would seem that Zeus had no intention of fulfilling his end of the bargain. A note is found written by Daedalus, it reads:
Zeus hovers endlessly over my shoulder. Even when gone, his presence is felt. It seems the Heart of the Labyrinth will be both a lock and a key, the Judges of Hades the final latch. But I promise that if I do not get my son, all that it will unlock will be destruction and chaos.
- Daedalus, day 3287
He is seen trapped in some chains in the Labyrinth, mumbling to himself about Icarus as well as the invention's that allowed him to build the labyrinth. When Kratos enters the chamber Daedalus is held in, Daedalus believes Kratos to be Icarus until he steps into the light. Learning of Icarus' death, Daedalus is distraught and loses the will to live as Kratos then used the Boreas ice to assemble the Labyrinth with Daedalus caught in the middle of it. Kratos later finds his still chained up body, finding a final note for him that was written in his own blood. The note reads:
"Spartan, no man was meant to make it this far, though maybe you are not a man? I do not know you, but I suspect whatever bring you here means that are no friend of Zeus. He must pay for breaking his promise and letting my son die. I can only hope that you complete your mission. What a fitting end, to die in my greatest invention. The only thing I loved more was Icarus. Now I can be with him...
Trivia
- Daedalus is voiced by British actor Malcolm McDowell.
- Daedalus bears an uncanny facial resemblance to Mahatma Gandhi.