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I have watched you over the years. When you were just a boy. I saw the signs. Even the loss of your brother did not sway your focus, the tragedy only improved you. You honed your skills and now, Kratos, you have fulfilled your promise of greatness. You served with honor, you brought glory to us all and today you have earned your place among us as the greatest general Sparta has ever known.

–Illusion of the King of Sparta casted by Tisiphone.

The King of Sparta was a fair and just warrior, ruling the city of Sparta firmly, with Kratos as his strongest soldier.

Quick Answers

Who is the King of Sparta in Greek mythology? toggle section
In Greek mythology, the King of Sparta is Leonidas I, renowned for his leadership at the Battle of Thermopylae. As the third son of King Anaxandridas II, Leonidas is believed to be a descendant of Hercules. He is celebrated for leading 300 Spartans against the Persian army.
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How did the King of Sparta influence Kratos? toggle section
The King of Sparta influenced Kratos by binding him to Ares, the God of War, in return for victory. This decision led Kratos to receive the Blades of Chaos, marking his path of servitude and violence. The Spartan king's influence shaped Kratos' destiny as a warrior, contributing to his ruthless nature and relentless pursuit of power, which eventually led to his conflict with the gods of Olympus.
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Who was the historical King of Sparta? toggle section
Leonidas I, also called Leonidas the Brave, was a notable King of Sparta. Born circa 540 BC, he was the third son of King Anaxandridas II. Leonidas is famous for his role in the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, where he led 300 Spartans against a vast Persian army.
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What qualities made the King of Sparta a great leader? toggle section
The King of Sparta excelled as a leader due to his exceptional combat skills, developed through extensive Spartan training. He became the youngest captain and later the greatest general of Sparta. His leadership was marked by overcoming challenges and defeating powerful foes, which brought glory to Sparta and secured his esteemed position.
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How did the King of Sparta become a legendary figure? toggle section
The King of Sparta became legendary due to his exceptional combat skills and leadership. Trained as a Spartan warrior, he rose to be the youngest captain and later the greatest general. His victories against armies and monsters, along with his dedication to Sparta's glory, cemented his status. Despite personal losses, his focus on power and conquest made him a celebrated figure in Spartan history.
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In the God of War Series[]

God of War Comics[]

Kospata

The King of Sparta (Comics)

On the cliffs of Mount Taygetos, the king made his first appearance, when he and Calliope were about to be sacrificed. As the child was thrown into the chasm below, Kratos returned while riding on a Roc, rescuing his daughter, and was about to cure her disease with Ambrosia. The King, however, insisted that Calliope must be sacrificed, before Lysandra intervened. Lysandra convinced the King to test the Ambrosia on Calliope, promising him the last sip. The King agreed, and the Ambrosia cured Calliope. After this, the King promoted Kratos to the rank of Captain.

God of War: Ascension[]

King Sparta

Spartan King as seen in Tisiphone's illusion

During one of Kratos' flashbacks, which are actually mind tricks played by the Furies, Tisiphone fools Kratos by disguising as the King of Sparta, and honors Kratos for his service as his best general. The King appears as a kind, elder figure, bearing old battle scars, and gives condolences for the loss of Kratos' brother. Kratos believes what he is seeing at first, until he sees Tisiphone's ring on the king's finger. He kicks Tisiphone off the balcony, dispelling her illusion. When Kratos was on the verge of victory over the Furies, Tisiphone changes into the form of the King once again, telling him that he's unworthy of being called a Spartan.

Trivia[]

  • The King shown in Ascension is not named and is most likely not the exact King who appears in the comics, as they don't look alike (though this may be a continuity error). Another possibility is that the king in the comic is the predecessor of the king in Ascension. Another possibility is that the king presented in the game and the one in the comics rule together, because the city of Sparta was a diarchy with two kings ruling at the same time.
  • While his authority is great, not even the King is above the Spartan law.
  • The King is voiced by Crispin Freeman, who also voiced Helios in God of War III.

Gallery[]