game of war hermes winged boots | the boots of Hermes

The wind whips past, a blurred landscape streaks beneath your feet, and the sheer exhilaration of unbridled speed courses through your veins. This is the promise, the allure, of the Hermes Winged Boots. In the brutal world of the *God of War* franchise, where power is measured in raw strength and the ability to eviscerate mythical beasts, these artifacts offer something different: agility, evasion, and a tactical advantage that can turn the tide of battle. But more than just a tool of war, the Hermes Winged Boots represent a complex history, a tragic acquisition, and potentially, a powerful symbol of legacy in the hands of a young Atreus.

The Boots of Hermes: A God's Gift, A Spartan's Burden

The Hermes Winged Boots, also known as the Greaves of Hermes, are an iconic item within the *God of War* universe, deeply entwined with the story of Kratos's vengeful rampage through the Greek pantheon. Originally belonging to Hermes, the swift-footed messenger god of Olympus, these boots granted their wearer incredible speed and the ability to run across walls. In *God of War III*, Kratos, driven by his insatiable thirst for revenge against Zeus, confronts and ultimately defeats Hermes. In a brutally efficient act, Kratos claims the boots as his own, adding their power to his already formidable arsenal.

This acquisition, while undeniably advantageous in combat, comes at a significant cost. The scene depicting Kratos tearing the boots from Hermes' lifeless body is visceral and disturbing, highlighting the ruthlessness that defines his early character. It's a stark reminder of the moral compromises he made, the lines he crossed in his relentless pursuit of vengeance. These boots, therefore, are not just a symbol of speed; they are a symbol of Kratos's past, his rage, and the lengths he was willing to go to achieve his goals.

What Happened to the Boots of Hermes? A Lingering Question

The fate of the Hermes Winged Boots after *God of War III* remains shrouded in mystery. They are conspicuously absent from Kratos's equipment in the Norse saga, beginning with *God of War* (2018). This absence raises several questions: Did Kratos discard them? Did he lose them during his journey to Midgard? Or, perhaps more intriguingly, did he choose to relinquish them, recognizing the dark history they represent?

The answer to this question is never explicitly provided within the games. However, considering Kratos's journey of self-reflection and his attempts to shed his past, it's plausible that he willingly abandoned the boots. They serve as a constant reminder of his violent actions in Greece, a chapter of his life he desperately tries to bury. Holding onto them would be akin to holding onto the rage that fueled his destructive path.

Kratos's Boots of Hermes: A Legacy Unfulfilled?

While Kratos utilized the boots to great effect in *God of War III*, their absence in the Norse saga suggests a conscious decision to move away from that part of his past. He has adopted a more grounded and deliberate fighting style, relying on strength, strategy, and the wisdom he has accumulated over centuries. The speed and agility offered by the Hermes Winged Boots, while undoubtedly powerful, are perhaps not aligned with the character he is trying to become.

This raises a compelling question: Are the Hermes Winged Boots destined to remain a relic of Kratos's past, or could they play a role in the future of the *God of War* franchise? Specifically, could they be passed on to Atreus?

Hermes Boots: Ragnarok and Beyond – A Son's Inheritance

The possibility of Atreus inheriting the Hermes Winged Boots is a tantalizing prospect, filled with narrative potential. Unlike Kratos, who acquired the boots through violence and vengeance, Atreus could receive them as a gift, a symbol of his father's trust and a tool to aid him on his own path.game of war hermes winged boots

Consider the implications:

* A Different Kind of Speed: Atreus's fighting style is already more agile and mobile than his father's. The Hermes Winged Boots would amplify these strengths, allowing him to dart around the battlefield, evade enemies, and deliver swift, targeted strikes. This would create a distinct contrast between his combat style and Kratos's, further solidifying Atreus's identity as a unique warrior.

* Tactical Advantage: In the Norse realms, where battles are often large-scale and chaotic, the ability to move quickly and strategically would be invaluable. Atreus could use the boots to scout ahead, flank enemies, and provide support to his allies. This tactical advantage would be particularly useful given his burgeoning role as a leader and strategist.

* Symbolic Significance: More importantly, the boots could represent a passing of the torch. By entrusting Atreus with this powerful artifact, Kratos would be acknowledging his son's growth and potential. It would be a sign that he believes Atreus is ready to wield such power responsibly, and that he trusts him to forge his own destiny.