Tracing the gears, Kratos identified the lever holding the counterweight suspended. After commanding the frost, he calculated the throw he needed to make. On his fling, his frost axe slammed the gears, freezing them instantly, which cracked the attached lever. The counterweight released, but only fell a few feet due to the rust, and the portcullis rose the same distance off the ground.
God Of War - Midgard, Ch 9