Hela Becomes a New Asgardian Goddess in Marvel's What If...?
Marvel's What If...? Season 2, episode 7 ends with Hela becoming a brand-new goddess in an alternate MCU. Voiced by Cate Blanchett who reprises her live-action role in this new animated anthology episode, 'What If...Hela Found The Ten Rings' sees the Goddess of Death being banished to Earth by her father Odin, rather than being imprisoned in Hel as seen in the main MCU. As such, this results in an exciting new origin for Hela and a bold future by the episode's end.
A Goddess of Death (And Life)
Hela, the Goddess of Death, has taken on a new role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a bold twist, she was banished to Earth by her father Odin, a departure from the main MCU storyline where she was imprisoned in Hel. This shift in narrative sets the stage for a fresh origin story and a promising future for Hela.
Helas as New MCU Goddess
Similar to her brother Thor Odinson, Hela faced exile to Midgard and had her crown and source of power stripped away. However, her path diverged as she found herself in an unexpected alliance with Xu Wenwu's Mandarin and the Ten Rings. This led her to the mystical realm of Ta-Lo, where she underwent a transformative journey, discovering her inner strength and the capacity for mercy.
Odin in What If Season 2
The pivotal moment came when Hela confronted her father Odin, who sought to claim the Ten Rings after learning of their ability to kill Asgardians. Joining forces with Wenwu, Hela emerged victorious, choosing to offer her father mercy. This act not only restored her crown but also marked a profound transformation, turning her into a Goddess of Death with a newfound appreciation for life and a commitment to combat both external and internal darkness.
Hela and Wenwu Standing Together in What If Season 2
Ta-Lo Training, Mercy, and the Power of The Ten Rings
Hela's journey to becoming a new goddess was shaped by her training in Ta-Lo and her alliance with Xu Wenwu and the Ten Rings. Leveraging her newfound skills, she effectively wielded Odin's power against him and demonstrated mastery over the elements, wielding fiery knives with precision.
Hela and Wenwu vs Odin in What If Season 2
Collaborating with Wenwu, Hela successfully separated Odin from Gungnir, his mighty spear and source of power. In a display of strength and strategy, she utilized the powers of light learned from the guardians of Ta-Lo to disarm Odin, while Wenwu, using the Ten Rings, delivered a decisive blow that brought the All-Father to his knees.
Hela Wielding Fire Knives in What If Season 2
The culmination of these events led to Odin's surrender and the restoration of Hela's authority, marking a significant shift in power dynamics and paving the way for a new empire. Hela, now empowered as a Goddess of Death, and Wenwu, aligned with the Ten Rings, embarked on a cosmic journey to protect the Nine Realms and beyond, forging an unprecedented alliance that reshaped the universe.
Wenwu Punching Odin With Ten Rings
Guardians of the Nine Realms and Beyond
With Hela's ascent to the throne and the union of Asgard and the Ten Rings, a formidable empire emerged, dedicated to safeguarding the cosmos. Their alliance signaled a monumental shift in the cosmic landscape, influencing the fate of heroes and altering the trajectory of significant events in this alternate reality.
Hela and Wenwu Running in What If Season 2
The episode concludes with Hela and Wenwu embarking on a momentous endeavor, engaging in a conflict against Thanos during his conquest of Zen-Whoberi. This encounter hints at a divergence from the established MCU narrative, with implications for the lives of key characters such as Gamora, Thor, Loki, and Shang-Chi.
Hela and Wenwu's Empire in What Season 2
