Why Thor Isn't Fit to Be a Leader: The Eternals Effect

Thor's Role in the MCU

Thor's character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has always been associated with immense power and a sense of leadership, yet he was never chosen to lead the Avengers. Despite being stronger than Iron Man and Captain America, Thor's leadership abilities have been a topic of discussion among fans and critics.

Chris Hemsworth as Thor in MCU Phase 4

Chloé Zhao's Eternals presents a new perspective on Thor's role in the MCU, shedding light on why he was never considered for a leadership position within the Avengers. The film introduces the Eternals, a group of near-immortal beings sent to Earth by the Celestials centuries ago to protect mankind from Deviants. While largely independent, Eternals subtly references the larger universe, and Thor's personal ties to the cosmic beings are revealed, offering insights into his character.

Iron Man Thor and Captain America in The Avengers

How Eternals Changes Thor's MCU Story

One of the key revelations in Eternals is the revelation that Thor used to have a connection with one of the Eternals, Kingo. However, despite this personal tie, Thor never reached out to the Eternals during the fight against Thanos, highlighting a crucial aspect of his character. Instead of rallying allies, Thor's focus was on enhancing his own abilities to confront the Mad Titan, reflecting a warrior mentality rather than that of a team leader.

Thor's actions and decisions in Eternals further emphasize why he was never fit to lead the Avengers. While he possessed immense power, his approach to conflict resolution and decision-making was more aligned with that of a warrior than a leader. This sheds light on the reasons behind his exclusion from a leadership role within the Avengers, despite his superiority in terms of strength and abilities.

Thor's Eternals Mistake Proves He Was Right To Not Become The Next Odin

The events in Eternals also provide context for Thor's character arc in the MCU, particularly his reluctance to become the next Odin. The revelation that Thor had once aspired to succeed Odin as the King of Asgard, and actively engaged in actions to secure this position, highlights his initial desire for leadership. However, as his character evolved, Thor came to realize that being a king was not aligned with his true identity and skill set.

By the time of 'Thor: Ragnarok', Thor's mindset had shifted, and he ultimately chose to pass on the mantle of Asgardian King to Valkyrie, acknowledging that she was better suited for the role. This decision reflected his growth and self-awareness, demonstrating that Thor had come to terms with his identity and the responsibilities that truly aligned with his character.

Furthermore, Thor's acceptance of not being the leader of the Avengers further solidifies his journey of self-discovery and self-realization. While he may have desired to be universally recognized as the strongest of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, he was content with following the orders of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, showcasing his humility and willingness to defer to others in a leadership capacity.