Thor struggled; Captain America struggled; but Vision effortlessly lifted Mjolnir just minutes after being created!
Of course, some might argue that Vision’s ability comes from the intelligence bestowed by the Mind Stone. But don’t forget: Mjolnir has its own criteria for “worthiness.”
Stay tuned, as this article will explain in detail “how Vision can lift the Mjolnir hammer.”
First, let’s understand what “worthy” means in the MCU.
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How Does Mjolnir Determine Someone Was “Worthy”?
Mjolnir’s worthiness criteria are rooted in humility, sacrifice, intent, and a reluctance to use power. Let’s explore these aspects:
Firstly, worthiness isn’t just about being willing to die for a good cause; many heroes do that. It’s also about humility—learning from your low points, as Thor did when stripped of his powers.
And definitely, intent matters: using the hammer’s power responsibly, not rashly. Lastly, it’s crucial to be reluctant to use power for violence, understanding its inherent dangers.
These criteria were evident when Thor regained his power in Thor (2011).
Initially, he reignited an ancient war between Asgard and Jotunheim, which led to his exile to Earth, stripped of his power and Mjølnir by Odin.
Take a look closely to the moment Mjolnir returned to him, when he stepped up and was knocked out by the Destroyer to protect his friends, illustrated his worthiness.
Another example is Captain America in Avengers: The Age of Ultron (2015) and Avengers: Endgame (2019).
Between these events, theories suggest his worthiness was affected by his concealment of the truth about Tony’s parents and his obsession with war.
His eventual honesty and overcoming of past obsessions after Peggy Carter’s funeral in Captain America: Civil War helped render him worthy to wield Mjolnir.
However, there’s an exception: Jane Foster. Mjolnir’s bond with Jane was due to Thor’s enchantment for her protection.
So wrapping things up: unless there’s an authorized exception, Mjolnir assesses the deepest intentions of anyone attempting to lift it, ensuring they possess the necessary qualities.
So: Is Vision Considered As “Worthy”?
It’s a cautious yes. Vision is intelligent and has the noble intent to protect humanity, powered by the Mind Stone.
However, his thoughts and “intelligence” are, in fact, artificial—programmed and developed by humans.
As journalists often say, “They gather information and then decide which facts to put on paper. These choices are influenced by human biases.”
This implies that Vision, as a product of human creation, could be biased by the scope of information given to him.
In other words, a machine can calculate, but it struggles to take a stand.
Despite comprehending tremendous data and knowledge of the universe, Vision’s goals are oriented toward humanity’s long-term peace—which is commendable—and in the short term, aligning with Tony Stark’s goodwill.
In “Captain America: Civil War,” when the protagonists choose sides, Vision opts for Tony’s based purely on logical calculations rather than a firm ideology.
Another case to consider is Ultron—a darker version of Vision. He is also rational and shares the same database with Vision. However, his ideology is lethal and totalitarian.
But Why Can Vision Lift The Hammer?
So, is he truly worthy? Based on the criteria, not entirely (he lacks intent). However, you might argue, “He still lifted the hammer effortlessly!”
The answer lies in a conversation where Tony and Captain assert that Vision is merely a machine—an artificial intelligence being. At some point, this reasoning holds.
Remember how Thor, with Mjolnir in hand, could still move up and down in an elevator (like when he descended from Stark Tower in The Avengers)?
Similarly, Vision operates like a machine, powered by the Mind Stone and JARVIS intelligence, allowing him to lift the hammer without exerting much effort, unlike Cap.
Moreover, consider the phrase: “Mjolnir assesses the thoughts and the past of the one trying to lift it.” If that one is Vision, what would the hammer perceive? OpenAI homepage?
Another detail to consider is Odin’s enchantment: “Whosoever holds this hammer, if they be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.”
And as seen in Captain America’s case, it seems the only special ability he gained with the hammer was to navigate it remotely.
Interestingly, Mjolnir flew to Captain America when he was able to use it, much like when Thor regained his power.
So arguably, the enchantment of “worthy” might be activated by flying to the owner’s hand. But with Vision, he simply lifts it like a machine.
In conclusion, as Thor said, regardless of whether Vision can lift the hammer as a living being or an “elevator,” he is deemed safe for humanity.
At least in this instance, Mjolnir is still picked (or picks itself) by the good guy.
What do you guys think? Does this explanation resonate with you? Do you think Vision was worthy as a living being? Share your thoughts!