I am sure that you all heard about how Thanos beat all the Avengers to get the Infinity Stones, but have you ever thought “Why did he have to do that?”
Because technically, he just needs the Soul Stone to take away billions of lives. Let me tell you: how things work is not easily like that.
Today, we are going to explore the answer for that. Let’s get started.
Contents
What Are the Infinity Stones?
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the 6 Infinity Stones are pivotal, originating from singularities before the Big Bang.
They control all the universe’s aspects: Power, Space, Reality, Time, Soul, and Mind, but are too potent for most to handle directly, hence they’re kept in specific artifacts or containers.
Each stone possesses a unique capability contributing to this formidable power:
The Power Stone brings destruction, the Space Stone enables teleportation, the Reality Stone can alter reality, the enigmatic Soul Stone governs life and souls, the Time Stone offers control over time, and the Mind Stone dominates the will of others.
Given the extraordinary power of each stone, a device capable of merging their abilities is required.
The Infinity Gauntlet serves this purpose.
Forged in Nidavellir from the core of a neutron star, it not only allows the bearer to withstand the stones’ power but also to harness the combined might of all six.
Thanos, the primary antagonist of MCU’s Phase 3, employs the power of these stones through the Gauntlet to realize his apocalyptic goal.
Thus, the crux of the matter is that Thanos requires all the stones to fulfill his objective of annihilating half the universe.
Why Did Thanos Have to Collect All the Stones?
Returning to our original query: Could Thanos have met his objective of halving the universe with merely 1 or 2 Stones?
The film’s explanation isn’t quite straightforward.
A prevailing theory posits that to equitably eliminate half of all life; the collective might of all Stones was indispensable. Specifically:
The Power Stone amplifies the Snap’s energy, facilitating the process rather than directly causing destruction.
Concurrently, the Space Stone eliminates distance constraints, ensuring the Snap’s universal effect.
The Soul Stone, possessing a unique wisdom, interprets and executes the wielder’s intent, distinguishing among life forms to maintain balance, which likely led to Groot’s demise.
The Reality Stone is responsible for the actual disappearance of beings, turning them to dust, hence why half of all life simply vanished.
The Mind Stone undertakes the colossal task of determining the fate of each being, akin to a cosmic coin flip, requiring extensive computational power for the universe’s vast populace.
Finally, the Time Stone ensures the Snap’s effects are lasting, cementing Thanos’s action as the unalterable reality.
These points clarify the synergistic function of all six Infinity Stones in executing the Snap.
How Did Thanos Utilize the Power of Each Infinity Stone?
But did you know? Even though Thanos is on a different front, he is uniquely capable of harnessing each Infinity Stone’s power.
This is evident throughout his journey in “Avengers: Infinity War,” where he uses each stone in a distinct manner.
Initially, he wields the Power Stone to interrogate Thor and annihilate the Asgardian spaceship.
The Space Stone, his second acquisition, facilitates effortless travel and defense, easily opening portals to his desired destinations.
This is a stark contrast to the Red Skull‘s accidental activation of the Space Stone, which resulted in his exile to Vormir in “Captain America: The First Avenger.”
Furthermore, the Space Stone makes Thanos’s armor redundant, as he can neutralize threats with ease, a feature underscored by the blue tint that halts Loki’s dagger mid-assassination attempt.
With the Reality Stone, Thanos crafts illusions to deceive Gamora on Knowhere.
It’s also worth noting how he detected Doctor Strange on Titan, showcasing the Soul Stone‘s ability to target individual souls.
Remember the moment Thanos revived Vision with the Time Stone after Wanda had destroyed him? That scene highlights the Time Stone’s vital function.
Although Thanos acquires the Mind Stone last and uses it primarily during the Snap, its specific uses, unlike the other stones, received less focus before that critical juncture.
So, what do you guys think? Is there any detail about Infinity and Thanos you want to add to? Share with us!