Hela’s Relationship to Thor
In the
Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Hela, played by Cate Blanchett,
is revealed to be Thor’s elder sister in Thor: Ragnarok (2017). This
relationship diverges from her comic book origins, where she is depicted as
Loki’s daughter. In the MCU, Hela is the firstborn of Odin and the rightful
heir to the throne of Asgard.
Before Thor
and Loki's time, Hela served as Odin's partner in conquest. Together, they
expanded Asgard’s dominion through brutal wars. However, Hela’s growing
ambition and lust for power led Odin to fear her. When she became
uncontrollable, Odin imprisoned her in Hel, banishing her from Asgard and
erasing her existence from Asgardian history. Her return was triggered by
Odin’s death, which released the seal that had kept her confined.
What Makes Hela Unique Among the Asgardians?
Hela is a
standout character in the MCU due to her immense power, unique abilities, and
her role in Asgard's history.
- God of Death:Hela is the Asgardian Goddess of Death, granting her control over life and death within her domain. Her powers are far greater than those of most Asgardians, including Thor and Loki.
- Superhuman Strength and Combat Skills:Hela's strength surpasses even Thor’s, making her the most powerful Asgardian ever introduced in the MCU. She wields unparalleled combat skills, effortlessly defeating Asgard's armies and even destroying Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, with her bare hand.
- Necroswords and Weapon Creation:One of Hela’s signature abilities is her power to manifest weapons from thin air, known as Necroswords. She uses these weapons with devastating efficiency in battle, showcasing a level of skill and destruction unmatched by other Asgardians.
- Immortality Tied to Asgard:Hela’s power grows stronger as long as she is in Asgard. Her strength, durability, and regenerative abilities are tied to Asgard’s existence, making her nearly invincible on her home turf.
- Commander of the Dead:Hela has the ability to raise and control armies of the dead, including her fearsome pet wolf, Fenris, and legions of fallen Asgardian warriors. This ability underscores her title as the Goddess of Death.
- Role in Asgard’s Dark Past:Unlike Thor and Loki, who grew up under Odin’s reign of peace, Hela embodies Asgard’s dark history of conquest and bloodshed. She challenges the mythology of Asgard as a benevolent kingdom, forcing Thor to confront the truth about his heritage.
Hela’s Legacy in the MCU
Hela’s
arrival and subsequent actions have a profound impact on the MCU:
- She initiates the destruction
of Asgard, fulfilling the prophecy of Ragnarök with the help of the
fire demon Surtur.
- She forces Thor to embrace his
role as a leader and realize his own power beyond Mjolnir.
- Her reign exposes Odin’s flaws
and the darker side of Asgard’s history, adding depth to the mythology of
the MCU.
Though
Hela’s rule ends with her presumed death during the destruction of Asgard, her
influence lingers in the broader narrative of the Thor saga.
