Analysis of The Hero's Journey of Thanos in The Infinity War

The hero's journey is a narrative structure that has been employed in storytelling for centuries. It is a framework that takes the protagonist through a series of stages, transforming them in the process. While traditionally reserved for heroes, it is fascinating to explore how a character often perceived as a villain, such as Thanos in "Avengers: Infinity War," can undergo a hero's journey narrative. This essay will explore how Thanos's character arc in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) challenges our conventional understanding of heroes and villains, making him a complex and intriguing figure.

Analysis of the hero's journey of Thanos

Ordinary World and Call to Adventure

Thanos's journey begins with his ordinary world on Titan, his home planet. He witnesses its impending destruction due to overpopulation and resource depletion. This catastrophic event becomes the catalyst for his quest to save the universe. The call to adventure comes as he decides to seek the Infinity Stones, believing that their power can bring balance to the universe by erasing half of its population.

Refusal of the Call

Initially, Thanos chooses not to embark on this mission himself, instead sending Loki to retrieve the Space Stone (Tesseract) on Earth. This can be seen as his reluctance to fully commit to his destiny as the savior of the universe. However, when Loki fails, Thanos takes it as a sign that he must personally intervene, accepting the call to adventure.

Meeting the Mentor

In a traditional hero's journey, the hero encounters a mentor who guides them on their path. While Thanos may not have a traditional mentor, he does have trusted advisors like Ebony Maw and his adopted children, the Black Order, who provide him with counsel and support. They reinforce his belief that his mission is righteous.

Crossing the Threshold

Thanos's crossing of the threshold occurs as he actively begins to collect the Infinity Stones. This journey takes him across the galaxy, encountering various challenges and adversaries, including the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Test Allies and Enemies

Throughout his quest, Thanos tests both allies and enemies. He seeks to unite the Infinity Stones, facing resistance from those who oppose his genocidal plan. His confrontations with the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and other heroes test his determination and power.

Approach to the Innermost Cave

Thanos's first innermost cave is the Battle for Wakanda. Here, he faces off against Earth's mightiest heroes in an epic showdown. His second innermost cave is the Battle on Titan, where he confronts Tony Stark and other heroes. These battles bring him closer to his goal but also test his resolve and abilities.

Ordeal

The ultimate ordeal for Thanos is his sacrifice of Gamora, his adoptive daughter, to obtain the Soul Stone. This act highlights the depth of his commitment to his mission, as he is willing to make a heart-wrenching sacrifice to achieve his goal.

Reward

Thanos is rewarded with the Infinity Stones, and he successfully assembles the Infinity Gauntlet. With this power, he believes he can bring balance to the universe, fulfilling his purpose.

The Road Back and Resurrection

The road back for Thanos involves his confrontation with Thor, who nearly kills him by striking him in the chest with Stormbreaker. However, Thanos survives, and it is in this moment that he delivers the iconic line, "You should have gone for the head." This resurrection moment marks his determination to complete his mission at any cost.

Return with Elixir

In the aftermath of the snap, Thanos retreats to a serene planet, presumably Gamora's home planet. He rests as the universe undergoes a transformation. This moment can be seen as the return with elixir, where Thanos reflects on his journey and the profound impact it has had on the universe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Thanos's character arc in "Avengers: Infinity War" follows the structure of a hero's journey, albeit with a unique twist. While his methods may be morally questionable, his unwavering commitment to what he perceives as the greater good aligns with the core elements of a hero's narrative. Thanos challenges our understanding of heroes and villains, leaving audiences with a complex and thought-provoking character. His journey forces us to consider the blurred lines between heroism and villainy and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of one's mission.

Works Cited

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