Why Hela Failed to Triumph Over Surtur in 'Thor: Ragnarok'

In the epic battle depicted in Thor: Ragnarok, multiple factors contributed to Hela's failure to defeat Surtur. This analysis delves into the aspects of their characters, their ambitions, and the narrative purpose of their confrontation.

Surtur's Power

Surtur embodies immense power as a fire demon, amplified by the Eternal Flame. This flame is central to his strength and prophesied to bring about Ragnarok, the destruction of Asgard. When Surtur activates this flame, he becomes an overwhelming force, even for Hela.

Hela's Ambition

Hela, the Goddess of Death, is primarily driven by her desire to reclaim her throne and expand her dominion over Asgard. Her focus on these ambitions leads her to underestimate Surtur's potential threat. She is more concerned with defeating Thor and gaining control of Asgard rather than contemplating the broader prophecy of Ragnarok.

Conflict of Interests

Ultimately, Hela and Surtur are at odds with different goals. Hela aims to conquer Asgard, while Surtur's objective is to fulfill the prophecy of Ragnarok. Their opposing goals lead to their destruction, as the rise of Surtur signifies the end of Asgard, which Hela also seeks to control.

Narrative Purpose

The defeat of Hela by Surtur serves the narrative arc of Ragnarok, reinforcing themes of destruction and renewal within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This confrontation emphasizes the inevitability of change and the consequences of ambition.

Thor's Challenge Against Hela

Similar to Hela, Thor could not defeat Surtur due to the immense disparity in their powers. In the time and place where they fought, one was simply too powerful for the other to contend with. Hela's attacks barely affected Surtur, and he was not concerned with any form of restraint. Surtur wanted Asgard demolished, and this goal aligned with his burning desire to destroy the realm, which was innate to his being.

While Hela's power on Asgard is formidable, Surtur is immortal until he destroys the place. Therefore, the battle was not just about personal victory but about the destruction of Asgard itself. This confrontation was pivotal in advancing the narrative and fulfilling the prophecy of Ragnarok.

Conclusion

The failure of Hela and Surtur to defeat each other can be attributed to a combination of Surtur's overwhelming power, Hela's underestimation of his threat, and their shared and opposing ambitions. This analysis underscores the strategic and thematic importance of this pivotal battle in Thor: Ragnarok.