Could Thor Have Actually Killed Thanos If He Aimed for the Head?

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Thor's failure to strike Thanos in the head instead of the chest with Stormbreaker is a pivotal moment. From a narrative perspective, aimed at the head, Thor could potentially have killed Thanos, especially considering the power and forging of Stormbreaker. However, the story's progression heavily depends on Thanos' actions leading to the eventual conflict in Avengers: Infinity War.

The Power of Stormbreaker and Thanos' Vulnerability

Stormbreaker, the powerful hammer forged by D dibok, was designed to destroy beings of immense strength, including Thanos. Additionally, after Thanos' use of the Infinity Stones to snap and weaken himself, he became more vulnerable. If Thor had aimed for Thanos' head, the recapitulative power of Stormbreaker could have indeed killed Thanos, thus changing the course of events in a significant way.

Implications Beyond the Immediate Battle

However, it is crucial to consider the broader implications of Thor's choice. By not striking Thanos in the head, the Infinity Stone conflict continued, leading to the eventual snap and the changes it wrought. This decision also led Thor into a deep depression, filled with guilt over the missed opportunity to end the conflict and save the universe.

Alternative Outcomes

One of the many fan theories suggests that if Thor did hit Thanos in the head, there would have been no snap, and consequently, no Endgame. A dead Thanos would have prevented the snap and the subsequent wave of destruction. This theory also holds that Tony Stark, knowing the power of the Infinity Gauntlet, would have taken it for himself to ensure Earth's safety. Unfortunately, due to his reckless nature and PTSD, Tony's actions would likely have had ghastly side effects.

The Guardians of The Multiverse: Dr. Strange and Infinity Gauntlet

Dr. Stephen Strange only saw one chance out of approximately 14 million to win. This is because Dr. Strange's definition of winning included keeping the Time Stone out of Tony Stark's hands. Strange was willing to sacrifice Tony to protect the Time Stone, indicating the extreme measures he deemed necessary.

However, the reality is that Thanos was the only person who could destroy the Infinity Gauntlet. As long as Thanos existed, the Gauntlet posed a significant threat. Therefore, in a complex strategy, Thanos managed to destroy the Gauntlet after using the Stones to weaken himself and before Tony Stark had a chance to misuse it.

Ultimately, the universe's fate hinged on the decisions and actions of key characters, making the events of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame both thrilling and crucial for the MCU's storyline.

Keywords: Thor, Thanos, Infinity Gauntlet, MCU