Why Couldn't Doctor Strange Separate Thanos' Soul From His Body, Just Like the Ancient One Separated Bruce Banner's?

Understanding the intricate cosmic events in Marvel's Infinity War and Endgame requires a deep dive into the realms of magic and advanced technology. One of the most perplexing questions among fans revolves around why Doctor Strange couldn't use the same method as the Ancient One to separate Thanos' soul from his body. Let's explore the reasons behind this intriguing situation and the challenges faced by Doctor Strange and the Avengers.

Danger and the Methodology

The separation of a person's soul from their body, as demonstrated with Bruce Banner, is a delicate and dangerous procedure. The Ancient One was able to perform this task because she was able to sense Banner's full potential and the vulnerabilities of his soul. However, Doctor Strange faced a far more challenging situation with Thanos.

Why It Was Too Dangerous

It is noted that performing such a separation on Thanos would have been highly perilous for Doctor Strange himself. The Ancient One was able to safely separate Banner because she was aware of his malleable nature and the internal struggle within him. But Thanos, with his vast powers and experience, would have made it incredibly difficult for Doctor Strange to pull off the separation safely.

Thanos: A More Complex Threat

Contrary to Banner, Thanos is a formidable warrior who not only knows how to fight but also possesses the means to engage in combat from a distance due to the Infinity Stones. This makes him a far more challenging adversary for Doctor Strange.

Thanos' Arsenal, Skills, and Intention

Thanos knows how to fight and wants to engage Doctor Strange in battle. Moreover, his innate support from the Infinity Stones allows him to be a relentless opponent, further complicating the situation for Doctor Strange. The Soul Stone particularly, would have made the task of separating Thanos’ soul from his body a highly dangerous undertaking.

Strategic Considerations

Another aspect to consider is the overall strategy of the Avengers and Doctor Strange. Separating Thanos' soul might have been one of the 14 million ways possible, but it wasn't deemed the most effective approach. Doctor Strange valued the lives of the Avengers and the heroes over any other method. His goal was not to kill Thanos, but to win without causing unnecessary loss of life.

Doctor Strange's Strategies

Instead of focusing on soul separation, Doctor Strange explored other methods to defeat Thanos. For instance, he used the Time Stone to create a time loop that ultimately led to the Dormammu's defeat. This strategy demonstrated that Doctor Strange was open to unconventional methods and was willing to adapt his approach as needed.

Understanding the Limitations

Doctor Strange's journey throughout the MCU, especially in his battle against Dormammu, shows his reliance on his own knowledge and skills rather than relying solely on the Ancient One. His learning experience with the Time Stone further underscores the idea that he can figure out new techniques independently.

Doctor's Adaptability and Evolution

Ironically, the fact that Doctor Strange never used soul separation doesn't necessarily imply a lack of knowledge. Instead, it highlights his strategic mindset and the importance of survival. He might not have been aware of this particular method due to the nature of the conflict and the specific circumstances involved with Thanos.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the method of soul separation worked for separating Bruce Banner's soul from his body, it was not a viable option for Doctor Strange to use against Thanos due to the tremendous danger it posed. Doctor Strange's primary goal was to ensure the victory of the Avengers without causing unnecessary casualties. His approach, rather than being limited by knowledge, was driven by a deep understanding of the complexities of the conflict.

The question remains a fascinating discussion point for fans, adding depth to the already complex narrative of the MCU. As we explore more of the lore and the films to come, answers to such intriguing questions may yet emerge.