Why Thor Ate Dust in Endgame: An Analysis of His Battle Against Thanos

Thousands of fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have puzzled over a pivotal question regarding Thor's final confrontation with Thanos in Avengers: Endgame: Why didn't Thor use the same kind of attack that famously defeated Hela in Thor: Ragnarok against the Mad Titan? This article delves into the reasoning behind Thor's limited success in his climactic battle against Thanos.

Understanding the Context of Thor's Return

Firstly, it is crucial to understand the context of Thor's return to the battlefield in Endgame. In Infinity War, Thor's hammer Mjolnir is destroyed early on in the film, necessitating a new weapon to face the threat of Thanos. Thor, with the help of Rocket and Groot, travels to Nidavellir to forge a new weapon, which ultimately becomes Stormbreaker.

Another aspect to consider is Thor's physical and mental state during the final battle. In Endgame, Thor is depicted as a much weakened version of his self in Infinity War. After five years of inactivity and a devastating loss, Thor is portrayed as morbidly obese and far less fit than before. These changes in his physical condition hindered his ability to summon the same power and stamina he exhibited against Hela.

The Feasibility of Using Similar Techniques

There are compelling reasons why Thor would not use the same attack against Thanos that he used against Hela:

Penetration vs. Vulnerability: Hela, despite being nearly invincible, had a specific vulnerable spot where Thor's attack proved fatal. However, Thanos, being an experienced and resilient warrior, is likely to have a more comprehensive defensive strategy, making it harder for Thor to find a similar weakness.

Physical Condition: In Endgame, Thor’s physical attributes, such as strength and endurance, have significantly deteriorated. This limits his ability to launch powerful strikes, let alone one that could penetrate Thanos' defenses.

Mental Confidence: Thor’s confidence in his powers has diminished over the five years he was trapped in the past. The psychological impact of facing the combined forces of the living and dead can’t be understated. This lack of confidence may affect his ability to execute even his most powerful attacks effectively.

The Strategic Approach of Thor

Thor's battle strategy in Endgame differs significantly from that in Infinity War. In Infinity War, Thor uses his speed and surprise attack to take Hela by surprise. In contrast, Thor’s fight with Thanos in Endgame is characterized by direct confrontations, during which Thor faces a much more formidable opponent. Despite his best efforts, Thor is ultimately overpowered and defeated:

"Thor tried facing him head on and he was soundly defeated each time."

This defeat, while not surprising given Thor’s weakened state, adds to the dramatic tension and significance of the final battle. It serves to highlight the immense power of Thanos and the strength required to defeat him.

The Editorial Value and Chekov's Gun

From an editorial perspective, the defeat of Thor serves several purposes:

Problematic Victory: It signals to the viewers that the battle against Thanos was not an easy one. Thor’s defeat is presented as a significant moment, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the monumental task ahead.

Escalating Conflict: Just as the destruction of Hela by Thor sets up the narrative of Thor: Ragnarok, Thor’s defeat by Thanos in Endgame serves as a setup for the ultimate showdown. It ensures that the final battle against Thanos in Avengers: Endgame feels more epic and meaningful.

Thor’s return to full power, as seen at the end of the film, serves as a Chekov’s Gun, confirming the significance of his earlier defeat and the need for him to reclaim his power and defeat Thanos.

Conclusion

The battle between Thor and Thanos in Avengers: Endgame is a pivotal moment in the MCU. Thor's inability to use the same attack as in Infinity War is not a flaw but a testament to the complexity of Thanos' character and the physical and emotional challenges Thor faced. The defeat of Thor in this battle adds depth to the narrative, emphasizing the immense challenge the heroes face in their final confrontation with Thanos.