Would Tony Stark and Black Widow Have Been Worthy to Lift Mjolnir in The Avengers: Endgame?
Could Tony Stark and Black Widow Have Lifted Mjolnir in The Avengers: Endgame?
Introduction
The question of whe...
Thor’s Descent and Tony Stark’s Sacrifice
Before delving into the specifics of Tony Stark and Black Widow, let's reconsider Thor's fall from grace and his struggle to be seen as worthy. In The Avengers: Endgame, Thor, once the embodiment of Asgardian prowess and unwavering strength, was defeated with ease by Thanos. This defeat was not just a physical one but a metaphysical and emotional one, shattering his confidence and sapping his core essence, which was being worthy.
Tony Stark: From Arrogance to Redemption
Tony Stark, on the other hand, began his journey in The Iron Man series with an air of arrogance and self-indulgence. However, through the course of The Avengers: Infinity War and The Avengers: Endgame, he transformed. The snap of his fingers at the end of Infinity War marked the beginning of his transformation. By the time we reach Endgame, Tony Stark had shed his arrogance and embraced a sense of responsibility and sacrifice. He understood that the fate of the Earth and beyond hinged on his actions.
The Enchantment and the Worthy
The enchantment that governs Mjolnir states, “Whosoever worthy shall wield the power of Thor.” Herein lies the crux of the issue. The deed, or the act, is not the only determinant of worthiness; the person, their character and integrity, must also align with the essence of the hammer.
Tony Stark: Deeds versus Character
Tony Stark indeed performed many heroic deeds. He risked his life, whether it was in The Iron Man, to stop the Iron Monger. He took on the Chitauri in The Avengers and again in The Avengers: Endgame. He even sacrificed his own life to save the Earth. But character and integrity are not just about deeds, but rather a consistent mindset and approach to life. Tony had moments of arrogance and selfishness, particularly when he spoke of reinstating royal practices, despite knowing the potential consequences.
Black Widow: A Question of Ethics
Black Widow, on the other hand, has always been a symbol of intelligence, resilience, and a strong moral compass. While she has made her share of sacrifices and difficult decisions, her overall character is one of unwavering integrity and a deep sense of responsibility. However, in the context of lifting Mjolnir, her unwavering loyalty and ethical standards align more with the principles of Mjolnir. Her actions and decisions, while often complex and nuanced, generally adhere to a higher moral code.
Why Being Worthy Matters
The concept of being worthy is not just about performing heroic deeds, but about embodying the values and principles that Mjolnir represents. In Tony Stark's case, his moments of arrogance and questionable behavior disqualified him from wielding Mjolnir. This is not to diminish his worthiness in other aspects but to highlight the specific qualities that Mjolnir demands.
Why We Love Tony Stark
This is what makes Tony Stark a more relatable and relatable character. He is a flawed human being who often chooses not to make sacrifices that go against his personal values. This makes him a complex and multi-dimensional character, which is what makes him endearing. Even if he is not worthy of Mjolnir, he is still worthy of the 3000 adoring fans he has.
Conclusion
In summary, Tony Stark and Black Widow, despite their heroic deeds, did not fully embody the values of Mjolnir at the end of The Avengers: Endgame. This is why, in the grand scheme of things, they may not have been worthy to lift Mjolnir, but the journey of self-discovery and the sacrifice they made for the greater good make them heroes in their own right.