Topic > Analysis of Thanos' Hero's Journey in The Infinity War

IndexAnalysis of Thanos' Hero's JourneyOrdinary World and Call to AdventureRejecting the CallMeeting the MentorCrossing the ThresholdTest Allies and EnemiesApproach to the Inner CaveOrdealRewardThe Way Back and ResurrectionReturn with the elixirConclusionWorks CitedThe hero's journey is a narrative structure that has been employed in fiction for centuries. It is a structure that takes the protagonist through a series of phases, transforming them in the process. While traditionally reserved for heroes, it's fascinating to explore how a character often perceived as a villain, like Thanos in "Avengers: Infinity War," can approach the narrative of a hero's journey. This essay will explore how Thanos' character arc in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) challenges our conventional understanding of heroes and villains, making him a complex and intriguing figure. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Analysis of Thanos' Hero's Journey Ordinary World and Call to Adventure Thanos' journey begins with his ordinary world on Titan, his home planet. He witnesses its imminent destruction due to overpopulation and resource depletion. This catastrophic event becomes the catalyst in his quest to save the universe. The call to adventure comes when he decides to search for the Infinity Stones, believing their power can restore balance to the universe by wiping out half its population. Rejecting the Call Initially, Thanos chooses not to embark on this mission himself, instead sending Loki to retrieve the Space Stone (Tesseract) on Earth. This can be seen as his reluctance to fully commit to his destiny as the savior of the universe. However, when Loki fails, Thanos takes it as a sign that he must personally intervene, accepting the call to adventure. Meeting the Mentor In a traditional hero's journey, the hero meets a mentor who guides him on his path. While Thanos may not have a traditional mentor, he has trusted advisors like Ebony Maw and his adopted children, the Black Order, who provide him with advice and support. They reinforce his belief that his mission is right. Crossing the Threshold Thanos' crossing of the threshold occurs as he actively begins collecting the Infinity Stones. This journey takes him across the galaxy, encountering various challenges and adversaries, including the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy. Test Allies and Enemies Throughout his quest, Thanos tests both allies and enemies. He seeks to unite the Infinity Stones, facing resistance from those who oppose his genocidal plan. His confrontations with the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and other heroes test his resolve and power. Approaching the Innermost Cave Thanos' first innermost cave is the battle for Wakanda. Here he will face Earth's mightiest heroes in an epic clash. His second innermost cave is the Battle on Titan, where he faces Tony Stark and other heroes. These battles bring him closer to his goal, but also test his resolve and skills. OrdealThe ordeal for Thanos is the sacrifice of Gamora, his adopted daughter, to obtain the Soul Stone. This act highlights the depth of his commitment to his mission, as he is willing to make a heartbreaking sacrifice to achieve his goal. Reward Thanos is rewarded with the Infinity Stones and successfully assembles the Infinity Gauntlet. With this power, he believes he can restore balance to the universe, fulfilling his purpose. There.