Lokis Possession of Infinity Stones in The Avengers (2012)

The Intricacies of Loki's Access to Infinity Stones in 'The Avengers' (2012)

In the inaugural entry of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers (2012), Loki's acquisition and manipulation of the Infinity Stones, particularly the Mind Stone and the Space Stone, are pivotal plot elements. Initially, the narrative is clear: the Mind Stone is encased within Loki's scepter, a powerful artifact that he uses with significant real-world influence. However, the more detailed examination of the backstory reveals a more complex and intriguing story.

The Mind Stone: A Key to Manipulation

The film introduces the audience to Loki wielding the scepter containing the Mind Stone. This is the first and only time the Mind Stone is directly seen in Loki's possession within the film. The scepter, given to Loki by strange aliens, holds the power to manipulate nearly all minds with the touch. Through its influence, Loki is able to manipulate human soldiers, causing chaos during the Battle of New York.

The Space Stone: A Separate Artifact

Conversely, the Space Stone, which is known to the audience as the Tesseract, remains out of Loki's direct possession. It is a separate, highly coveted object that, similarly, influences the story's arc. The Tesseract, initially entrusted to Dr. Erik Selvig, is stolen by Loki moments before the Battle of New York. Much like the scepter, this stone also serves as a driving element in the plot, functioning to open portals and facilitate interdimensional travel.

The Ambiguity Surrounding Loki's Understanding

It is unclear whether Loki fully recognized the interconnected nature of the Infinity Stones at that time. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) had not yet defined the concept of the Infinity Stones as a unified set of artifacts. As such, characters like Loki and the audience at the time did not necessarily grasp that the Mind Stone was one of these potent objects. This ambiguity is further compounded by the fact that the Space Stone, unlike the Mind Stone, was not visibly apparent in Loki's possession on screen. This creates an intriguing narrative thread, adding depth and mystery to the film's storyline.

Addressing the Plot Hole and Retcons

Interpreters of the MCU have noted a potential plot hole in Loki's possession of both the Mind and Space Stones. Characters such as Ebony Maw, a subordinate of Thanos, make comments suggesting that no one has previously wielded both Infinity Stones simultaneously, which raises the question of how Loki navigated this new and powerful combination. Furthermore, Ebony Maw, in his prediction of Earth's defense, specifically mentions that he should have anticipated Loki's invasive actions, given Thanos's role. This indicates that even within the fictional universe, the threat of dual Infinity Stone possession was recognized, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.

Alternative Theories: Cosmic Cubes vs. Infinity Stones?

Digging deeper, some theories propose that the Tesseract and the staff that Loki wielded were originally part of a different reality's cosmic cube. According to these theories, the Tesseract's role as a space stone was only later clarified through retcons (retroactive continuity changes). The notion of the cube transforming into the Tesseract and the scepter evolving into a staff with containing the Mind Stone might have been an oversight or an intentional mystery left for the audience to ponder.

Professor Selvig's cryptic comments about not being able to defend against a self-controlled device further complicate the narrative. This suggests that the Tesseract and the scepter were part of a larger, cosmic entity, hinting at the potential for cosmic cubes to be multifaceted in nature, capable of manifesting different forms and wielded by different individuals.

These theories and the ambiguous nature of the Infinity Stones in Loki's possession not only enhance the film's mystique but also contribute to the broader narrative of the MCU. They continue to intrigue fans and scholars of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, inviting them to explore the depths of the interconnected history of the Infinity Stones.