Should Thor Have Remained King of Asgard After Endgame?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has seen significant character development throughout its decades, with Thor standing out among the protagonists. The question arises: should Thor have remained King of Asgard after the events of Avengers: Endgame? This essay explores both sides of the argument to provide a nuanced understanding of Thor's position in the MCU.

Arguments for Thor Remaining King of Asgard

Character Growth: Thor's journey from a brash, confident warrior to a more emotionally mature and responsible leader is a testament to his growth. Taking on the role of king would further enhance this character arc, demonstrating his capacity for leadership and the importance of handling a significant duty with grace and wisdom.

Leadership Skills: Throughout the MCU, Thor has showcased strong leadership skills, particularly in The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World, and Thor: Ragnarok. His ability to lead teams and make critical decisions under pressure makes him a formidable candidate for the throne. Being king would provide a new avenue for him to display these skills and grow as a leader.

Resilience of Asgard’s Future

Asgard’s Resilience: Post the destruction of Asgard in Ragnarok, it remains a resilient and regenerative realm. The crown falling to Thor would signify a new era of leadership and continuity. Asgardians would likely support him, seeing the return of their beloved Odin through his reign.

Arguments Against Thor Remaining King of Asgard

Desire for a Different Path: By the end of Avengers: Endgame, Thor is clearly not psychologically ready to take on the responsibilities of kingship. Instead, he seeks a path that involves personal growth and healing. His desire to venture beyond Asgard and explore new realms aligns with the broader narrative of the MCU, which increasingly focuses on ensemble casts and diverse storylines.

Focus on Team Dynamics: The MCU has evolved to prioritize team dynamics and diverse storytelling. Keeping Thor with the Guardians of the Galaxy allows for fresh and dynamic storytelling opportunities outside of the Asgardian realm. His presence among the Guardians provides more room for character development and emotional depth, contributing to richer and more engaging narratives.

Potential for New Leadership: Characters like Valkyrie, who takes on the role of king in The Mighty Thor, offer a compelling alternative to Thor's reign. Valkyrie would provide stability and insight into the governance and administration of Asgard, ensuring a smooth transition of power. She is a well-respected and experienced leader, who understands the complexities of statecraft, making her a viable and strong candidate for the throne.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether Thor should have remained King of Asgard depends on the narrative direction the MCU wishes to pursue. Keeping him as king could deepen his character arc and explore themes of leadership and personal growth. Allowing him to step away from the role, however, opens up new storylines and character development opportunities, both for him and for Asgard. Each choice carries the potential for rich storytelling, making this a compelling topic for discussion among fans.

Clearly, the decision to keep Thor king or not would have given Marvel a good excuse to sideline him for a few movies, allowing him to focus on his personal growth and healing. A grand cinematic moment for Thor to finally receive the crown and be a good Allfather for the Asgardians and the rest of the 9 realms would have been significant but would have also required him to be psychologically ready for such a responsibility.

Additionally, Valkyrie, though potentially political or poorly thought out, could be seen as an ideal regent for Thor. She understands statecraft, empathy, and has a deep connection with him. She would eagerly relinquish the throne to him when the time was right, ensuring a smooth transition of power.

Thor was not ready to be king at the specific moment after Endgame. He was clearly not psychologically equipped to handle the mantle of kingship, given the traumas and personal struggles he had faced. Ragnarok left him with a much clearer understanding of his duty and asgardian heritage, but Endgame was the time of his personal rebirth, not his ascension to the throne.

Therefore, Valkyrie, with her extensive knowledge of Asgardian lore and intimate connection with Thor, becomes the perfect candidate to act as regent, ensuring the smooth transition of power and providing Thor the time to focus on healing and self-discovery.