Introduction

From the momentThanos#39; ambitions were first set in motion, his devotion to obtaining the Infinity Stones became a central narrative in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Particularly, the Soul Stone has been a significant focus of his decade-long mission. Yet, it raises a paradoxical question: if Thanos had been searching for the Soul Stone for over a decade, why did he only embark on his quest in 2018 with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?

Thanos' Delayed Quest

With the notable deaths of major cosmic lords like Odin, Ego, and the Ancient One in the preceding MCU films, it is suggested that Thanos was indeed waiting for these powerful beings to perish before he made his move. However, such a delay raises further questions: what if Thanos was merely biding his time without knowing where the Soul Stone was?

Unveiling the Soul Stone's Location

One of the critical elements in Thanos' quest for the Soul Stone was the knowledge of its location. Contrary to popular belief, Thanos did not know where the Soul Stone was until rather late in the game. This is evidenced by his need to interrogate Gamora, who was eventually captured by Nebula as a result of a failed assassination attempt on Thanos following Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. It wasn't until Thanos acquired Nebula’s captured memories that he finally obtained the critical information about the Soul Stone's whereabouts.

Analyses and Theories

Some theories suggest that Thanos was indeed wary of powerful beings such as Odin, Hela, Surtur, and the Ancient One. It is believed that he avoided fighting or confronting them, knowing that his victory over them was unattainable. This explains his cautious approach and deliberate wait for their eventual deaths, which occurred in films like Doctor Strange and Thor: Ragnarok.

After the deaths of these powerful entities, Thanos felt confident in his ability to secure all six Infinity Stones. It was then that he orchestrated a single-day mission to gather all the stones, ultimately leading to the Avengers: Infinity War and the Avengers: Endgame.

Conclusion

Thanos' quest for the Soul Stone is a prime example of his meticulous and strategic approach to achieving his goals. While his decade-long pursuit substantiates his dedication, his delay in actually attempting to obtain the Soul Stone until 2018 forces us to question the complexities of his tactics. The answer lies not only in the power dynamics within the cosmos but also in the intricate layers of narrative development in the MCU.