Thor’s Role in the Final Battle: An Analysis of His Actions and Impact

When discussing the final battle between Thor and Thanos in The Avengers: Endgame, many fans and critics alike have wondered, 'Where the hell was Thor during the final battle with Thanos, given his awesome power to take down such a formidable foe?' This article examines Thor's actions during the climactic encounter and explores why his role, although pivotal, was complex and multi-faceted.

Thor's Actions and the Final Battle

During the final moments of the battle, Thor has the opportunity to take down Thanos. He strikes Thanos with Stormbreaker, but rather than aiming for the head, he opts to strike at the chest. This action inadvertently allows Thanos to survive long enough to snap his fingers and reverse the Snap. This decision is often criticized by fans, who see it as a critical mistake that ultimately led to the dire outcome of the battle.

Thor's actions can be interpreted as a combination of emotional turmoil and the urgency of the moment. The sudden and intense battle environment, filled with chaos and destruction, may have clouded his judgment. Additionally, Thor, like many characters in the films, is driven by a desire for justice and retribution. His focus on killing Thanos's forces and avenging his people may have distracted him from a more strategic approach.

Thor's Role in the Battle

Some readers argue that Thor was not absent during the events of the films, but was a significant, albeit overlooked, part of the combat. During the final battle, Thor appeared at the last minute but was not in a position to deliver the final blow. Although he battled Thanos's forces, he was not strong enough to induce a fatal blow. This underscores the complexity of the battle, where even a powerful warrior like Thor struggled to contribute effectively.

Thor's actions on the battlefield were focused on the immediate threat, his rage fueling him to target any individual associated with Thanos. His emotional state and the chaotic environment of the battle might have prevented him from recognizing critical opportunities. He spent time mopping up Thanos's forces and did not communicate well with his allies. His single-minded approach to killing those connected to Thanos made him less attuned to the strategic needs of the moment, such as protecting Wanda and Vision or neutralizing the airships carrying Thanos's army.

Strategic Choices and Their Impact

A more strategic approach, one that historian and modern scholar Quran Meng suggests, would have involved focusing on more immediate threats. Thor, being aware of the airships and the Black Order, should have directed his efforts towards neutralizing them before they could deploy their full might. Strategically, focusing on these targets would have been more effective than engaging in individual battles. Additionally, his immediate defense of Vision, who possessed the Mind Stone, could have been crucial in averting the battle's catastrophic outcome.

The Wakanda battle provides another point of contention. The emergence of Cull Obsidian on the battlefield could have been met by Thor. Instead, he engaged in battles with the Outriders, potentially delaying his arrival at critical points. This decision, while understandable given the chaotic nature of the battle, further highlights the need for a more coordinated and strategic approach from the Avengers.

Indeed, Thor's role in the final battle is multifaceted. While his actions may be criticized, they also reflect his emotional state and the complexity of the battle. Understanding his actions and the strategic choices involved provides valuable insights into the challenges and complexities faced by the heroes in the films.