What if Loki Didn't Take the Tesseract?

The The Avengers: Infinity War

The Potential Impact on Thanos' Plan

If Loki had not taken the Tesseract, Thanos would have still managed to find it among the ruins of Asgard, the once glorious and powerful realm of the Norse Gods. However, this development would have altered the sequence of events somewhat. Without Loki's theft, Thanos would have likely directed his attention more quickly to the next phase of his plan, which would have involved the Time Stone.

Thanos' Quest and the Time Stone

With the Tesseract in his possession, Thanos would have used it to track down the Time Stone, another of the six Infinity Stones. This shift in priorities could have led to a different sequence of events. Perhaps he would have encountered the Infinity Gauntlet sooner, and as a consequence, the events of The Avengers: Endgame might have unfolded differently.

Challenges and Possibilities

One must consider the potential challenges Thanos might face if he had not stolen the Tesseract through Loki. First, he would need to manage the Time Stone without the aid of its intelligence. The Time Stone is known to grant access to any point in time, a power that requires significant mental fortitude to control. Losing the Tesseract could have complicated Thanos' strategy, making the task of collecting all the Stones more arduous.

Further, if the Time Stone was not available to guide the search for the Space Stone, Thanos would need to find alternative means to locate it. This could involve more direct and risky methods, potentially leading to a more chaotic and explosive sequence of events.

The Fate of Loki and Heimdall

The removal of Loki from the picture could have also had a profound impact on the fate of Heimdall. Asgard is not mere ruins with Loki gone. Heimdall, the blind God of Watch and the Guardian of the Bifrost Bridge, would have continued his watch over Asgard even without Loki's interference. This suggests that Hadrian's death could have been avoided, at least in part, due to Loki's absence.

Uncertainty and Cosmic Power

Another intriguing question is whether the Space Stone could have been lost due to the fall of Asgard. Asgard is a realm rich in cosmic power, capable of withstanding great destruction. However, the Space Stone, one of the most powerful of the Infinity Stones, has survived for billions of years, indicating its resilience. On the other hand, the fall of Asgard could have been so catastrophic that it could have destroyed the very fabric of the realm, potentially leading to the downfall of the Space Stone as well.

In conclusion, if Loki had not taken the Tesseract, Thanos' quest would have taken a different path. The sequence of events might have changed, but the overall goal of acquiring all the Infinity Stones would likely have remained the same. The loss of Loki's intelligence could have posed significant challenges, but it would also have led to new and unforeseen developments in the saga of the Avengers and their battle against the Mad Titan.

Key Takeaways and Further Exploration

This hypothetical scenario raises numerous questions about the MCU's narrative and the role of the characters. It invites further exploration into the complex strategic and personal decisions made by the characters, especially Loki and Thanos. Additionally, it highlights the importance of the Infinity Stones, each with their own unique properties and potential impacts on the broader universe.

For fans of the Avengers series, delving into these hypothetical scenarios can be a fascinating exercise, offering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the storylines and the characters' motivations.