Why is ‘One Below All’ Absent from ‘Loki’?

The term 'One Below All' is often associated with the character in Marvel’s franchise, but it seems the character has not made an appearance in the series 'Loki.' This article will explore the history and significance of 'One Below All' within the broader context of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and why it hasn’t been included in the latest 'Loki' series.

The Background of ‘One Below All’

‘One Below All’ is a character from Norse mythology that figures prominently in Marvel’s comics. He is often mistaken for another entity, Alioth, a purple smoke monster, leading to confusion among fans. In the Norse cosmology, ‘One Below All’ holds a significant position as the personification of something beyond the gods and the universe itself. This entity is linked to darkness, chaos, and the ultimate end of time.

Alioth: The Confusing Twin

Alioth, a purple smoke monster, first appeared in the comics and was later referenced in the Loki series on Disney . The confusion between Alioth and ‘One Below All’ stems from the multiple appearances of figures with similar characteristics and roles.

Here is a flashback to the comic book context on why there is this confusion:

A dealer should never let a customer know they had an opportunity to buy at a lower price earlier on. Likewise, if the term 'One Below All' is often used in association with the misidentified Alioth, this could be seen as a deliberate marketing or storytelling tactic to maintain intrigue.

One concrete example of the confusion is when a character says, “This smoke monster, this isn’t The One Below All. This is Alioth.” It highlights the existence of multiple characters that might fit the description of ‘One Below All,’ leading to the persistent myth that one of them is The One Below All.

The Loki Series and the Absence of ‘One Below All’

The latest series, 'Loki,' has showcased the reality-warping variant of Loki from the comics, but it has not featured ‘One Below All.’

While speaking to a fan who inquired about a specific scene in the series, one response was, “If you are referring to the cloud they have to go through to see He Who Remains, that isn’t the One Below All. That cloud is Alioth.” This explanation clarifies the identification of Alioth with another featured element in the show.

Another fan added, “Not sure what you are talking about. The One Below All isn’t in Loki. If you are speaking about the cloud they have to go through to see He Who Remains, that’s not the One Below All. That cloud is Alioth. Alioth could be seen as a proxy for him but the One Below All hasn’t been on the MCU as of yet. He may have been referenced somewhere but not shown yet.” This statement further cements the absence of the character in the series and adds depth to the mystery surrounding him within the broader MCU.

Exploring Other References in the MCU

So, why has this character not appeared in 'Loki'? Could it be intentional or due to the complexity of the storylines? One theory is that the creators are saving the character for a more significant role in future MCU projects. Alternatively, it could be related to the overarching narrative of the series, which focuses on the complexities and challenges posed by different versions of Loki.

Another possible explanation is that the character is planned for a future project set within the MCU, similar to the recent release of 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.' The absence of the character could be due to maintaining the mystery and keeping fans engaged until the right time for his reveal.

Community Reactions and Speculations

The absence of One Below All has sparked significant discussions within the fan community. Some are speculating about the importance of his role in the larger narrative, while others ponder the implications of his potential appearance in future MCU films or series.

For instance, a prominent fan theorized, “Alioth is a proxy for The One Below All, but since the series is focused on Loki and not necessarily on cosmic entities, we haven’t seen his full form yet.” This theory links Alioth to The One Below All, suggesting a deeper connection between the two entities.

Conclusion

While ‘One Below All’ is a fascinating character with rich mythological and cosmic implications, his absence from the 'Loki' series is deliberate and strategic. Whether he will make an appearance in future projects remains to be seen. Fans can only wait and speculate, adding to the allure and complexity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Keywords: Loki, One Below All, Alioth, Marvel Cinematic Universe, MCU