In the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Eternals, the titular characters possess lifespans measured in millennia, not years. While their physical appearances might suggest otherwise, the Eternals in the movie range in age from around 5,000 to over 1 million years old, a distinction crucial to understanding their perspectives and roles within the cosmos.
The Ageless Wonders: Understanding Eternal Longevity
The Eternals, created by the Celestial Arishem the Judge, were designed to live indefinitely. Their primary mission was to protect Earth from the Deviants, a task that occupied much of their extended existences. But age, for them, is more than just a number; it’s a measure of experience, accumulated wisdom, and the burden of countless decisions that shaped civilizations. Understanding their ages unlocks a deeper appreciation for their characters’ motivations and internal conflicts.
The Spectrum of Eternal Years
While each Eternal boasts an extraordinary lifespan, there’s a significant variation among them. Some Eternals, like Thena and Gilgamesh, are among the oldest, having witnessed countless centuries. Others, like Sprite, despite existing for just as long, are perpetually trapped in the body of a child, highlighting the unique and sometimes tragic aspects of their eternal existence. Identifying the relative ages helps contextualize their individual narratives and relationships within the team.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into Eternal Chronology
These Frequently Asked Questions provide further insight into the ages of the Eternals and their significance in the MCU.
FAQ 1: How Can We Determine the Eternals’ Approximate Ages?
While precise ages are never explicitly stated, context clues throughout the film offer valuable insights. We can infer based on:
- Historical Events Witnessed: Dialogues referencing specific historical events, such as the fall of Babylon or the Roman Empire, provide a timeline.
- Relationships and Memories: Memories and established relationships between Eternals offer clues to their longevity. A connection lasting thousands of years indicates significant age.
- Powers and Abilities: The development and mastery of their unique powers could indicate longer periods of existence.
FAQ 2: Is Ikaris the Oldest Eternal?
It’s strongly implied that Ikaris is among the oldest of the Eternals. He is depicted as a natural leader and is often the voice of reason. His connection to Arishem also hints at a deeper, longer-standing relationship with the Celestials, which may mean he’s been around longer than others.
FAQ 3: Is Sprite Really a Child?
Sprite exists as an adult mind trapped in the body of a child. Although she possesses the same millennia of experiences as her companions, her physical form never matured. This is a source of great frustration and defines much of her character arc. While her chronological age matches the other Eternals, her perceived age is that of a child.
FAQ 4: How Does Ajak’s Age Compare to the Others?
Ajak, as the prime Eternal and direct communicator with Arishem, likely ranks among the oldest. Her wisdom and leadership, coupled with her long-standing relationship with the Celestials, indicate a significant age and profound experience across centuries.
FAQ 5: What Impact Does Age Have on an Eternal’s Personality?
Age profoundly shapes an Eternal’s personality. Millennia of witnessing human triumphs and tragedies can lead to jaded cynicism, unwavering optimism, or a detached sense of perspective. Their personal histories and the choices they’ve made throughout their long lives inevitably influence their worldview.
FAQ 6: Does Eternal Aging Occur at the Same Rate?
The Eternals don’t “age” in the traditional sense of physical decline. Their bodies remain in peak condition throughout their existence. However, their mental and emotional states evolve and change with time and experience, potentially influencing their actions and decisions.
FAQ 7: How Does Sersi’s Affinity for Humanity Relate to Her Age?
Sersi’s deep connection to humanity stems from centuries spent living among them, observing their culture, and forming meaningful relationships. Her experiences over time shaped her empathy and her unwavering belief in humanity’s potential, leading her to act as a protective presence on Earth.
FAQ 8: What About Kingo’s Hollywood Stardom? Is That Age-Related?
Kingo’s embrace of Hollywood fame is more about boredom and a desire for attention than being directly tied to his age. However, his long lifespan allowed him to develop his talents and persona over centuries, refining his acting skills and establishing himself as a star across generations. His age gave him ample time to perfect his craft.
FAQ 9: Can the Eternals Die?
While they are incredibly durable, the Eternals can be killed. This was shown in Eternals with the deaths of Ajak and Gilgamesh. However, their deaths require significant force and are not due to old age or natural causes. They can be destroyed.
FAQ 10: Does Phastos’s Age Impact His Technological Genius?
Phastos’s technological prowess is intrinsic to his nature as an Eternal. However, his age would undoubtedly contribute to the depth and breadth of his knowledge. Centuries of tinkering, observing, and innovating would allow him to refine his skills and develop unparalleled expertise in technological advancements.
FAQ 11: How Does Druig’s Cynicism Connect to His Age and Experiences?
Druig’s cynicism arises from witnessing humanity’s constant struggles and conflicts throughout the millennia. His powers to control minds allowed him to see the best and worst of humanity and witnessing these endless cycles of violence and suffering fuels his desire to take control and impose order, a desire born from his prolonged existence.
FAQ 12: What happens to the Eternals’ memories after they are reset?
The Eternals’ memories are wiped clean and their personalities are reset before they are sent on their next mission. However, echoes of their past experiences sometimes linger, leading to feelings of déjà vu or a sense of unease. While not complete recall, it shows the lasting imprint of their long lives.
The Everlasting Legacy
Ultimately, the ages of the Eternals in the movie are more than just numbers; they represent the weight of history, the burden of responsibility, and the complex tapestry of experiences that define these immortal beings. Understanding their extended lifespans allows us to appreciate the profound impact they have had on Earth and their unique perspectives on the cosmos. Their story, though rooted in fantastical elements, resonates with universal themes of love, loss, duty, and the eternal quest for meaning.