In the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Eternals, two Eternals die: Ajak, the Prime Eternal, and Ikaris, whose fate is left deliberately ambiguous but strongly suggests self-destruction. Their deaths are pivotal not only to the plot but also to understanding the moral complexities and the very nature of being an Eternal.
The Eternal Toll: Examining the Deaths in Detail
The deaths in Eternals aren’t mere plot devices; they represent profound philosophical conflicts and challenge the very definition of heroism. Understanding the circumstances and repercussions of these fatalities is crucial to grasping the film’s overarching narrative.
The Demise of Ajak: Leadership and Revelation
Ajak, portrayed by Salma Hayek, is the first Eternal to meet her end. She’s killed by the Deviant Kro, who seeks to absorb her cosmic energy and gain her ability to communicate with the Celestials. Ajak’s death is significant for several reasons:
- It marks the start of the Eternals questioning their purpose. Ajak, as their leader and connection to Arishem, held the truth about their mission – the Emergence of Tiamut. Her death forces the remaining Eternals to confront this truth earlier than planned.
- It empowers Sersi, played by Gemma Chan, to become the new Prime Eternal. The transference of the Prime Eternal powers leads Sersi down a path of moral reckoning, culminating in her ultimate decision to defy Arishem.
- It allows Kro to evolve into a more formidable antagonist. By absorbing Ajak’s energy, Kro gains sentience and the power to heal, making him a genuine threat to the Eternals and humanity.
Ajak’s death, therefore, acts as a catalyst, setting in motion the chain of events that define the rest of the film. It’s a sacrifice that unintentionally empowers both the heroes and the villains, leading to a complex and nuanced conflict.
The Ambiguous End of Ikaris: Loyalty and Redemption
Ikaris, played by Richard Madden, presents a far more complex case. Initially, he’s a staunch believer in the Celestials’ mission, even willing to kill Sersi to ensure Tiamut’s Emergence. However, witnessing the love and connection among the Eternals, particularly with Sersi, creates a profound internal conflict.
In the climactic battle, Ikaris chooses to fly into the sun, an act heavily implied to be a form of self-destruction. While the film doesn’t explicitly state his death, the symbolism is undeniable:
- The sun represents the Celestials: Flying towards the sun can be interpreted as Ikaris returning to his “creator,” acknowledging his failure and perhaps seeking redemption.
- It’s a symbolic act of self-punishment: Unable to live with betraying his chosen family and unable to defy the Celestials completely, Ikaris chooses to end his own existence.
- It leaves room for future interpretation: While heavily implied, his death isn’t explicitly confirmed, leaving a sliver of possibility for his return in future MCU projects.
Ikaris’s ambiguous fate sparks debate among viewers. Was it suicide? A retreat? A form of penance? Regardless of the exact interpretation, his actions represent a significant departure from the unwavering obedience he initially displayed, suggesting a degree of moral growth, however incomplete.
Unpacking the Eternal Existence: Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the deaths in Eternals requires a deeper understanding of the Eternals themselves, their purpose, and the cosmic forces that govern their existence. The following FAQs address common questions and provide valuable insights.
H3 What are the primary powers of the Eternals and how do they relate to their survival?
The Eternals possess a wide range of powers, including cosmic energy manipulation, superhuman strength, durability, speed, and the ability to fly. These powers, granted by the Celestials, are primarily designed to combat Deviants and protect the natural order of the planets they inhabit. While incredibly powerful, these abilities don’t guarantee immortality in the traditional sense. They can still be killed, as demonstrated by Ajak’s demise. Their survival often depends on their tactical prowess and ability to work together.
H3 How does the Deviant Kro play a role in the Eternal deaths?
Kro is directly responsible for Ajak’s death, absorbing her powers and escalating his threat level. His actions are crucial because they expose the Eternals’ vulnerability and initiate the unraveling of their established order. Furthermore, Kro’s pursuit of power mirrors the Eternals’ own internal conflicts about their purpose, highlighting the moral grey areas of their existence.
H3 What is the Emergence, and why does it drive Ikaris’s actions?
The Emergence is the birth of a Celestial from within a planet’s core, a process that inevitably destroys the planet itself. Ikaris is driven by his programming and loyalty to Arishem to ensure the Emergence happens on Earth. He sees it as his duty, regardless of the cost to humanity or his fellow Eternals. His internal conflict arises when he begins to question the morality of this programming.
H3 How does Sersi’s ability to transmute matter influence the film’s conclusion and Ikaris’s fate?
Sersi’s ability to transmute matter is crucial to stopping the Emergence. She uses it to transform Tiamut into marble, preventing the planet’s destruction. Her ability also highlights the potential for creativity and change, contrasting with Ikaris’s rigid adherence to the Celestials’ plan. Ultimately, it is this difference in perspective that leads to their conflict and Ikaris’s final decision.
H3 What happens to the remaining Eternals at the end of the movie?
At the end of the movie, some Eternals (Sersi, Phastos, and Kingo) are taken by Arishem for judgment, while others (Thena, Druig, and Makkari) are searching the universe for other Eternals. This ambiguous ending sets the stage for future MCU stories and suggests that the Eternals’ journey is far from over.
H3 Did any other characters technically die in the movie, even briefly?
While not Eternals, several humans and Deviants likely perished during the various battles, particularly during Tiamut’s partial emergence. However, the film focuses primarily on the Eternals and their internal struggles, minimizing the impact of these secondary casualties.
H3 What is the significance of the Eternals being unable to interfere in human conflicts unless Deviants are involved?
This restriction imposed by Arishem highlights the Eternals’ role as observers and protectors rather than active participants in human affairs. It forces them to prioritize their mission over personal feelings and moral considerations, leading to internal conflicts and questioning of their purpose.
H3 How do the deaths of Ajak and Ikaris affect the remaining Eternals’ relationships and motivations?
Ajak’s death forces the Eternals to question their loyalty to Arishem and their understanding of their mission. Ikaris’s ambiguous end serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the consequences of blindly following orders and the potential for redemption through self-sacrifice. These events lead to fractured relationships and a renewed sense of purpose for the remaining Eternals.
H3 Are there any hints in the comics about the future fates of Eternals who survived the movie?
Yes, the comics provide a vast source of inspiration for the MCU, including potential storylines and character arcs. Examining the comics can offer clues about the future fates of characters like Thena, Druig, and Makkari, although the MCU is not always a direct adaptation.
H3 What is the connection between the Eternals and Thanos? Is there any significance to his lineage in this context?
While Thanos is not directly related to the specific Eternals featured in the film, he is a descendant of a separate line of Eternals from Titan. His deviation from the Eternals’ usual benevolent nature highlights the potential for corruption and the complexities of genetic lineage. The film alludes to this connection, suggesting that the Celestials’ programming is not foolproof and can be influenced by external factors.
H3 Why is Ikaris’s death so ambiguous? What purpose does that narrative choice serve?
The ambiguity surrounding Ikaris’s death allows for future narrative possibilities within the MCU. It provides a sense of closure to his arc while leaving the door open for his potential return. It also serves as a powerful symbol of moral conflict and self-sacrifice, resonating with audiences even if his ultimate fate remains uncertain.
H3 How do the Eternals’ deaths contribute to the overall themes of the movie, such as free will, sacrifice, and purpose?
The deaths in Eternals are integral to exploring the film’s core themes. Ajak’s death highlights the limitations of blind faith and the importance of questioning authority. Ikaris’s ambiguous end explores the conflict between duty and morality, demonstrating the potential for redemption even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Ultimately, these sacrifices contribute to the Eternals’ journey of self-discovery and their fight for free will against the predetermined path laid out by the Celestials.