The end of Ragnarök in Thor Ragnarok presented a fiery conclusion for many Asgardian threats, but the most pressing question for fans remains what happened to Hela after Ragnarök. The Goddess of Death, a formidable force unleashed upon Asgard, met her end in a cataclysmic battle. Yet, her story, or at least the implications of her demise, leaves many wondering about the true extent of her defeat.
The Goddess of Death’s Fiery Demise
Hela’s reign of terror was brought to a head during the climactic events of Ragnarök. Having conquered Asgard and enslaved its people, she stood against Thor, Hulk, Loki, and the resurrected Asgardian army. The battle was fierce, a clash of cosmic proportions that saw Asgard itself crumble. In the final moments, as Surtur, the fire giant, was unleashed to fulfill the prophecy of Ragnarök and destroy Asgard, Hela was seemingly overwhelmed and consumed by the inferno.
The visual spectacle of Hela being engulfed by Surtur’s flames was meant to signify her ultimate defeat. However, the nature of her power and the cyclical prophecies of Asgard have led to much speculation. Was she truly destroyed, or did her potent, immortal essence merely dissipate, waiting for an opportunity to reform? The official narrative suggests a definitive end, but in the realm of Norse mythology and comic book adaptations, death is often merely a transition.
Consider these points regarding her supposed end:
- Her immense power: Hela was not just a warrior; she was the embodiment of death, a cosmic entity of immense power. Such beings rarely have a simple end.
- The prophecy’s ambiguity: While Ragnarök was prophesied, the precise fates of all involved are sometimes left open to interpretation.
- Possible lingering influence: Even in defeat, her ideology and the fear she instilled could linger in the minds of those who witnessed her power.
The destruction of Asgard, orchestrated by Surtur to defeat Hela, is described in the film as a definitive event. Here’s a breakdown of that critical moment:
- Thor summons Surtur to fulfill the prophecy of Ragnarök.
- Surtur re-emerges, immensely powerful and vengeful.
- He battles Hela, overwhelming her with his fiery might.
- Asgard is consumed by Surtur’s flames, with Hela caught in the destruction.
This event was presented as a necessary sacrifice to ensure Hela could not continue her destructive path. The implications of her demise are central to the future of the Asgardian people, forcing them to find a new home and identity.
To delve deeper into the lore and understand the potential consequences of such a powerful entity’s apparent demise, you should refer to the information presented in the section above.