Marvel has taken their time revealing the Infinity Stones over the films of the MCU and with only the Soul Stone left, fans are trying to figure out exactly where it is before Thor: Ragnarok reveals all in the setup for the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War. While many fans have considered that Ragnarok‘s Hela or even Heimdall might be wielding the stone, if a new theory is right the elusive Soul Stone may have have been in plain sight this whole time.
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The latest theory as to who is wielding the Soul Stone keeps it firmly within Asgardian grasp, but it’s not Heimdall or Hela who has it. It’s Odin. But how could it be Odin who is the current keeper of the Soul Stone? For that, we must first examine why Hela and Heimdall don’t.
The theories beyond this point may contain spoilers should these theories prove accurate.
Heimdall
As we have previously covered, a popular fan theory points to Heimdall wielding the Soul Stone. The evidence for it is pretty convincing. Heimdall, whose eyes are orange, states in Thor: The Dark World that he can see all the souls in the nine realms. This ability as well as the hue of his eyes would fall within the realm of what the Soul Stone is capable of. Also pointing to Heimdall having the stone is that, in Thor’s vision in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Heimdall is blind. If Thor’s vision indicates Thanos’ arrival, Heimdall losing his vision could mark Thanos’ taking of the stone.
However, in Norse mythology Heimdall’s sight is given to him by Odin. If Odin is the true bearer of the Soul Stone then it makes sense that he would also be able to give Heimdall his sight and the ability to see souls. It would also make for an excellent way for Odin to deflect suspicion that he has the Soul Stone for anyone who might be looking for it if all clues otherwise point to Heimdall.
Hela
The other popular theory is that in Thor: Ragnarok it is Hela who has the Soul Stone. Hela would be a simple way for Marvel to introduce the final stone considering that Hela has massive power over the dead, able to raise them to serve in her armies, powers that could be attributed to the Soul Stone. Hela has also been out of play, as it were, within the Marvel Cinematic Universe up until now which could explain why the Soul Stone has been off the board as well.
And for those who are counting on the Heimdall theory, Hela having the stone in Thor: Ragnarok doesn’t negate that theory. Heimdall could have the stone, but Hela could battle or kill him in order to take it — which could be why Thor’s vision reveals Heimdall to be blind and telling Thor “We are all dead!”
However, if Odin does have the Soul Stone and has simply been lending Heimdall his powers then Hela assuming Heimdall has the stone could be an honest mistake that, once she discovers it, could lead her to look for Odin herself to lay claim to the stone.
Odin
So that leads to Odin. Possession of the Soul Stone could explain Odin’s mysterious Odinforce, the powerful magic the King of Asgard uses to sense happenings over the Nine Realms, inspect the Aether in Jane Foster’s veins and rule as a benevolent king determined to keep creation safe and at peace. Keeping the peace would be a way to feed the Soul Stone as the stone grants its wielder control over life across the universe, which includes keeping things alive, not just bringing death.
And Odin having the stone, safely hidden in his covered eye socket, could explain Hela’s rise in Thor: Ragnarok. With the real Odin in exile, Loki has been ruling (in disguise) in his stead. This subtle change in leadership may have prompted Hela’s return and, potentially, be part of what restores her power. When we first see Hela in trailers for the film she isn’t exactly looking her best. She doesn’t have her elaborate helmet and she looks a little worse for wear, even if she is smashing Mjolnir. If Odin in exile does have the Soul Stone, he still may be vulnerable and easier for Hela to overwhelm. Hela taking the stone from Odin would explain Hemidall’s blindness as well as her own restoration to deadly glory.
Fans will find out the real whereabouts of the Soul Stone when Thor: Ragnarok hits theaters on November 3, 2017.
