Literature
Loki vs Scarlet Witch: Rewind and Reality in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Why Can Loki Now Rewrite Stories? Does This Make Him Stronger Than the Scarlet Witch?
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the complexity of characters like Loki and the Scarlet Witch adds layers to the narrative, especially when it comes to their powers and their potential might.
Character Evolution and Growth
Asgardians, including Loki, grow more powerful as they age, even if they are technically frost giants. Loki's journey, both in the comics and movie series, highlights his evolution from a manipulative and deceptive trickster to a more nuanced and formidable entity. This growth is not just about power but understanding and acceptance of greater truths. His time in the Time Variance Authority (TVA) provided him with key resources—time and friends—that are essential for his maturation.
Avatars of Infinity
Certainly, there are alternative theories on how Loki has ascended, aligning with the concept of the Avatars of Infinity. These powerful beings are influenced by the Infinity Stones, imbuing them with immense energy and abilities before they are destroyed. While Doctor Strange was originally thought to embody the Avatar of Time, it seems that this role now belongs to Loki. The Scarlet Witch would then be the Avatar of Reality, making both characters equally powerful in their own ways.
Powers and Abilities
Loki's abilities now encompass a significant aspect of time manipulation. In the finale of What If... Season 2, he demonstrates his ability to rewrite and reshape reality. This power allows him to 'rewind' time and prepare more effectively, essentially ensuring victory in a confrontation. For instance, with his enhanced powers, Loki could revisit events before his final battle with the Scarlet Witch, adjusting every detail to secure his triumph.
The notion of time comes from his experience in the TVA, which granted him not just time but also the wherewithal to understand and master its boundaries. This makes him a formidable opponent, as he can bend reality to his will and avoid conflicts by adjusting outcomes to his advantage. His power is seen as far more potent than that of the Scarlet Witch, who might be capable of grinding him into dust in a direct confrontation. However, Loki's ability to manipulate time ensures that such a confrontation never reaches a point where the Scarlet Witch can do so.
Significant Feats in the MCU
Loki's feat of dragging together and holding all the multiverse strands reveals his true power and influence. This act stands as perhaps the most significant achievement in the MCU, overshadowing even Thor’s post-Ragnarok power. The Scarlet Witch, despite her impressive abilities, pales in comparison to Loki's ability to manipulate the very fabric of reality and the multiverse.
Thus, Loki can be considered the King Who Remains, embodying a power that transcends time and reality, making him a stronger and more complex character in the MCU.