Loki’s Heartbreaking MCU Sacrifice Deepens With Afterlife Rules From Thor: Love And Thunder

In the wake of Loki’s emotional sacrifice during the second season of Loki, another layer of poignancy is added by an afterlife concept introduced in Thor: Love & Thunder. Despite Loki’s absence in the fourth installment of the Thor franchise, which aligns with his demise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) during Avengers: Infinity War, the God of Mischief remains a central figure in his own Disney+ series. The first season debuted in 2021 to critical acclaim, while the second season, released in 2023, provided Loki with a tragic yet valorous conclusion.

By the season’s end, Loki assumes the role of guardian of the multiverse, taking over from He Who Remains at the End of Time. This transition not only ensures Loki’s immortality but also binds him to a fate where he shoulders the immense responsibility of maintaining the multiverse. While his newfound position epitomizes a noble evolution of his character after a decade of development, it also embodies an overwhelming tragedy, further compounded by revelations from Thor: Love & Thunder.

The Unlikelihood of Loki Reaching Valhalla

Loki using magic to destroy the temporal loom

The idea of Valhalla, deeply ingrained in Norse mythology, found its cinematic explanation in Thor: Love & Thunder. According to this portrayal, Asgardian warriors who fall in noble combat are welcomed into Valhalla, where they can enjoy eternal peace. Among the notable figures currently residing there are Odin, Frigga, and Jane Foster. Although Loki has embarked on a heroic path, his chances of reaching Valhalla seem slim.

While Loki’s demise in Infinity War was of heroic caliber, signaling his worthiness for Valhalla and a reunion with his family, his choice to become the multiverse’s guardian seals his fate to an endless existence. The first season of Loki illustrated the isolated nature of the End of Time, highlighting that encounters are rare, further insinuating that Loki’s circumstances may prevent him from experiencing death—or the opportunity to ascend to Valhalla.

Reasons Loki Might Not Ascend to Valhalla, Even in Death

Tom Hiddleston as Loki in Thor: Ragnarok

Kang the Conqueror’s existence at the End of Time demonstrated that while solitude is prevalent, death is still a possibility—as evidenced by Sylvie’s action against him. Although Loki may attract various individuals to his new throne, not all of them may harbor good intentions. If Loki were to sacrifice himself while defending the multiverse, he would theoretically merit ascension to Valhalla; however, this outcome may be hindered by his cosmic placement.

The End of Time exists independently of space and time, potentially complicating his relationship with Valhalla. If Loki were to perish in this timeless realm, he might remain unrecognized by Asgardian powers, making the journey to Valhalla unattainable. Given that Loki’s domain confines him to the TVA and its surrounding locations, the likelihood of him receiving the noble send-off he deserves appears grim, despite his worthy actions throughout Loki season 2.

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