How Did The Tesseract Get to Earth? Unraveling the Cosmic Mystery
The Tesseract, or Space Stone, arrived on Earth during the Viking Age, deposited in Tønsberg, Norway, after being wielded by Odin himself. Its journey is intrinsically tied to the cosmic power struggles that shaped the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the influence of the Asgardians on early Earth history.
The Asgardian Connection and the Legacy of Odin
The story of the Tesseract’s arrival on Earth isn’t a tale of happenstance; it’s a chapter in the long and turbulent history of Asgardian intervention in human affairs. Odin, the Allfather, possessed the Tesseract at some point in the distant past, utilizing its power for his own purposes. While the specifics of how Odin initially acquired the Infinity Stone remain largely unexplored in the MCU, its presence in Asgardian hands is undeniable.
What is clear is that at some point, Odin decided that the Tesseract’s power was too dangerous to be wielded indiscriminately, or perhaps realized its corrupting influence could endanger Asgard itself. He chose to hide it away on Earth, entrusting its safekeeping (implicitly, at least) to the people of Tønsberg, a village with strong ties to Asgardian culture and mythology. This decision speaks volumes about Odin’s evolving understanding of power and responsibility. The precise reasons why Odin chose Tønsberg are not definitively stated, but its historical connection to Asgard and its perceived neutrality likely played a significant role. He likely felt the people there were trustworthy enough to, at minimum, keep it hidden from external threats.
The Cosmic Cube’s (the Tesseract’s Earthly designation) dormant form remained undisturbed for centuries, protected by the descendants of those who initially encountered it. It was not until the early 20th century that its presence was re-discovered, leading to a new era of intrigue and danger surrounding the powerful artifact.
The Red Skull’s Discovery and HYDRA’s Ambitions
The relative peace surrounding the Tesseract shattered when Johann Schmidt, the Red Skull, and his organization, HYDRA, unearthed it during World War II. The Red Skull, obsessed with harnessing its power for HYDRA’s twisted vision of global domination, saw the Tesseract as the ultimate weapon. His scientists, including Arnim Zola, relentlessly experimented on it, attempting to unlock its secrets and weaponize its energy.
HYDRA’s initial success in harnessing the Tesseract’s power was limited, but significant. They developed advanced weaponry capable of disintegrating targets, providing them with a considerable advantage on the battlefield. However, the Red Skull’s ambition soon exceeded his grasp. His hubris led him to attempt to wield the Tesseract’s full power directly, resulting in his apparent disintegration and the stone’s subsequent disappearance.
This event marked another turning point in the Tesseract’s journey. After the Red Skull’s defeat, the Tesseract was recovered by S.H.I.E.L.D. and locked away for decades, becoming a source of fascination and research but also a constant threat.
From S.H.I.E.L.D. to Loki: A Cycle of Instability
Following World War II, the Tesseract remained under the control of S.H.I.E.L.D., carefully guarded and researched at various facilities. Its immense power was recognized, but the organization’s understanding of its true nature remained limited. This period of relative containment was not without its challenges. The Tesseract’s energy signature attracted unwanted attention, and the temptation to weaponize it persisted within certain factions of S.H.I.E.L.D., foreshadowing the organization’s later corruption.
The Tesseract’s precarious security was ultimately shattered during the events of The Avengers. Loki, acting under the influence of Thanos, invaded S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, stole the Tesseract, and used it to open a portal, unleashing the Chitauri army upon New York City. This event demonstrated the catastrophic potential of the Tesseract in the wrong hands and its pivotal role in Thanos’s grand scheme to acquire all six Infinity Stones.
Loki’s escape with the Tesseract marked another significant departure in its journey, leading it out of Earth’s control and back into the wider cosmic conflict. The Battle of New York served as a harsh lesson about the dangers of possessing such a powerful artifact and the need for a coordinated defense against extraterrestrial threats.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Tesseract’s Origins and Impact
Here are some frequently asked questions that provide further insight into the Tesseract’s journey and its significance within the MCU:
FAQ 1: Is the Tesseract the same as the Cosmic Cube?
The terms “Tesseract” and “Cosmic Cube” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different aspects of the same object. The Tesseract is the container holding the Space Stone. On Earth, before its true nature was understood, it was simply called the Cosmic Cube. It’s the energy contained within the cube, the Space Stone itself, that grants its immense power.
FAQ 2: What powers does the Tesseract (Space Stone) possess?
The Space Stone grants its wielder the ability to manipulate space, allowing for instantaneous teleportation, opening portals to other locations, and warping distances. It can also be used to travel through dimensions and create pockets of altered reality. Essentially, it grants control over the fabric of space itself.
FAQ 3: Why did Thanos want the Tesseract?
Thanos sought the Tesseract (and all the Infinity Stones) to achieve his goal of balancing the universe by eliminating half of all life. The Space Stone would grant him the ability to travel anywhere in the universe instantly, making it crucial for his quest to gather the remaining Stones and enact his plan.
FAQ 4: How did the Red Skull disappear when he touched the Tesseract?
When the Red Skull attempted to directly wield the Tesseract’s power without understanding its nature or being able to control it, he was likely transported across the universe to Vormir. He became the guardian of the Soul Stone, cursed to guide others to it but unable to possess it himself.
FAQ 5: What happened to the Tesseract after Loki stole it?
After the Battle of New York, Thor took the Tesseract back to Asgard for safekeeping. It was placed in Odin’s vault, where it remained until the events of Thor: Ragnarok.
FAQ 6: How was the Tesseract destroyed?
Thanos destroyed the Tesseract at the beginning of Avengers: Infinity War to obtain the Space Stone. He crushed the Tesseract in his gauntlet, freeing the Stone and adding it to his collection.
FAQ 7: Was the Tesseract responsible for Captain Marvel’s powers?
Yes. When Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel) was exposed to the Tesseract’s energy during an experiment with the Light-Speed Engine, it infused her with immense cosmic power, granting her her superhuman abilities. This exposure fundamentally altered her genetic makeup.
FAQ 8: Did the Avengers use the Tesseract in Avengers: Endgame to travel through time?
The Avengers did utilize the Tesseract as part of their plan to retrieve the Infinity Stones in Avengers: Endgame, but the Tesseract itself wasn’t the mechanism for time travel. They used it to travel to 2012 and retrieve the Space Stone from that timeline. The actual time travel was achieved through the Quantum Realm and Pym Particles.
FAQ 9: What is the significance of Tønsberg, Norway, in the Tesseract’s history?
Tønsberg held a special connection to Asgard in ancient times, serving as a place where Odin would often visit and interact with humans. The town’s inhabitants were worshippers of the Asgardians and considered them gods. It was this connection and presumed loyalty that led Odin to choose Tønsberg as the Tesseract’s hidden location.
FAQ 10: Could anyone theoretically use the Space Stone?
While anyone could theoretically attempt to use the Space Stone, its immense power makes it dangerous for most individuals. Only beings with exceptional strength, resilience, and understanding of cosmic energies are likely to wield it successfully without being overwhelmed or destroyed. Red Skull is a prime example of someone who failed.
FAQ 11: Is the Tesseract the most powerful of the Infinity Stones?
Each Infinity Stone possesses unique and equally powerful abilities. The Space Stone is crucial for travel and manipulating space, but it is not inherently “more” powerful than the others. Their combined power is what makes them so formidable.
FAQ 12: Are there any other Tesseracts in the multiverse?
The concept of the multiverse, explored in later MCU phases, suggests that there are indeed infinite variations of the Tesseract (and all the Infinity Stones) across different realities. Each universe may have its own version of the Stone, with its own history and potential for influencing events. This opens up a vast realm of possibilities and potential conflicts within the expanding MCU narrative.
The Tesseract’s journey to Earth is a testament to the interconnectedness of the MCU, demonstrating how ancient events continue to shape the present and future. Its story is a reminder of the immense power contained within the Infinity Stones and the constant struggle to control them.