Annunaki, Immortals, and Marvel

Summary

Sources

nerdist.com

Welcome to a journey that weaves together the ancient tapestry of mythology with the contemporary fabric of superhero narratives. The 'Eternals', a fresh addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, are not just new faces on the screen but emblems of an enduring legacy stretching back to the dawn of civilization. Imagine beings that champion causes, grapple with human frailties, and possess powers that echo the gods of old. This is what the 'Eternals' bring to life—a blend of the extraordinary with echoes of Greek, Roman, and Mesopotamian myths. These characters draw from a wealth of stories that have been with humanity for millennia, illustrating how modern storytelling continues to be indebted to our earliest legends. In 'Eternals', audiences are introduced to a diverse cast of characters, each resonating with a particular mythological figure. From Makkari's parallels to the swift Mercury to Ikaris, whose tragic narrative mirrors that of Icarus, the characters are not just random assemblages; they are a nuanced reinterpretation of mythic beings. The astute viewers might recognize how characters like Sersi share similarities with Circe, the sorceress, and Thena with Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war. These allusions are more than mere coincidence—they are deliberate invocations of the timeless tales that have shaped how humans understand the world and themselves. Furthermore, this interplay of old and new extends to Ajak, whose dual association with Ajax and Quetzalcoatl, from Greek and Mesoamerican myths, respectively, creates a character that is a compendium of courage and wisdom spanning different cultures. Notably, Gilgamesh anchors this celestial assembly with his storied past from Sumerian epics, standing as a testament to humanity’s oldest literary endeavors. The villainous Kro presents yet another fascinating case. While not one of the titular Eternals, his connection to Cronus—the titan renowned in Greek mythology—instills a sense of ancient gravitas and a conflict as old as time itself. As with the characters embodying deities such as Phastos, derived from Hephaestus, or the complex Eros, it is evident that these modern myths are not mere reflections of ancient ones, but rather dynamic reimaginings, blending traditional narratives with the ethos of the present day. Characters like Sprite and Kingo, albeit having less direct correlations to specific deities like Puck or Kingu, still manifest characteristic traits of their mythical forerunners. On the other hand, Druig's elusive mythical counterpart, potentially linked with Slavic deities or even Druidism, demonstrates Marvel's creative interplay with obscurity and interpretation. In each of the 'Eternals', there lies an invitation to explore the rich dialogue between the gods of yore and the contemporary iconography of superheroes. It is here, in this crossroads of past and present, that one witness how the essence of humanity's primordial stories reverberate throughout time, continuous and unending, shaping and enriching the enduring saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the rich tapestry of Marvel's 'Eternals', each character breathes life into age-old myths, reimagined for a modern audience. Peel back the layers, and it becomes clear how deeply these superheroes are rooted in ancient lore. Take Makkari, a character that embodies the swiftness and agility of Mercury, the Roman messenger of the gods. Known for speed that defies comprehension, Makkari reflects Mercury's or Hermes' in Greek mythology, role as a swift mediator. The god's winged sandals are emblematic of his fleetness—a characteristic that defines Makkari as the fastest among the Eternals. Just as Mercury acted as a bridge between the celestial and the mortal, listeners can anticipate that Makkari's velocity may be more than physical, perhaps bridging gaps in ways hitherto unimagined. Then there's Ikaris, with his name directly echoing the Greek legend of Icarus, a tale woven with the threads of ambition and hubris. Ikaris, like his namesake, is a masterful flier—capable of not only soaring through skies but also altering the fabric of reality with his molecular manipulation. The ancient story warns of flying too close to the sun; does Ikaris embody this allegorical lesson, balancing on the edge between pride and fall? Only time will tell if he will heed the cautionary beats of his mythical counterpart’s wings. The theme of power intertwined with humanity is further exemplified in Sersi, inspired by the sorceress Circe. Sersi's profound connection to humans and her centuries-spanning romance with Ikaris mirror Circe's own intersection with humanity and love. Circe's formidable powers changed men into beasts, hinting at Sersi's own transformative abilities. Here, the mythos speaks to influences over the physical and emotional realms—suggesting that Sersi's story is not just about power, but about the interactions that shape destinies. Thena, portrayed as the daughter of Zuras in the comics, is not dissimilar to the mighty Athena, who sprang full-grown and in armor from the brow of Zeus. Thena's embodiment of wisdom and warfare runs parallel to Athena's dual domains, revealing a character that juxtaposes intellect with might. Yet, like Athena, there is a prophetic nature to Thena's actions; with the wisdom of the ages guiding her hand in battle, the strategic depths she may reveal could be vast and unexpected. As each character unfolds, so too do their mythological parallels, creating a matrimony between the ancient world and the cinematic future. The Eternals stand not as mere replicas of these primordial figures but as evolved expressions of them—symbolizing through their powers, stories, and struggles, the timeless nature of myth and its everlasting impact on humanity's narrative. In this convergence of myth and modernity, listeners find a renewed relevance to the stories that have sculpted human consciousness since the very beginning. Within the narrative realm of 'Eternals', the characters bridge worlds and epochs, revealing layers of identity that connect the attributes of mythical figures across cultures. Ajak exemplifies this synthesis, echoing the valor of Ajax from Greek mythology and also embodying aspects of the Mesoamerican deity Quetzalcoatl. The fusion of the warrior's strength and a god's wisdom paints a portrait of a character as multifaceted as the cultural narratives that inspire them. Ajax, known for his formidable prowess in Greek battles such as the legendary Trojan War, was a beacon of physical strength and heroism. Similarly, Ajak's creation in the Marvel universe carries this legacy of bravery, shaping a character revered for stalwart courage and determination. Yet, there's another side to Ajak, one that mirrors the spirit of Quetzalcoatl, the plumed serpent, who stands as a symbol of inventiveness and creator of humanity in Mesoamerican lore. This duality of might and intellect converges in Ajak, crafting a narrative that spans civilizations and connects the dots between disparate legends. Parallel to Ajak’s narrative, the figure of Gilgamesh invites listeners into one of the most ancient hero’s journeys recorded. 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' presents a demigod king seeking the meaning of life and immortality—a theme universally resonant and perpetually modern. The Eternals' own Gilgamesh channels this epic's essence, showcasing not merely his prodigious strength but also his journey through the human experiences of friendship, loss, and the quest for understanding. On the other end of the moral spectrum, the character of Kro introduces a complex villainy reminiscent of Cronus, the Greek titan of time. Just as Cronus wielded formidable control before his eventual downfall at the hands of Zeus, Kro harnesses remarkable traits that make him a looming threat in the eternal narrative. His extended lifespan, an offering of time itself, might draw back the curtain on the ancient fear of what is both inexorable and inherent to the universe—change and the passage of time. These characters with their dual identities and allusions to mythic counterparts remind listeners that within the 'Eternals' lies a profound exploration of the very traits that define deities and humans alike. Strength and wisdom, the search for meaning, and the inescapable flow of time are themes as relevant to ancient listeners by the fire as they are to contemporary audiences in theaters. They forge a powerful connection between the grandiosity of lore and the intimacy of individual narratives. Here, the dance of duality is not merely performative—it is indicative of the multiple layers that construct our understanding of heroism and conflict, past and present. The 'Eternals', a pantheon of the new yet time-honored, continue to redefine the boundaries of mythology within the modern epic saga of superheroes. Each character not only pays homage to myths of old but also offers a unique lens through which to view contemporary narratives and moral quandaries. In this transformative light, Phastos, the inventive Eternal, resonates with the Greek deity Hephaestus, the master of the forge and divine craftsman. Where Hephaestus shaped the formidable artifacts of legends, Phastos wields his genius to advance the cause of humanity, working the metaphorical anvil to plow a furrow for civilization’s progress. His storyline converges innovation with creativity, a modern reflection of the timeless tales where tools and technology held a sway over the destinies of gods and mortals alike. The tapestry of love and lust is woven intricately through the character of Eros, who, much like his Greek counterpart, is entwined with passion and desire. Listeners find in Eros's narrative a complex array of emotions, a testament to the power of affection and its ability to unravel even the most disciplined of beings. This character embodies the moral tales of love's double-edged sword—a force for chaos and structuring relationships that underpin the very fabric of societies. Kingo's larger-than-life persona may trace a less distinct, yet intriguing, path to the Babylonian figure Kingu. Coupled with martial prowess, Kingu’s narrative is rich with the undercurrents of legislative power and the inception of mankind. In this reflection, Kingo's pursuit of influence and recognition could serve as a modern meditation on the themes of authority, sacrifice, and the origins that define individual identity. In the wavering image of Sprite, one sees the elusive qualities of European fairies and tricksters. The lore of sprites and mischief-makers who possess more than what meets the eye is mirrored in the complexity of Sprite's eternal youth. This character's arc is a tale of insight and illusion, the fine line between innocence and the deeper playfulness that can rattle the course of events—a perennial theme that touches the very heart of folktales. Lastly, the character of Druig, devoid of a clear mythological anchor, invites speculation and perhaps signals a deliberate shift from Marvel's creative minds. In such absences lies the possibility for innovation, an opportunity to step beyond the shadows of predetermined legends and craft a narrative uniquely suited to the ethos of the age. As these modern myths unfold, they champion moral tales that address the perennial questions of existence, love, power, and identity. The presence—and in some cases, the omission—of direct mythological ties, allows for a more profound engagement with the stories that have long guided humanity. Through the characters of the 'Eternals', listeners are privy to an evolving mythos, one that merges the ancient wisdom of tales told for millennia with the pulsating, ethical narratives of today, establishing contemporary lore for future generations.