In the seventh chapter of Season 2 of "What If…?", we dive into an alternate Marvel Universe where Hela, the Asgardian Goddess of Death, undergoes a mesmerizing transformation. Entitled "What If... Hela Found the Ten Rings?", this episode unfolds a reality where Odin's eldest daughter, instead of being imprisoned in Hel, is banished to Midgard. This twist sets her on an unanticipated journey, leading to an unforeseen alliance and a novel perception of power.
The narrative kicks off with The Watcher recounting the tale of Hela's banishment. Stripped of her formidable powers and her enchanted crown, which could only be worn by one who "knows mercy," Hela's exile to Midgard starkly contrasts with her confinement in the primary MCU timeline. It is on this strange new world that she encounters Xu Wenwu and his formidable Ten Rings army.
In her initial bid to reclaim her crown from Wenwu, Hela finds herself captured. Wenwu harbors hopes of persuading her to bolster his ranks. However, Hela's unyielding spirit leads to her daring escape from Wenwu's fortified stronghold, following a botched attempt to seize the Ten Rings. It is during this perilous flight that a mystical Hundun creature steers her towards Ta Lo, a clandestine realm. Here, she crosses paths with Jiayi, the sagacious leader of Ta Lo's inhabitants. Jiayi readily agrees to mentor Hela, endeavoring to unveil the true aspirations of the Goddess of Death beyond her veneer of vengeance and conquest.
As Hela embarks on her journey of training in the mystical realm of Ta Lo, Heimdall's gaze wanes from her, prompting him to inform Odin of her clandestine endeavors upon Earth. Misled by falsehoods concerning the menacing Ten Rings, Odin is convinced of Wenwu's culpability in the demise of his beloved daughter, and he resolves to assault Wenwu's formidable fortress, seeking vengeance for Hela and the mighty relics it guards.
Meanwhile, Hela's training in Ta Lo unfolds slowly but steadily, with moments of introspection ultimately revealing her heartfelt longing for liberation from the oppressive shackles she's long endured and the chance to carve her own destiny. This profound realization acts as a catalyst, propelling her to a mastery of Ta Lo's formidable martial arts, precisely when Odin's forces arrive to confront Wenwu.
Faced with this dire conflict, Hela chooses to stand alongside Wenwu, her sword now pointed towards her father in a fierce battle. With unparalleled prowess, she vanquishes Odin, yet in a moment of compassion, she spares his life, proving her worthiness to reclaim the Asgardian throne. Odin, in awe of his daughter's transformation and growth, willingly cedes the throne to her.
In a stunning twist, Hela proceeds to unite the armies of Asgard with Wenwu's forces, embarking on an audacious quest to secure freedom across the Nine Realms and beyond. "What If... Hela Found the Ten Rings?" unfolds as an engrossing tale that delves into the potential for redemption and the transformative power of mercy. It offers a refreshing perspective on Hela, redefining her beyond the confines of a mere villainess and illustrating a world where even the darkest souls can find solace and a renewed sense of purpose. This episode shines brightly, captivating audiences with its deep exploration of character nuances and the intricate tapestry of relationships within the Marvel Multiverse.
