Why Did Thanos's Gauntlet Work After Being Broken in Infinity War?
In the world of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the Infinity Gauntlet is a powerful artifact that represents control over the six Infinity Stones. However, the question remains: why did Thanos's gauntlet still function after it appeared to be broken during his battle with the Avengers?
Understanding the Gauntlet’s Purpose
The Infinity Gauntlet is not just an ornamental piece; it serves a functional purpose. Chiefly, it is designed to gather and stabilize the powerful Infinity Stones within it. This stability is crucial to preventing the stones from causing unintended harm. Without the gauntlet, the stones could burn the hand of anyone attempting to hold them. Instead, the gauntlet acts as a conduit and a protective mechanism, ensuring that the stones' energies are controlled and directed.
Damage vs. Breakage
The gauntlet appears to be damaged, not truly broken. This damage does not compromise its fundamental functionality. It is more akin to a malfunctioning electronic device rather than a structurally sound object. The stones themselves are so powerful that they can indeed fry the gauntlet, but the core purpose of the gauntlet—serving as a stable conduit—remains intact.
Functionality Despite Damage
Given the gauntlet’s role, it is durable enough to continue functioning even when damaged. This is crucial because the stones' power is immense, and the gauntlet is designed to withstand this power. In the movie, we see that even after taking a significant hit during the battle, the gauntlet still allowed Thanos to use the Power Stone to activate the stones, which then followed through with the snap. This suggests that the gauntlet’s primary role as a conduit and stabilizer is still viable even with some damage.
Comparison with Other Tools and Artifacts
Other tools and artifacts that utilize the Infinity Stones in the MCU include weapons and other devices, which are often custom-made to handle the stones' power:
The Orb: Disintegrates the wielder if held directly, but functions perfectly in a melee weapon. The Space Stone in Thor’s Asgardian cube: Thor and Loki can use it without issue, indicating it is not particularly special on its own. The Eye of Agamotto: Requires special magical skills to use but does not pose a direct physical threat.These examples suggest that the functionality of the gauntlet is secondary to the stones themselves. When a wielder, like Thanos, needs to use multiple stones simultaneously, the gauntlet is the most efficient and stable means to do so. The stones can be used directly to a certain extent, but the gauntlet allows for more complex and powerful uses.
Conclusion: The Gauntlet's True Purpose and Functionality
In conclusion, the gauntlet is a marvel of engineering designed to harness and control the power of the Infinity Stones. Even with damage, the gauntlet retains its primary function as a stabilizer and conduit for the stones. This is evident in Thanos's ability to use the Power Stone and activate the other stones, leading to the snap. The gauntlet’s damage does not render it completely useless, but it does prevent it from functioning at its highest capacity. Therefore, while the gauntlet appears to be broken, it still serves its purpose, albeit to a lesser extent.