Why Did the Eternals Remain Silent During Thanos's Invasion of Earth?

In the expansive universe of Marvel, the Eternals stand as a fascinating and enigmatic group of immortal beings. Created by the Celestials to protect Earth from the menace of the Deviants, the Eternals have maintained a stark silence during significant events such as the arrival of Thanos. This silence is deeply rooted in their directive from the Celestials to remain uninvolved in human matters unless Deviants pose a threat. However, their inaction raises intriguing questions about morality, duty, and the consequences of inaction, particularly when faced with a cataclysmic threat like the snap that erased half of all life in the universe.

Understanding the Eternals' Silence

The Eternals are akin to the cosmic equivalents of the Avengers, sworn to protect Earth, but with two crucial differences. Firstly, their directive to remain uninvolved in human affairs unless Deviants are involved is stringent. Secondly, their phylogenetic retirement following the death of the last Deviants means they have not actively participated in human affairs for nearly 500 years. This isolation makes them even more predictable and unlikely to be aware of smaller threats, let alone the impending danger of Thanos.

When Thanos invaded Earth, the Eternals were scattered worldwide, living quiet and uneventful lives, content with their new roles as retirees. The suddenness and unpredictability of Thanos's advance only compounded the challenge. It was Banner who, through a combination of luck and destiny, escaped Thanos's attack and managed to relay the information to Dr. Strange and Wong, the cultivators of the Other Realm. Even if the Eternals had somehow acquired this information, the logistics of gathering them and reaching Thanos in time were daunting. The entire attack lasted for just a few hours, leaving little room for a coordinated response.

Tell Me, How Does One Expect the Eternals to Know?

The Avengers, a team composed of human superheroes working together, themselves face challenges in communication and timing. The Eternals, with their mysterious existence and sworn silence, are even more inscrutable. When Thanos made his move, the Avengers, much like the Eternals, were taken by surprise. The expectation that the Eternals, who had retired from guiding humanity 500 years ago, would suddenly mobilize to fight a villain they had not encountered in their lifetime is a tall order indeed.

The Ceaseless Debate on Inaction

The question of morality and duty is central to any debate about the Eternals' inaction. Were they right in their adherence to the Celestials' directive, or were they wrong in their inaction, allowing a threat of such magnitude to materialize without any concerted effort to stop it? This debate is further underscored by the fact that not all Eternals are bound by the "no interference" rule. Dakab, residing in South America, has voiced objections to the Celestials' directive, suggesting that not all Eternals hold the same beliefs.

The Consequences of Inaction

The consequences of inaction in a scenario as dire as Thanos's attack on Earth are immense. For the Eternals, their silence was a choice made in accordance with their cosmic duties, but it also highlights the limitations of their roles. Heroes who fail to act in times of crisis often become martyrs or pariahs. The Eternals, by not acting, reaffirmed their commitment to their cosmic mission, but the cost of that commitment in the face of Thanos's wrath remains a poignant reminder of the complexity of heroism.

While the Eternals may not have known who Thanos was, nor the specifics of his plan, it is their silence that has dominated discussions in the MCU. This silence has sparked debates about the nature of duty, the ethics of inaction, and the cosmic balance that the Celestials seek to maintain. The Eternals' inaction during Thanos's invasion is a story that resonates with audiences, provoking thought and fueling discussions about the fundamental nature of heroism in the face of overwhelming odds.