Why Didn't Asgard Send Their Army to Help Defend New York and Capture Loki in the First Avengers Movie?
The decision of Asgard not to dispatch their army to defend New York and capture Loki during the events of the first Avengers movie is a complex one that involves political, familial, and logistical considerations. Let's delve into these aspects in detail.
Political Considerations
Asgard operates under its own laws and governance. Sending an army to Earth could be seen as an act of war or interference in Earth's affairs, which might violate Asgardian principles of sovereignty and non-intervention. This approach aligns with their views on international states and their desire to maintain order within their own realms.
Loki's Status
Loki is not just a threat to Earth; he is also a prince of Asgard. His actions are complex, involving personal motivations and family dynamics. Asgard likely viewed his situation as one that needed to be resolved internally rather than through military action. Sending an army could elevate the stakes and turn a familial and personal debate into a larger conflict, which is not in Asgard's best interest.
Thor's Role
Thor, Loki's brother, is on Earth to deal with the situation personally. He believes he can reason with Loki and prevent further chaos. Thor’s personal connection to Loki may have influenced Asgard's decision to allow him to handle the matter without military intervention. This approach reflects a trust in family ties and personal dialogue over brute force.
Focus on Earth’s Heroes
The Avengers, an Earth-based team of heroes, are capable of handling the threat. Asgard likely trusted that the Avengers could manage the situation and did not want to undermine their efforts or detract from their importance on the global stage. This decision also allows Asgard to maintain a supportive role without taking the spotlight.
Logistical Issues
Deploying an army to Earth would involve significant logistical challenges and time. Asgard may not have been in a position to mobilize its forces quickly enough to be effective in the immediate crisis. The decision to let events unfold as they did reflects the practical considerations of an intergalactic civilization.
The Bifrost's Role
The destruction of the Bifrost further complicates the situation. According to Loki, sending Thor to Earth required Odin to expend considerable resources. The Bifrost, Asgard's primary means of transportation, was destroyed, and its repair required significant dark magic. This limitation means that Asgard could not easily dispatch their army to Earth at that time.
Implications from Thor and The Avengers
In the movie Thor, it is shown that Odin is quite weak due to his age. This weakness is further illustrated by the necessity to use dark magic to send Thor to Earth. In The Avengers, the Bifrost is indeed destroyed, and Asgard uses a machine to send Thor to Earth, as detailed in the official prequel comic. This act demonstrates that they lacked the resources to send their army to Earth.
The Use of Gungnir and Gjallarhorn
It is argued that Gungnir, Odin’s spear, is not capable of summoning the Bifrost. Even though it was shown that Odin used Gungnir to travel to Jotunheim, Heimdall, the Bifrost's keeper, is seen operating the Bifrost in the next scene. This suggests that Gungnir was more of a symbolic weapon, used for demonstrating Odin's authority rather than for activating the Bifrost.
In conclusion, the decision not to send Asgard's army to help defend New York and capture Loki in the first Avengers movie is a multifaceted one involving political, familial, and logistical considerations. The destruction of the Bifrost and the necessity to use dark magic to send Thor to Earth further underscore the complexity of this decision.