With the number of elements that exist within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, consistency and continuity can often get lost. Loopholes can form, and theories find it easier to exist in the gray areas left by these inconsistencies. The latest example that fans seem to have noticed comes from Thor and Loki’s side of the franchise. Thor: Love and Thunder famously ends with Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster ending up in Valhalla.
She was able to enter the gates even though she was not Asgardian, all because she died in battle with the God Butcher, Gorr. In the early years of his story, long before Loki’s death, many fans assumed that Loki would not end up in the Asgardian afterlife because of his origins of birth.
However, with the exception made for Jane, one cannot help but wonder if the same was done to Loki after his passing in Avengers: Infinity War.
Did Loki Go to Valhalla?
In a recent post by Comicodigy, a question was posed to Marvel fans, asking them if the original version of Loki ended up in Valhalla after Thanos killed him in Avengers: Infinity War. An entire discussion was started because of this one question, with many possibilities and elements leading to different answers.
Immediately off the bat, fans disagreed, stating that he was not of Asgardian blood and was instead a Frost Giant’s son. Before Thor: Love and Thunder, one could have simply stopped here and dismissed his claim to this afterlife. However, after Jane Foster, a human from Earth, made her way through the gates of Valhalla, a lot changed.
Odin, I bid you take your place in the halls of Valhalla, where the brave shall live forever. Nor shall we mourn but rejoice for those that have died the glorious death.
In a conversation with Odin, Thor made it explicitly clear that the brave (Asgardians) and those who die a glorious death are allowed into their afterlife. This means that anyone who dies in battle is allowed to enter Valhalla. Since Jane died in a battle with Gorr, she was allowed entry.
The same could be said for Tom Hiddleston’s character, who was killed in cold blood by Thanos for no greater reason than a point to prove. Since he was defending and trying to save the Asgardian people, Loki was perhaps, given entry into Valhalla.
Loki’s Sacrifice—Murder or Battle?
While the speculation could have ended with the blood and origin of birth conversation, many could not help but point out how Loki wasn’t technically killed in battle. There was no great show of honor. There were no sounds of metal against metal. The only blood that was spilled was his, and he was murdered by the hunger of Thanos.
Due to this aspect, one could argue that he was, perhaps, not allowed through the gates of Valhalla because of this. However, another fan pointed out that, by this logic, Jane technically died because of her cancer and not because she was killed in battle. Since this did not affect her entry into the gate, it should not have affected Tom Hiddlestone’s character either.
Additionally, Loki’s past wrongdoings would also not affect whether or not he would be allowed into Valhalla because of one simple factor. In the comics, Frank Castle, The Punisher, went to Valhalla when he passed on, regardless of how much bad he had done in his life.
Neither was Jane
— Comicodigy (@comicodigy) July 1, 2024
There’s a real thin line with “dying in battle”. This didn’t feel like a fight or battle, it was more murder really. It’s difficult to say. I hope he is but with the Loki variant in ‘Loki’ it may be that he reunites with Thor instead
— Blacksmith Studios (@BlksmthStudios) July 1, 2024
Heimdall died after the battle the same way Loki did and he’s in Valhalla so maybe Loki has a chance
— J (@mvt4nts) July 1, 2024
Well he's a Frost Giant not an Asgardian
— Black Conrad (@TheBlackConrad) July 1, 2024
That’s my only question too because he redeemed himself.
— Avalean Stone (@AvaleanS) July 1, 2024
Since both of their hearts were in the right place, they both would spend their afterlives in Valhalla.
