The Journey of the Tesseract from SHIELD to Asgard

In the vast and interconnected universe of Marvel Comics, particularly in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the Tesseract has played a pivotal role in numerous events. This article delves into the complex journey of the enigmatic Tesseract, from its time under SHIELD's custody to its final resting place in Asgard. We will explore the timeline and key events that have shaped this artifact's path from the 1990s to the events of Thor: Ragnarok.

SHIELD's Custody and the 1990s

Starting from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, the Tesseract, containing the Space Stone, was under the careful watch of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division). This unfathomable artifact, imbued with immense power, was kept as a top-secret project during a period marked by significant scientific and technological advancements. SHIELD managed the Tesseract until it was intentionally handed over to Howard Stark in the 1970s, as depicted in the film Avengers: Endgame.

The Events of Captain Marvel

As the narrative progresses to the 1990s, Captain Marvel shows us how the Tesseract remained in SHIELD's possession. However, this timeline took a dramatic turn with the events of Avengers: Endgame. During the timeline-warping missions, the Tesseract was temporarily retrieved by the Asgardians in Thor: Ragnarok, 2017. But this does not mark the Tesseract's final journey to Asgard.

The Intricate Timeline

Let's break down the timeline further. After SHIELD discovered the full potential of the Tesseract, it was given to Howard Stark, the father of Iron Man, who studied it for several decades. Eventually, in the events of Avengers: Endgame, the Avengers used the Tesseract to travel back in time. During their return journey, Loki, who was part of a secret Hydra operation, inadvertently dropped the Tesseract in 2012, creating an alternate timeline. This event was further explored in the series Loki.

The Tesseract and its Final Journey

The timeline of the Tesseract's journey from SHIELD to Asgard is somewhat unclear in the films. However, it is widely believed that the artifact was taken by Loki with the help of HYDRA and brought back to Asgard. In Thor: Ragnarok, it is shown how Loki used the Tesseract to invade Asgard, leading to Odin's downfall and the events that transpired.

Final Resting Place: Asgard

The final known destination of the Tesseract is Odin's vault, in Asgard. Over the next few years, it remained safeguarded until Loki stole it again during the events of Thor: Ragnarok. This theft set the stage for the events that transpired in Avengers: Infinity War, where Thanos took the Tesseract and added it to his collection, eventually using it to enhance his powers and bring about his nefarious plans.

Conclusion

The Tesseract's journey from SHIELD to Asgard is a tale of intrigue, manipulation, and power. From its mysterious beginnings to its eventual resting place, the Tesseract has been at the center of many pivotal moments in the MCU. As the universe of Marvel continues to expand, the Tesseract may yet play a crucial role in future films and series.

Keywords: Tesseract, Avengers, Marvel Cinematic Universe, SHIELD, Space Stone