In the seventh installment of "What If…?" Season 2, we venture into an alternate Marvel Universe where Hela, the Asgardian Goddess of Death, undergoes a profound transformation. The episode, "What If... Hela Found the Ten Rings?", explores a reality where Odin's firstborn daughter is not imprisoned in Hel but is instead banished to Midgard, setting her on a path that leads to an unexpected alliance and a new perspective on power.
The story begins with The Watcher recounting the banishment of Hela, Odin's daughter, who was stripped of her powers and her crown, which was enchanted to only be worn by one who "knows mercy." Hela's exile to Midgard is a stark contrast to her imprisonment in the main MCU timeline, and it is here that she encounters Xu Wenwu and his Ten Rings army.
Hela's initial attempt to reclaim her crown from Wenwu fails, and she is taken prisoner, with Wenwu hoping to convince her to join his forces. However, Hela's defiance leads to her escape from Wenwu's fortress after a failed attempt to steal the Ten Rings. It is during her escape that a Hundun creature guides her to Ta Lo, a hidden realm where she meets Jiayi, the leader of Ta Lo's people. Jiayi agrees to train Hela, aiming to uncover the true desires of the Goddess of Death beyond vengeance and conquest.
As Hela begins her training in Ta Lo, Heimdall loses sight of her and informs Odin of her activities on Earth. Odin, misinformed about the Ten Rings, believes Wenwu killed his daughter and prepares to attack Wenwu's fortress to avenge Hela and claim the powerful artifacts. Meanwhile, Hela's training starts slowly, but she eventually admits her true desire is freedom from the control she's lived under and the ability to forge her own path. This revelation leads to a breakthrough in her training, allowing her to master Ta Lo's powerful martial arts techniques just as Odin's forces arrive to attack Wenwu.
Hela decides to aid Wenwu in the fight against her father, resulting in a heated battle. Hela ultimately defeats Odin, choosing to spare her father and proving herself worthy of her crown once more. Odin, in turn, marvels at the change and growth in his daughter, prompting him to submit Asgard's throne to her. In a surprising turn of events, Hela unites the armies of Asgard with Wenru's forces and sets out on a quest to ensure freedom across the Nine Realms and beyond.
"What If... Hela Found the Ten Rings?" is a compelling narrative that explores the potential for redemption and the transformative power of mercy. It is a story that challenges the traditional portrayal of Hela as a purely malevolent figure, offering a glimpse into an alternate reality where even the darkest of hearts can find peace and a new purpose. This episode stands out for its exploration of character depth and the complex dynamics within the Marvel Multiverse.