As per comics what is the role of the eternals in the Avengers: Secret Wars??

Secret Wars" is one of the most ambitious storylines in Marvel Comics, and as the MCU gears up for its adaptation, fans are buzzing with theories. While the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four are expected to take center stage, the Eternals—Marvel’s cosmic powerhouses—are undeniably positioned to play a critical role. But what does the source material suggest about their involvement in a multiverse-spanning war? Let’s dive into the comics to explore the possibilities.

Who Are the Eternals?

The Eternals are ancient, near-immortal beings created by the Celestials, cosmic entities who experiment on sentient species. Tasked with protecting Earth from their dark counterparts, the Deviants, the Eternals have always walked a fine line between guardianship and interference. While powerful, they are not omnipotent and often find themselves at odds with their creators, the Celestials, and even each other.

Secret Wars: A Multiversal Crisis

In the comics, "Secret Wars" involves the destruction and rebirth of universes, culminating in a patchwork planet called Battleworld. Created by the omnipotent Beyonders or their proxy, Doctor Doom (depending on the version), Battleworld pits heroes and villains from across the multiverse against each other. The stakes? The very fabric of reality.

Why the Eternals Matter

The Eternals’ connection to the Celestials makes them uniquely important in any storyline involving cosmic or multiversal stakes. The Celestials are often portrayed as judges of worlds, deciding which civilizations live or die. If the Celestials have a say in the events of "Secret Wars," the Eternals might act as their enforcers—or their rebels.

Potential Roles for the Eternals

Let’s break down the potential outcomes, as hinted at by the comics:

1. Celestial Pawns or Rebels

The Celestials are likely to view the multiversal collapse as a "natural pruning" of inferior realities. In this scenario, the Eternals could be tasked with ensuring the Celestials’ plans are carried out. However, this raises the question: would all Eternals comply? Figures like Sersi, who has consistently shown empathy for humanity, might rebel, aligning with the Avengers instead. Conversely, more loyal Eternals like Druig might side with the Celestials, creating internal conflict.

2. Advisors on Multiversal Mechanics

Given their ancient knowledge, the Eternals could serve as advisors to Earth’s heroes. They might provide crucial insights into the Beyonders, Battleworld, or the mechanics of multiversal collapse. For instance, Ikaris or Ajak could explain the larger cosmic stakes, helping heroes like Doctor Strange and Reed Richards devise a plan.

3. Sacrificial Protectors

In many Marvel Comics storylines, the Eternals grapple with their own existential crises. They’ve faced memory wipes, reboots, and civil wars. It’s possible they might see "Secret Wars" as an opportunity to atone for past mistakes. This could lead to a scenario where the Eternals sacrifice themselves to protect Earth or the new multiverse.

4. Conflict With Other Cosmic Entities

The Marvel Universe is crowded with cosmic heavyweights—the Watchers, Galactus, Eternity, and the Living Tribunal, to name a few. The Eternals might find themselves in direct conflict with these entities, especially if their actions threaten the balance of power. For instance, if the Eternals align against the Beyonders, they could clash with cosmic beings who see the Beyonders as a necessary force of destruction and renewal.

5. A Divided Role

The Eternals are no strangers to internal conflict. In recent comics, they’ve been portrayed as divided over their purpose and methods. Some might join the Avengers or the Fantastic Four, while others could become antagonists. For example, Kingo might fight alongside Earth’s heroes, while Thena or Druig could pursue their own agendas.

Comic Book Clues

While the Eternals haven’t played a direct role in past "Secret Wars" comics, recent storylines provide hints:

The Eternal Struggle Against the Deviants: The Deviants—and by extension, the Eternals—could be drawn into the conflict if Battleworld includes territories dominated by Deviants. This would add another layer of complexity, as the Eternals balance their mission with the greater multiversal stakes.

The Machine: In Kieron Gillen’s recent "Eternals" run, the Machine—the sentient system that maintains the Eternals—has been explored in depth. If Battleworld disrupts the Machine, the Eternals might find themselves weakened or forced to make drastic choices.

Thanos and the Eternals: Thanos, the Mad Titan, is part Eternal, part Deviant. If he appears in "Secret Wars," his heritage could play a pivotal role. Would the Eternals see him as an ally, an enemy, or a tragic figure caught between worlds?

Implications for the MCU

The MCU’s portrayal of the Eternals sets up several potential threads for "Secret Wars":

Their Knowledge of Celestials: With Arishem’s ominous departure in "Eternals," the Celestials’ judgment looms large. If the multiverse’s survival depends on the Celestials, the Eternals might have to mediate between Earth’s heroes and their creators.

Internal Conflicts: The MCU’s Eternals are already divided, with Ikaris and Sprite gone and Druig’s methods questioned. This internal strife could mirror their comic counterparts, creating tension and drama.

Cosmic Connections: Characters like Starfox (Eros) and Pip the Troll, introduced in the "Eternals" post-credits scene, could tie the Eternals more closely to other cosmic players like Adam Warlock and the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Conclusion

While the Eternals’ role in "Secret Wars" isn’t spelled out in the comics, their ties to the Celestials, their immense power, and their complex morality make them a wildcard. Will they be saviors, sacrificial lambs, or something in between? One thing’s for sure: their presence could tip the scales in this epic battle for the multiverse.

What do you think? Will the Eternals rise to the occasion, or will their internal conflicts and cosmic allegiances pull them in too many directions? Let’s hear your theories!