‘What If…?’ Season 2 Episode 7 Summary & Ending Explained: What if Hela Became The Goddess of Life?

The conclusion of ‘What If…?’ Season 2 is drawing near. Across the six episodes, we’ve witnessed a series of extraordinary and imaginative scenarios. From Happy Hogan transforming into a purple Hulk to save Christmas to a fresh MCU superhero challenging the Spanish crown, the show has been filled with unique twists. In the upcoming episode, we’ll explore the repercussions of Hela obtaining possession of the 10 Rings. Let’s dive in!

Hela faced exile from Asgard

In the ‘What If…?’ rendition of Hela’s tale, it mirrors the origins of her MCU counterpart. Hela, alongside Odin, conquered the nine realms, but when the time came to relinquish their conquest and govern, Hela’s insatiable desire for more compelled her to urge Odin to extend their rule to the entire Universe.

Faced with this ultimatum, Odin, instead of consigning Hela to Hell, chose a different path and expelled her entirely from Asgard. He shattered Mjolnir and enchanted her helm, making it so that once she understood mercy, she could regain access to her godly powers. A similar fate befell Thor, adding an intriguing detail to the narrative. Odin’s reasoning was clear: a deity with such scant regard for life wasn’t fit to be a god of death, a judgment that proved to be astute.

Hela struggles to claim her crown

Banished to ancient China, Hela found herself in the vicinity of Master Xu Wenwu, who happened upon a peculiar crown that piqued his interest. As his army expanded across the area, Hela approached, asserting herself as the goddess of Death. However, she couldn’t ignore the unusual artifacts adorning Wenwu’s arms. Threatening to unleash her powers on Wenwu and his army, Hela failed to realize that she had been completely depowered.

To her astonishment, she discovered herself bleeding mortal blood for the first time. Undeterred, Hela, still a warrior at heart, attacked Wenwu’s men, only to face the formidable power of the ten rings wielded by Xu. Hela acknowledged that these rings were otherworldly, to which Xu retorted that so was she. Injured in pride, Hela implored Wenwu to lead her to her crown, promising to demonstrate true power. Surprisingly, Wenwu complied, guiding her to the coveted crown, only to witness discomfort as Hela struggled, unable to even lift it. Desperate, Hela pleaded with Odin to restore her powers, but the heavens remained silent.

Hela deceives Xu Wenwu despite a tempting offer

Captured by Wenwu’s men, Hela found herself swiftly transported to his palace. He extended a dinner invitation and even provided her with a stunning crimson gown, revealing an evident infatuation. Hela, astutely perceiving his intentions, sought to exploit his interest. Wenwu, in turn, explained that the ten rings were a gift, instrumental in his conquests and efforts to safeguard his people. He expressed a desire to enlist Hela for a similar purpose.

However, Hela, drawing on her past, recounted how her father once spoke in a similar vein until her ambitions surpassed his. Despite Wenwu’s assurances that he wasn’t afraid of her aspirations and wasn’t her father, he proposed a partnership to conquer the world together. The tension escalated, leading to a moment where they were on the verge of an alliance when Hela suddenly attacked Wenwu in an attempt to seize the ten rings. The assault was thwarted by the intervention of Xu’s men.

In her bid to escape, Hela accidentally fell through a roof, encountering Dijiang, who offered assistance. Seizing the opportunity, Hela commandeered a horse, with Dijiang in tow, as they set out to flee China and reach Scandinavia, where the worship of Asgardian gods still endured.

Guided by Dijiang, Hela makes her way to Ta Lo

Following their escape from Wenwu, Dijiang navigates Hela through the mystical bamboo maze, leading them to Ta Lo. As they arrive, Hela becomes acutely aware of the impending danger and determinedly pushes through the intricate maze until she emerges in the enchanted valley. It’s at this juncture that Dijiang abandons her, leaving Hela vulnerable to a brutal encounter with Jiayi.

Simultaneously, Heimdall, the vigilant guardian of Asgard, observes Hela’s disappearance from his sight. The reason becomes apparent—she has entered a pocket realm outside of the Universe, rendering her beyond Heimdall’s watchful gaze.

Hela is slated for training under the Ta Lo council

Upon awakening, Hela finds herself summoned before Jiayi, who elucidates the identity and purpose of the Ta Lo council. Eager to forge an alliance, Hela proposes enlisting their support for her vendetta against her father, Odin, Wenwu, and Odin’s new partner, Frigga. Jiayi counters, emphasizing the futility of combating darkness with more darkness. Undeterred, Hela devises a plan to leverage Ta Lo for her own ambitions, asserting her role as the goddess of death.

Positing that recruiting someone from the underworld could safeguard Earth from the realms below, Hela persuades Jiayi, who agrees to undertake her training. The initiation commences at Zenith, prompting a protest from Shunyuan. Jiayi, however, expresses confidence that Hela will refrain from any ill-conceived actions, just as the formidable Great Protector makes a powerful entrance into view.

Asgard expresses concern over Hela

Heimdall approaches Odin to convey the unsettling news that he can no longer detect Hela’s presence on Midgard. Odin, fearing the worst, assumes that mortals may have succeeded in ending her life. Heimdall suggests a disconcerting possibility—that there exists a force capable of wielding enough power to slay a god, namely the Ten Rings. Odin, deeply troubled by the revelation, apprehensively contemplates the potential threat to the hard-won peace he has tirelessly safeguarded if someone on Midgard indeed possesses access to the Ten Rings.

Hela grasps the purpose of her training

Embarking on her training regimen, Hela finds herself immersed in breathing techniques and meditation, activities she vehemently dislikes. Jiayi attempts to impart the significance of inner peace and balance, but Hela remains resistant until Jiayi compels her to revisit her childhood memories. It’s in this introspective moment that Hela confronts the true motivation behind her training.

In a recollection, Hela revisits Odin’s act of chaining Fenris as a pup to prevent him from becoming a threat. The lesson is clear—a skilled warrior imparts the knowledge to fight for one’s freedom, choosing to ally rather than rebel. It’s in this realization that Hela discerns her motivation: mastering martial arts to confront Wenwu, seize the Ten Rings, and ultimately challenge her father and the entirety of the universe. For Hela, the training becomes a journey toward the freedom to choose her own path.

Odin launches an assault on Midgard

Hela discerns a radiant burst of light in the distance, signaling the opening of the rainbow bridge. Swiftly donning her armor, she prepares for a confrontation with her father, seeking assistance from Jiayi. However, Jiayi emphasizes their role as guardians rather than an army, urging Hela to tread this path solo.

Encountering Wenwu amidst combat with Odin, Hela surprises both opponents with her continued existence. Odin, undeterred, reveals his concern over mortals wielding the Ten Rings, deeming them too primitive for such power. Ready to confront Odin, Wenwu and Hela unite, acknowledging the need to separate him from Gungnir.

A fierce battle unfolds, with Hela and Wenwu employing every conceivable strategy against Odin, yet Gungnir persists in returning to him. Jiayi enters the fray, and Hela, drawing on her acquired skills, succeeds in separating Odin from Gungnir. Instead of dealing a fatal blow, Hela opts for a different path, extending an offer of peace to her father and pleading for an end to the ceaseless violence.

Hela discovers the power of mercy and reclaims her crown

Despite offering Odin a chance for peace, he turns hostile, attempting to choke Hela. In a moment of newfound resolve, Hela echoes Odin’s own words, emphasizing that no god should wield power over death when they hold life in such low regard. Simultaneously, Hela is miraculously reunited with her crown, transforming into a Goddess of Life and the Queen of Asgard. She stands prepared to ascend to her father’s throne.

In the aftermath, the Watcher narrates that Hela’s influence extends across the cosmos. Instead of spreading war and death, she brings forth an era of peace. The final scene unveils Thanos seizing Gamora, with Hela and Wenwu swiftly mobilizing to thwart his advances.

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