Who Are Marvel’s Eternals and Celestials?

Marvel’s Eternals was released on November 5, 2021. The third installment in Marvel Studio’s Phase Four, this MCU film follows a race of immortal beings called Eternals. These beings have lived on Earth throughout all recorded history, rarely interfering yet undoubtedly shaping history and the world’s civilizations. Through their names, there are even connections between Eternals and famous mythological figures.

But who are the Eternals? And who are the Celestials to whom they answer? Before you start streaming, let’s explore the history of the characters, as well as their lore, and answer some important questions about our newest MCU super hero family.

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Eternals History

Celestials are cosmic entities that date back to the first known existing universe. These so-called “space gods” visit other planets to assess their lifeforms, judging which are worthy and which are inferior. In current Marvel comics, the AXE Judgement Day arc pits the X-Men, the Eternals, and the Avengers against a rogue Celestial. Celestials can also alter a planet’s evolution. From the baseline species of the planet, Eternals and their evil counterparts, Deviants, are formed.

Thus, one million years ago, Celestials created 100 Eternals for Earth. And then the Celestials vanished — though these destiny shapers are never too far to step back in when necessary.

As an evolutionary offshoot of humanity known as Homo immortalis, Earth’s Eternals are the guardians of the human race. These immortal heroes are gifted with extraordinary abilities and powers that make them the perfect protectors. In the MCU, our new heroes have lived somewhat secretly on Earth for 7,000 years.

They appear now to help humanity after the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019) and the return of half the world’s population following Thanos and Iron Man’s Snaps. Many have questioned why the Eternals were absent from the Avengers’ war. The reason is that the Eternals were instructed not to interfere unless absolutely necessary — that is, unless Deviants are involved.

The Eternals’ fight in the film will be against their Homo descendus, or Deviant, brethren. So with the unexpected, foreboding “emergence” beginning, it is absolutely necessary the Eternals come together once again to defend the planet. Director Chloé Zhao’s Eternals (2021) will focus on 10 specific Homo immortalis.

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Ajak

Eternals’ Ajak is the leader of the Eternals team and serves as the bridge between the Eternals and Celestials, most likely because she’s able to communicate with her creators when the other immortals cannot. Wise, caring, and in awe of humanity’s resilience, Ajak appears to lead the charge to reunite her Eternals after the emergence is triggered. She is a mother figure to the group, and also has the ability to heal.

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Sersi

Sersi has the strongest connection to humankind and planet Earth. Described as gentle, vulnerable, and compassionate, Eternals’ Sersi is sensitive and empathetic toward human plights and is even functioning quietly in the human world as a museum curator at the Natural History Museum in London.

She possesses the ability to manipulate inanimate matter. She is also described as having important relationships with Sprite, Ikaris, and a human named Dane Whitman.

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Ikaris

Eternals’ Ikaris is second in command. He is one of the most powerful Eternals, able to fly and project deadly golden energy rays from his eyes. Although he takes his role seriously as a protector, he is rather detached from humanity, as his long lifespan and their brief time on Earth keeps him emotionally distant. He believes strongly in the Celestials’ original objective.

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Kingo

Kingo projects cosmic energy from his hands. He is one of the most lighthearted of the superhuman Eternals. He is a master swordsman, a dancer, and a jokester. During his time on Earth he became enamored with the concept of fame. In order to blend in, Eternals’ Kingo becomes a popular Bollywood film star and producer — and he loves that spotlight.

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Sprite

Although this character might appear to be only 12 years old, Eternals’ Sprite is just as ancient as the other Eternals and is described as an old soul. Sprite values her relationships with the other Eternals highly but she’s also secretly envious of their physical forms. Her powers include creating lifelike illusions out of golden energy. In one instance, she decorates the sky with pseudo-fireworks as she tells a story to humans.

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Phastos

Phastos is an incredibly significant addition to the Eternals lineup. The first Black gay man in the MCU, Phastos lives with his partner and child, and seems far removed from cosmic conflicts. Clearly well-adjusted to a simple suburban life, Eternals’ Phastos is also extremely intelligent. He is an inventor of various technology and advanced weapons.

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Makkari

Like Phastos and Ajak, Eternals‘ Makkari has been altered dramatically from her Marvel comics counterpart — much for the betterment of the Eternals team. She is the first deaf super hero in the MCU. Makkari has super speed and appears to be romantically involved with her fellow Eternal Druig.

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Druig

An aloof Eternal who can manipulate minds, Druig seems to be the most morally gray of the bunch. In the comics, Druig is a being capable of great cruelty. He tortures humans for pleasure, and even attempts to betray Ikaris. It’s his interpretation of the Celestials’ objective that sparks AXE Judgement Day.

On screen, Eternals’ Druig isn’t quite that cruel, though he does question the Eternals’ purpose and isn’t afraid to think for himself.

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Gilgamesh

Gilgamesh is the strongest Eternal. Also known as the “Forgotten One,” this warrior and adventurer has long been mistaken as heroes from legend such as Gilgamesh or Hercules, hence his current alias. Eternals’ Gilgamesh is a proud fighter, with a strong connection to Thena.

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Thena

An Eternal who can form any weapon out of cosmic energy, Thena’s ability to wield various weapons and her athletic ability make her an elite warrior. Even when taken hostage by a Deviant, Thena remains unfazed by the terrifying harassment. Eternals’ Thena has a calm, levelheaded personality, though she loves to show off through her fighting style.

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