Ajak

I do see that they are the next evolution of the Human Race.

Now I want to start by saying two things: I’m Mexican and I’m not a sociologist or anything of that matter. Therefore I’m not academically qualified, but I do have enough of a cultural background to at least share my opinion. In this (hopefully short) essay, I’d like to discuss how Phase Four in particular modified characters so that they’d be of a different cultural background or change how their cultural background affects their story. The characters in question are the Eternals, America Chavez, Moon Knight and Namor.

I want to start with what I think is the best of them all, and that is Namor. Not just because I’ve been a fan of his for a while, but because he’s the best example of changing a character but not losing the identity. Because in all essence, his character hasn't changed. He is still the underwater king, he has chicken sized wings on his ankles, resents the surface world, and wants to attack it whenever he wants. What this version does add is some cultural significance to his plight, and a real feeling of resentment that many indigenous and Mexican people still have to this day towards the Spanish. His skin color and cultural change isn’t just theming, but it makes it richer.

Speaking of Latin American heroes, we have Moon Knight. What I like about him is surprisingly the opposite of Namor. While Namor showcases his culture, Marc/Steven are not. They don’t speak Spanish, or do anything stereotypically Latin American. That is until we learn the source of Marc’s condition, and that is without a doubt something any Latin American child has been threatened with or felt in their lifetime. And with Marc also being an US American, the distance shown between him and his father is also very reflective of how migrant children lose the family connection Latinos have in their home country. As for the Jewish part, I’m not touching that, but I’d love to know the thoughts of the people within that community down below.

Next up, America Chavez. Here’s what’s funny about Xochitl Gomez’s performance. Other than when she speaks in Spanish,and the Day of the Dead skull on her jacket, there is nothing uniquely Mexican in her performance. However, Doctor Strange 2 isn’t her movie, so I get why she didn’t get her time to shine, but I hope in future installments, she will. These thought also apply to Gael Garcia Bernal’s Werewolf by Night, because there really was no need in making him Mexican, but it was cool to see it.

And now we go to the difficult stuff, and that’s Salma Hayek as Ajak. Here’s the deal, I get the idea that Chloe Zhao wanted a multicultural group of “Gods”, and I think that is a great idea (just ask Neil Gaiman) , but it is kind of uncomfortable calling it proper representation. Because 1) she’s the sacrificial lamb of the story and 2) other than being the stereotypical single mother of many and the accent , what other traits does she have that are linked to the color of her skin? And that’s without even addressing the inaction in Tenochtitlan. Not to compare with the comics, but at least there the Eternals were enhanced humans, so the representation could be a bit more valid, but well, that isn’t the case here.

While I do have some thoughts on Shang-Chi’s and Ms. Marvel’s changes, I’d rather know what you guys think of those changes and if you guys liked them or not and why. Anyways, thanks for reading this, and hope you have a great day!

Some of them can be easily spotted, like Ajak, Ikaris, Phastos, Makkari, Thena are related to Greek mythology and legends, Gilgamesh is Mesopotamian. Sersi may need a little dig to find out to be Circe (who is a minor figure). Sprite is Puck. But with Kingo and Druig I have no clue. Maybe they are just made up?

Firstly, I do not intend on causing any controversy. I am just expressing my own observations. While watching the trailer, I noticed certain parallels with the Hindu beliefs:-

• Ikaris and Shiva/Vishnu- Both are somewhat stoic in nature. Shiva and Vishnu are described as a beings of pure energy. Vishnu is described as the protector and Shiva is described as the destroyer and renewer.

• Sersi and Parvati/Lakshmi- Parvati and Lakshmi are both described as Goddesses of fertility, prosperity, growth and sustenance of the world. Parvati and Laksmi are the consorts of Shiva and Vishnu, respectively.

• Phastos and Viswakarma- Viswakarma is the inventor God who constructs weapons and devices for other Gods.

• Gilgamesh and Hanuman- Both are extremely strong, but light-hearted and devoted towards their cause.

• Thena and Durga- Durga is a warrior Goddess who conjures different forms and weapons to eliminate 'demons'.

• Ajak and Dhanvantri- Dhanvantri is the deity of Healing and hospitality.

So, If these connections are intentional, Marvel has done a fabulous job at intertwining world history and beliefs with the history of the Eternals. :)