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Eternity (Marvel Comics)
Eternity (Marvel Comics)
Eternity (Marvel Comics)
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Eternity
Eternity as featured in JLA/Avengers #1
(September 2003)
Art by George Pérez
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceStrange Tales #138
(November 1965)
Created byStan Lee (writer)
Steve Ditko (artist)
In-story information
SpeciesAbstract entity
Notable aliasesThe Living Embodiment of the Universe
The Living Sentience of the Cosmos
Abilities

Eternity is a fictional cosmic entity appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by scripter-editor Stan Lee and artist-plotter Steve Ditko, the character is first mentioned in Strange Tales #134 (July 1965) and first appears in Strange Tales #138 (Nov. 1965).[1]

Debuting in the Silver Age of Comic Books, the character has appeared in five decades of Marvel continuity and appeared in associated Marvel merchandise including animated television series, films, trading cards, and video games.

Eternity appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Thor: Love and Thunder (2022).

Publication history

[edit]

Eternity debuted in an epic 17-issue storyline dubbed "The Eternity Saga", which occurred in the ongoing feature "Doctor Strange" in Strange Tales #130–146 (March 1965–July 1966).[2][3] The character was first mentioned in the 10-page story "Earth Be My Battleground" in Strange Tales #134 (July 1965), and first seen in the 10-page story "If Eternity Should Fail" in Strange Tales #138 (Nov. 1965).[4]

Following the publication's retitling as Doctor Strange, the character returned in issues #180–182 (May–July 1969), and thereafter continued to appear in stories that were cosmic in scope, including in Doctor Strange vol. 2 #10–13 (Oct. 1974–April 1975); The Defenders #92 (Feb. 1981); and a story by writer-artist John Byrne in Fantastic Four #262 (Jan. 1984) that attracted controversy. At the conclusion of that story, Eternity validated the existence of another cosmic character, Galactus. Howard University Professor of Literature Marc Singer stated Byrne used the character Eternity as a means to "justify planetary-scale genocide".[5]

Eternity guest starred in Secret Wars II #6–7 (Dec. 1984–Jan. 1985);[6] Silver Surfer vol. 3 #6 & 10 (Dec. 1987, April 1988) and with Marvel's cosmic hierarchy in the limited series The Infinity Gauntlet #1–6 (July–Dec. 1991),[7][8] and in its sequel, The Infinity War #1–6 (June–Nov. 1992).[9][10] The character played a pivotal role in limited series Avengers Infinity #1–4 (Sept.–Dec. 2000).[11] Major revelations about the character appeared in a storyline in Quasar #19–25 (Feb.–Aug. 1991). Other appearances, again in storylines that featured a cosmic theme, included Infinity Abyss #1–6 (Aug.–Oct. 2002);[12] and Defenders vol. 3, #1–5 (Sept. 2005–Jan. 2006).[13]

Eternity has also appeared in the alternate universe titles What If? #32 (April 1982), Marvel: The End #1–6 (May 2003–Aug. 2003),[14] and JLA/Avengers #1–4 (Sept. 2003–May 2004).[15] Eternity's origin, along with the birth of the Marvel Multiverse, was finally revealed in The Ultimates 2 #6 (2017).[16] He returned in 2019's Doctor Strange story arc "Herald Supreme".[17][18]

Fictional character biography

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Eternity, along with his twin sister Infinity, were born with the Big Bang.[19] They represent the universe, but each universe's Eternity and Infinity are actually cells of multiversal incarnations of them.[20] When separated, Eternity is the embodiment of time,[21] while Infinity is the embodiment of space.[22]

In truth, Eternity and Infinity embody the Seventh Cosmos (and later Eighth Cosmos). All of reality has perished and has been reborn several times in a perpetual multiversal cycle sparked by the Celestials. The First Cosmos was not a multiverse at all but an eternal universe that did not experience change nor decay. The cosmic being embodying this primordial universe, the First Firmament, was once the only being and created the Celestials and the Aspirants out of loneliness. The Aspirants were loyal, but the Celestials wanted creation, including the universe itself, to die and evolve. The climax of their war resulted in the Celestials' weapons tearing the first universe apart. The core essence of the First Firmament and the surviving Aspirants desperately fled to the void outside creation. The torn fragments of the sundered first universe then coalesced into a new being that was initially made up of hundreds of universes, which was the first multiverse, the Second Cosmos. However, realities quickly began to multiply infinitely, as each what if became its own what is. The Celestials created the beings later known as Beyonders to manage this. Because the concept of "death" was new, the Second Cosmos voluntarily ended itself, and the multiverse was reborn as the Third Cosmos, knowing existence and nonexistence. The Fourth Cosmos was embodied by a cosmic being that eventually became the Queen of Nevers, joined by its archetypal beings. The Fifth Cosmos added magic and the Sixth Cosmos added science. Furthermore, since at least the Fourth Cosmos, a mortal survivor from each incarnation was passed on to the next as a "Devourer"; for example, Moridun from the Fifth Cosmos became Omnimax in the Sixth Cosmos, and Galan of Taa from the Sixth Cosmos became Galactus in the Seventh Cosmos. When the Beyonders destroyed the Seventh Cosmos, the multiverse was restored by Reed Richards, Franklin Richards, and the Molecule Man as a direct continuation, the Eighth Cosmos, instead of a completely new rebirth.[23][24][25][26]

The first recorded human contact with Eternity is by Doctor Strange, who seeks the entity out when his master the Ancient One is attacked by former pupil Baron Mordo. After a series of battles with Mordo and his minions, and discovering that arch-foe Dormammu is secretly backing Mordo, Strange finds and speaks with Eternity. The entity advises Strange that he is capable of defeating his foes without aid, and Strange wins a duel with Dormammu (who is ultimately defeated by Eternity) and thwarts an attempted sabotage in his Sanctum Sanctorum.[27]

On New Year's Eve, the entity is kidnapped by Doctor Strange's foe Nightmare, who after causing time distortions that allow beings such as dinosaurs and barbarians to appear in New York City, appears before Strange and his aide and sometime lover Clea. Nightmare challenges the mystic to attempt to rescue Eternity, and after accepting, Strange enters Nightmare's Dream World. After an extended series of battles and a temporary defeat, Strange successfully recruits the X-Men foe the Juggernaut to stop Nightmare from merging his realm with Earth, and together they free Eternity. The entity then banishes Nightmare while Doctor Strange and the Juggernaut restore reality.[28]

The entity is aided by superhero team the Defenders, who locate three missing fragments of its being and convince them to rejoin with Eternity.[29]

Eternity is also summoned to the trial of Fantastic Four member Mister Fantastic, who is accused of saving the life of fellow cosmic entity Galactus. Eternity allows all present to momentarily possess "cosmic awareness", thereby allowing them to understand that Galactus is a vital part of the universe, despite the continued extinction of entire species.[30]

During a series of extended battles between cosmic hero Quasar and the villain Maelstrom (the avatar of the entity Oblivion), Eternity is revealed to have a "twin" entity, Infinity, with the pair representing the space-time continuum and the living force of the universe.[31]

The character appears with the entire cosmic hierarchy (eventually revealed to be "retconned" into an avatar of the entity[32]) during an encounter with the entity the Beyonder[33] and consults with fellow entity Galactus when the Elders of the Universe plan to destroy the latter (to initiate a new Big Bang and restart the universe).[34]

Abraxas was imprisoned inside Eternity and was released when Galactus died.

Together with the cosmic hierarchy Eternity opposes the Eternal Thanos when the villain wields the Infinity Gauntlet, although they are all eventually defeated.[35] Once Thanos is eventually dispatched (courtesy of his own carelessness), Eternity unsuccessfully advises fellow cosmic entity the Living Tribunal against allowing the Infinity Gems to be used in conjunction.[36] Eternity develops animosity towards the artificial being Adam Warlock, whom the entity encounters on several occasions.[37]

Eternity also "spawned" several "children", or concepts that became separate, independent entities: Empathy; Eulogy; Expediency; Entropy; Epiphany; Enmity and Eon (Eon is eventually killed and replaced in turn by the concept Epoch[38]).

Eternity is imprisoned by the Magus (the evil alter ego of Adam Warlock) who attempts to reunite the Infinity Gems for his own use. The villain is eventually defeated when Eternity merges with Infinity and together they strip the Magus of his newfound power.[39]

Eternity is also summoned by the superhero team the Avengers to reason with the cosmic entities the Infinites[40] and observes the attempts of Thanos and several of Earth's heroes to defeat several of his clones, who are dedicated to destroying the universe and in turn, Eternity itself.[41]

Eternity is one of the last beings (together with the Living Tribunal and Infinity) to be overcome by Thanos when he uses the Heart of the Universe to undo the universe and then remake it minus a fatal flaw.[42] During JLA/Avengers he met Kismet and the two fell in love. They are then kidnapped by the villain Krona when the Grandmaster engineers a merging of the Marvel Universe and the DC Universe, who use their connections to their universes in an attempt to destroy both so he can learn their secrets. After the Crisis was averted due to the Avengers and Justice League joining forces and defeating Krona, the two sadly parted ways.[43]

The entity's power is stolen by Dormammu and his sister Umar to remake the universe in their image. The pair are opposed by a reuniting of three of the original Defenders (Strange; the Hulk and Namor), with Umar betraying Dormammu and then being defeated in turn. Eternity's power returns to him and reality is restored.[44]

When an alien race's experiments in eternal universal observation cause damage to Eternity, he is narrowly saved by the actions of the Fantastic Four, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, Storm, Gravity and the Silver Surfer. Strange uses Gravity as a "scalpel" based on his gravity-wielding powers to cut out the damaged portions while Storm serves as a temporary host to Eternity's consciousness as the other heroes hold back the universe's "antibodies" as they try to attack the perceived cause of the damage.[45]

In the "Dark Reign" storyline, Eternity grants Henry Pym the title of Scientist Supreme, a scientific counterpart to the mystical title Sorcerer Supreme, as his scientific knowledge is advanced enough to be indiscernible from magic.[46] However, Loki later claims to have been posing as Eternity to trick Pym.[47]

During the Chaos War storyline, Eternity is summoned by Hercules to deal with Amatsu-Mikaboshi. However, Eternity tells Hercules that fighting the Chaos God will be like fighting an aspect of Eternity himself. Eternity remains confident that Hercules and his comrades will find a way to win.[48]

During the Time Runs Out storyline, the Beyonders are revealed to have killed Eternity as part of destroying abstract entities in each reality across the multiverse.[49]

Doctor Doom's killing of the Beyonders and use of their power to create Battleworld out of what remains of the multiverse revives Eternity, whose face and voice are replaced by Doom's. Glorian informs the Silver Surfer that reality being held together by Doom's will has turned Eternity into the will of Doom.[50]

At the end of the Civil War II story line, Eternity appears before Ulysses Cain when he evolves into a new being and becomes one with the universe.[51]

The cosmic team The Ultimates traveled Outside of the Multiverse to survey the timestream to evaluate its status after the rebirth of reality during the Secret Wars event. The forces outside Reality proved to be too great a challenge even for the immensely powerful and skilled super-team. They were rescued by Galactus The Lifebringer, whom the Ultimates had earlier cured of his hunger and transformed into a positive cosmic force, much to the former Devourer's gratitude. An aspect of Eternity had informed Galactus of their danger and requested he assist them. However, after rescuing the Ultimates, Galactus discovered to his horror that the actual totality of Eternity - the actual life force of the Multiverse rather than the aspects of him that usually interact with lesser beings - had been chained and imprisoned by some mysterious cosmic force. Eternity had used the rescue of the Ultimates as an excuse to lure Galactus there to warn him of his predicament and that all of Creation was in danger from his jailer.[52]

It was eventually revealed Eternity's jailer was none other than his predecessor, The First Firmament. The destruction of the Seventh and the rebirth of the Eighth Multiverse by the Beyonders during the Secret Wars had an unforeseen consequence: It provided an opening for the Firmament, who had been patiently waiting Outside, to attack the newly reborn and therefore greatly weakened Eternity with the goal of destroying the multiverse and restoring itself to the center of creation. The Firmament first chained and then began infiltrating Eternity with both its loyal Aspirant agents and taking control over the lesser cosmic entities that protected the cosmic balance in its component universes. For example, under the Firmament's influence, Master Order and Lord Chaos destroyed the reborn Living Tribunal in front of Galactus the Lifebringer and then found their servant, The In-Betweener and forcibly merged into a new cosmic being many orders of magnitude of power greater that called itself Logos. Logos then located the surviving Celestials and destroyed all but one of them. One of the Celestials was rescued by The Queen of Nevers. Logos then transformed Galactus back into the Devourer of Worlds, with an enormously increased hunger. The goal was to turn Galactus into a living weapon that would devour the Multiverse. Galactus was rescued again by the Ultimates and his current herald, the Anti-Man-who sacrificed his life to restore Galactus as the Lifebringer. Enraged, Galactus devoured Rostov, the Firmament's servant who had infiltrated the Troubleshooters and attempted to manipulate them into defeating the Ultimates. After devouring him, Galactus knew all Rostov knew. However, Galactus was now weakened and had to have time to recover before planning their next move. Eternity remained chained with the First Firmament acting against the newly reborn and therefore malleable Cosmic Order within him. Galactus swore to free him by any means necessary and the Ultimates agreed to help.[53]

Eternity Mask

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A black magical item created from Eternity's own substance during the sixth century by a group of renegade occultists to give whoever wears it equal power to anyone they may face, unless they are below the natural ability of the mask's user. This allowed for example, an untrained peasant to be on equal grounds with the Black Knight and fight him for three days straight. If the would-be user's intent was to commit acts of evil, the mask had no effect on them. So far the upper limits of this ability have yet to be established. The Mask has since then, been passed on from individual to individual and has been implied to have taken a role in the most important events in human history. One of the first known users of the mask was Jim Gardley (Masked Raider). Other users were the Black Rider, the Ferret, Thunderer and Jerome Hamilton (Blind Justice).[54]

Powers and abilities

[edit]

Eternity is a tremendously powerful abstract entity. He is described as the "living sentience of the cosmos,"[23] "the universe itself,"[20] "the personification of time,"[55][56] "the personification of the temporal aspect of the universe,"[32] the "temporal spirit of the universe,"[38] "the sum total of all that exists along the temporal axis,"[21] "the supreme time being,"[57] and "the beginning and the end and the all of time itself."[58] His sister and co-equal, Infinity, is the "personification of the spatial aspect of the universe."[22] Eternity and Infinity can merge, as they are two sides of a coin.[59] An embodiment of the universe, he has no real physical body. The entity can manipulate the universe to achieve essentially any desired effect, and as his name suggests, he is immortal and unaffected by the passage of time. Eternity can warp space and matter into a manifestation that can be perceived by lesser beings, or form avatars from another plane of existence known as the Dimension of Manifestations.[32] On occasion it manifests by possessing the body of exceptionally spiritually-strong mortal beings (e.g. Doctor Strange, Thor, Storm).[volume & issue needed] Each universe's Eternity is a fraction of a bigger multiversal Eternity.[20]

Thanos, wielding the Infinity Gauntlet, ranked Eternity's scale of power as above that of Lord Chaos and Master Order, equal to that of Infinity, but below that of the Living Tribunal.[60]

Reception

[edit]

Accolades

[edit]
  • In 2014, ComicBook.com ranked Eternity's introduction 56th in their "75 Most Iconic Marvel Comics Moments" list.[61]
  • In 2017, Den of Geek ranked Eternity 34th in their "Guardians of the Galaxy 3: 50 Marvel Characters We Want to See" list.[62]
  • In 2018, CBR.com ranked Eternity 2nd in their "Stan Lee's 20 Most Powerful Creations" list.[63]
  • In 2018, Screen Rant ranked Eternity 17th in their "Marvel Vs DC: The 25 Most Powerful Gods " list.[64]
  • In 2020, CBR.com ranked Eternity 1st in their "Marvel's 10 Most Powerful Giants" list[65] and 6th in their "19 Most Powerful Cosmic Marvel Characters" list.[66]
  • In 2022, Collider ranked Eternity 4th in their "19 Most Powerful Marvel Characters" list.[67]
  • In 2022, Screen Rant ranked Eternity 3rd in their "16 Most Powerful Cosmic Characters In Marvel Comics" list.[68]
  • In 2022, The Mary Sue ranked Eternity 5th in their "10 Most Powerful Marvel Characters of All Time" list.[69]

Impact

[edit]

"The Eternity Saga" culminates in the introduction of the character Eternity. The saga is frequently cited on lists of the top Doctor Strange storylines to read,[70] being called "Lee and Ditko’s magnum opus of oddity."[71] In 2017, CBR.com highlighted the surreal and trippy imagery attributed to the emergence of Eternity himself and his battle with Dormammu, when it was rated one of Marvel's top cosmic/space stories and voted 89th in the top 100 comic book storylines.[72][2]

Eternity possibly served as inspiration for Marvel writers Jim Starlin and Steve Englehart.[73][74]

Other versions

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Heroes Reborn

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In an alternate reality depicted in the "Heroes Reborn" miniseries, the Blur encounters and races Eternity.[75]

In other media

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Television

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Film

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Eternity appears in films set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in varying forms.

Merchandise

[edit]

A bust of Eternity was released by Bowen Designs and designed by the Kucharek brothers.[citation needed]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Eternity (Marvel Comics)

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from Grokipedia
Eternity is a fictional cosmic entity in Marvel Comics, representing the personification of the universe as the living embodiment of all matter and the abstract concept of time itself. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, Eternity first appeared in Strange Tales #138 (November 1965), where it was introduced as an omnipotent being encountered by Doctor Strange during his battles against mystical threats. As the sentient core of the Marvel Universe's reality, Eternity possesses near-limitless powers, including mastery over time and space, omniscience of all universal events, and the ability to manifest physical forms or avatars to interact with mortals and other entities. It serves as a guardian of cosmic balance, answering only to the higher authority of the , and has intervened in major events such as the saga, where it was temporarily overpowered by , and various incursions threatening multiversal stability. Eternity's form is typically depicted as a towering, humanoid figure with starry voids for skin and eyes, symbolizing the infinite expanse of existence, though it transcends traditional gender and can appear in diverse manifestations. Throughout its history, Eternity has allied with heroes like , the Defenders, , and the in defending reality from existential dangers, while clashing with adversaries including , , , and , who seek to disrupt or usurp cosmic order. Born alongside the current universe following the of its predecessor, Eternity embodies the ongoing cycle of creation and entropy, and its influence extends to key storylines like the and events, as well as more recent narratives in (2015–2017) and Defenders: Beyond (2022), where it grapples with multiversal threats and the abstract forces of and . Despite its godlike status, Eternity has faced vulnerabilities, such as power drains from chaotic forces or artifacts like the , underscoring its role not as an invincible deity but as a pivotal force in maintaining the fragile equilibrium of existence.

Creation and Publication

Concept and Debut

Eternity was created by scripter-editor Stan Lee and artist-plotter Steve Ditko during Marvel Comics' Silver Age, as a cosmic entity to expand the mystical and universal scope of the Doctor Strange series. The character debuted in Strange Tales #138 (November 1965), in the story "If Eternity Should Fail!", where Doctor Strange encounters the being amid escalating threats from interdimensional foes. This debut formed a pivotal moment in a larger 17-issue Doctor Strange storyline spanning Strange Tales #130–146 (March 1965–July 1966), which chronicled the sorcerer's prolonged battle against the flame-headed tyrant and his minions. Within this arc, manifests in response to Strange's desperate plea for aid, granting him temporary empowerment to challenge Dormammu's conquest of the Dark Dimension and potential invasion of . From its inception, Eternity was conceptualized as the living embodiment of the and the passage of time, serving as the sentient representation of all existence within the Marvel cosmos. Steve Ditko's initial design depicted Eternity in a towering form, its body composed of a starry cosmos filled with galaxies and nebulae, visually capturing the entity's role as an eternal, all-encompassing force from the dawn of creation to its ultimate end.

Evolution in Storylines

Eternity's portrayal evolved significantly in the 1970s and 1980s, transitioning from a distant cosmic observer to a more integral figure in interstellar narratives, particularly those centered on the . During this period, Eternity appeared in key issues of Silver Surfer vol. 3, such as #6 (December 1987) and #10 (April 1988), where he served as a philosophical guide and embodiment of universal balance, interacting with the Surfer amid threats from entities like the . This expansion highlighted Eternity's role in maintaining cosmic order during escalating space operas, including encounters with and other abstracts. The 1990s marked a pivotal shift with Eternity's central involvement in high-stakes crossovers, most notably the Infinity Gauntlet saga (1991), where , empowered by the six , overpowered and imprisoned Eternity in issue #5, underscoring the entity's vulnerability to concentrated universal forces. This event elevated Eternity from passive sentinel to a direct participant in multiversal crises. Shortly after, in Warlock and the Infinity Watch #1 (February 1992), Eternity accused of unworthiness before the , influencing the distribution of the and reinforcing his judicial authority in cosmic trials. In the 2000s, Eternity's narrative presence deepened amid galaxy-spanning conflicts, including the Annihilation event (2006), where the Annihilation Wave's incursion decimated cosmic entities, with Eternity confirming the death of one of his manifestations and aiding in the restoration of universal equilibrium. By the 2010s, this evolution culminated in Secret Wars (2015), as Eternity fractured under the Beyonders' multiversal destruction in the lead-up via New Avengers (2013) #30, symbolizing the collapse of the seventh cosmos before his reformation in the eighth. Eternity's role further active-ized in Ultimates 2 (2016) #6, where the team probed the mysteries of his "chaining" by ancient forces, emphasizing his entanglement in ongoing multiversal threats and balances. Recent appearances from 2023 to 2025 reflect Eternity's increasing agency, particularly in the Storm (2024) series. In issue #5 (February 2025), Eternity selected as his champion in a trial-by-combat against Oblivion, the embodiment of void, thrusting the entity into direct conflict over universal existence. This arc intensified in #9 (June 2025), where a desperate Eternity abducted a powerful cosmic being and concealed it within 's sanctuary, culminating in her transformation into the Eternal to defend against existential perils. These developments illustrate Eternity's progression from an abstract overseer to an proactive guardian amid escalating multiversal instabilities.

Fictional Character Biography

Origins as Cosmic Entity

Eternity serves as the living embodiment of the , specifically , representing all time, space, matter, and existence within it. As the personification of time, Eternity encompasses every aspect of the cosmos, from galaxies to subatomic particles, acting as the universe's . This entity coexists with its counterpart , which personifies space, together forming the foundational duality of creation. Eternity originated at the dawn of the current , born from the of the previous cosmic iteration. This emergence positioned as one of the primary abstract entities, alongside , Oblivion, and , all of whom arose as fundamental aspects of reality under the oversight of the . Unlike mortal beings, possesses no traditional birth, aging, or , existing in an eternal state that defies linear progression. As a non-gendered abstract being, Eternity is often depicted in androgynous or male-presenting forms to interact with the physical realm, though its true nature transcends such constructs. In the broader , each reality manifests its own iteration of , with these individual embodiments unified as extensions of a greater multiversal Eternity, ultimately answerable to the One Above All. This structure ensures Eternity's role as a cornerstone of cosmic balance across all existences.

Key Conflicts and Alliances

Eternity's confrontation with during the events of (1991) highlighted the entity's vulnerability to concentrated cosmic power. When assembled the , he overpowered and imprisoned , absorbing its essence to reshape the universe in his image, though the refused to intervene directly. This imbalance forced to witness widespread destruction until orchestrated a reversal, freeing and restoring universal order. In (1985), Eternity formed a critical alliance with , the Celestials, and other abstract entities to counter the Beyonder's disruptive incursion into Earth's reality. The group channeled their collective power into a celestial weapon designed to contain the Beyonder's near-omnipotent influence, ultimately compelling the entity to withdraw after recognizing the limits of its understanding of mortal existence. This collaboration underscored Eternity's role in coordinating cosmic defenses against existential threats beyond mortal comprehension. The 2024–2025 Storm series featured in a trial-by-combat against Oblivion in the of Manifestations, with , empowered as the Eternal , battling Oblivion on 's behalf to prevent the void from consuming existence. The conflict escalated with the emergence of the primordial storm god , who slew Oblivion and threatened , igniting the Thunder War. , serving as 's avatar through divine intervention, ultimately defeated , affirming 's dominion over time and matter in a struggle among the primordial abstracts. Eternity has maintained ongoing interactions with key cosmic guardians, serving as a guiding force in their quests. , the Sorcerer Supreme, first encountered while seeking counsel against and later collaborated to liberate the entity from Nightmare's psychic imprisonment, which threatened Earth's stability. The , herald of , has communed with during explorations of cosmic boundaries, drawing on its wisdom to navigate threats like the . Similarly, has allied with multiple times, notably during the crisis where he directly aided its restoration, and in subsequent efforts to safeguard the from misuse. These partnerships emphasize Eternity's function as a neutral arbiter, empowering select mortals to preserve multiversal equilibrium.

Associated Elements

Eternity Mask

The Eternity Mask is a mystical artifact in Marvel Comics, forged from the essence of the cosmic entity to serve as a conduit for universal power. Created around 1,500 years ago by a guild of occultists in Britain during the Arthurian period, it was designed to empower wearers against formidable foes, specifically to challenge and the Black Knight by equalizing their abilities to match any opponent. This ancient relic has influenced key historical events across millennia, passing through the hands of various masked heroes who used it to alter the course of conflicts, from the Peasants' Revolt to the . The mask was prominently introduced in modern Marvel continuity in Marvel Comics #1000 (August 2019), revealing its ties to and its role in a conspiracy spanning history. It has been wielded by figures such as the Masked Raider (Jim Gardley), who employed it in 19th-century adventures, and later users during ; it was retrieved by following the Masked Raider's death, who stored it in the for safekeeping. Other notable users include , who donned it to navigate multiversal threats, and , who harnessed its potential in cosmic narratives. Unlike other mystical masks, such as the Mask of Death associated with darker entities, the Eternity Mask is not a severed part of 's form but a crafted extension of his boundless substance, emphasizing empowerment over destruction. Its primary powers revolve around granting the wearer temporary cosmic awareness, enabling glimpses into universal truths by perceiving time, space, and reality as interconnected narratives. This awareness provides intuitive guidance toward resolving existential crises and offers protection against cosmic threats through adaptive power mimicry, instantly replicating an opponent's skills, strength, or abilities—such as enhanced senses or combat prowess—provided the wearer acts with pure intentions. The mask's equalization effect has no apparent upper limit, allowing even ordinary individuals to contend with godlike beings, though it fails against purely archetypal or abstract manifestations of power.

Ties to Infinity and Other Abstracts

Eternity serves as the embodiment of time within the , forming one half of a dual cosmic entity alongside its counterpart , who represents space; together, they constitute the complete fabric of . This pairing positions and as inseparable aspects of existence, capable of exerting unified control over all temporal and spatial dimensions when they align. In moments of multiversal crisis, and have merged into a singular being known as Unity to confront existential threats, such as during the events of (1992), where their combined form defeated the Magus after he rendered inert. Such unions highlight their role in preserving balance against forces that endanger the cosmos. More recently, as of 2025, and have appeared alongside and the One Above All in #11, further exploring their cosmic roles in the G.O.D.S. narrative.[](https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/ ? ) (Storm #11) Within Marvel's cosmic hierarchy, Eternity operates as a fundamental entity subordinate to the , the multiversal judge who oversees all realities and declined to intervene during Thanos's wielding of , deeming it beyond Eternity's scope. The , in turn, answers to the One Above All, the supreme architect of the , establishing Eternity's place below these ultimate authorities. Eternity maintains rivalries with other abstracts that oppose its essence of enduring existence, particularly Oblivion, the personification of non-existence, whose ambitions for total annihilation are continually checked by Eternity and as siblings in the cosmic family. Similarly, Eternity has clashed with , another sibling abstract, though they occasionally align against greater perils, such as schemes by the to eradicate her influence. Eternity has made joint appearances with Infinity and related abstracts in major storylines, including Infinity War (1992), where they balanced creation against the Magus's destructive campaign, and Ultimates 2 #100 (2017), in which Eternity was liberated to confront the First Firmament amid a war threatening all realities. Eternity exerts influence on mortal and cosmic avatars by granting visions and insights into universal truths, as seen in its communications with the Silver Surfer, whom it has contacted through intermediaries like Galactus to reveal cosmic perils.

Powers and Abilities

Core Cosmic Powers

Eternity, as the living embodiment of the Marvel Universe, possesses nigh-omnipotent cosmic powers that enable manipulation of time, space, matter, energy, reality, and magic on a universal scale. This vast authority allows Eternity to alter the fabric of existence itself, transcending conventional physical laws and intervening in cosmic events as needed. For instance, Eternity has demonstrated this capability by empowering artifacts or beings to counter existential threats, such as providing energy to a weapon that neutralized the Beyonder's disruptive influence. Complementing its near-omnipotence is Eternity's omniscience within the , granting complete awareness of all events across past, present, and future timelines. This all-encompassing knowledge enables to offer profound insights or guidance to select mortals, such as advising during his confrontation with to navigate otherworldly realms. Through this omniscience, can selectively impart wisdom or visions, influencing outcomes without direct intervention. Eternity's immortality ensures it cannot be permanently destroyed, as its essence is intrinsically tied to the universe's existence; even if dispersed or seemingly eradicated, it reforms from the cosmic whole. This regenerative quality has allowed Eternity to endure assaults from entities like and , reforming after near-annihilation by through a process of universal reconstitution. As a projection of universal consciousness, Eternity can manifest avatars or partial embodiments to interact with the physical world, experiencing mortal perspectives while exerting influence. In one notable instance, Eternity selected (Ororo Munroe) as its champion in a 2024-2025 cosmic against Oblivion, empowering her as the "Eternal Storm" with amplified abilities to represent universal order. These manifestations allow Eternity to bridge the abstract and tangible realms effectively.

Limitations and Vulnerabilities

Eternity, as a fundamental cosmic entity embodying the universe and , operates within strict constraints imposed by higher multiversal authorities. It is bound by the judgments of the , the supreme arbiter of cosmic balance, which can override Eternity's actions to maintain equilibrium across realities. Similarly, Eternity cannot contravene the will of the One Above All, the ultimate creator and overseer of the Marvel cosmology, ensuring that its interventions align with the overarching structure of existence. Despite its vast powers, Eternity has demonstrated vulnerabilities to entities or forces surpassing its scope. The Beyonders, extradimensional beings of immense power, successfully fractured and ultimately destroyed the Seventh Cosmos incarnation of Eternity during the incursion events leading to Secret Wars. Thanos, empowered by the complete Infinity Gauntlet, overpowered and imprisoned Eternity, stripping it of agency in a direct confrontation. In more recent developments, Oblivion, the abstract embodiment of non-existence and a counterpart to Eternity, poses an existential threat, compelling Eternity to seek alliances and hide powerful entities to avert multiversal imbalance. Eternity's role is inherently limited to grand cosmic scales, rendering it unable or unwilling to address terrestrial or localized threats, which it delegates to mortal heroes and lesser entities. This focus stems from its nature as the of all life and time, prioritizing universal stability over individual crises. This vulnerability underscores Eternity's reliance on proxies like as a .

Alternate Versions

Heroes Reborn Universe

In the Heroes Reborn universe, designated Earth-9907, Eternity's manifestation is constrained by the pocket reality's artificial construction, engineered by the young mutant Franklin Richards to shield Earth's heroes from the destructive entity Onslaught during the 1996-1997 crossover event. This warped cosmos, lacking the full scope of the mainstream Earth-616 multiverse, results in a diminished presence for cosmic abstracts like Eternity, who operates more as a limited guardian rather than an all-encompassing force. Eternity's key involvement occurs in the concluding miniseries Heroes Reborn: The Return (1997), where it intervenes to aid the assembled heroes, including members of the Avengers, against the broader machinations threatening reality's stability—particularly those tied to Doctor Doom's lingering influences from the event's storyline. Petitioned by in the endless realm of time and space, Eternity assumes possession of Franklin Richards' blue toy ball, the critical portal linking to , vowing to safeguard it eternally and thereby facilitating the restoration of balance between the pocket universe and the primary Marvel reality. This act underscores Eternity's role as a neutral arbiter, preserving cosmic artifacts amid the chaos of interdimensional convergence. Distinct from its near-omnipotent portrayal in , where it embodies the universe's totality with minimal direct intervention, Eternity in Earth-9907 exhibits a more tangible, interactive quality, engaging heroes like Hyperion and the Avengers in a supportive capacity during the crisis resolution. However, following the 1997 events that saw the heroes' return to and the subsequent dissolution of the , no significant further developments involving Eternity have been depicted in this isolated reality.

Multiversal Variants

In the Marvel Multiverse, Eternity manifests as individual embodiments within each reality, collectively forming a greater Multiversal Eternity that personifies the entirety of existence across all universes. This supreme entity, representing the Eighth Cosmos, oversees the balance of infinite realities and acts as the ultimate guardian against threats that could unravel the multiversal fabric. Each universal variant serves as a "cell" in this larger being, ensuring cosmic harmony while allowing for localized interactions with . The Multiversal Eternity gained prominence in Ultimates 2 (2016), where it was depicted as imprisoned by the First Firmament, the ancient progenitor of the multiverse seeking to reclaim dominance after the events of Secret Wars (2015). The Ultimates—comprising Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Blue Marvel, and others—ventured into the cosmic fringes to liberate Eternity, confronting existential threats like Ego the Living Planet and Dark Celestials in what became known as the "Eternity War." This storyline highlighted Eternity's vulnerability to pre-multiversal forces, emphasizing its role in maintaining the post-Secret Wars multiverse. In Defenders: Beyond (2022), the Multiversal Eternity directly intervenes by assembling a new Defenders team—including , , , , and Taaia—to traverse beyond creation itself. Tasked with confronting an adversary endangering all existence, the team journeys past Eternity's domain into higher planes, such as the , underscoring Eternity's authority in dispatching champions against multiversal perils like the . This narrative portrays Eternity as a strategic overseer, capable of granting artifacts like the Eternity Mask to empower its agents. Variations in Eternity's power and form appear in What If...? stories, where alternate realities depict fragmented or evolved iterations adapted to unique cosmic scenarios. For instance, in What If...? #32 (1982), an empowered challenges Eternity, revealing aspects of its singular, multiverse-spanning essence amid a conquered universe, while other tales show it battling altered abstracts or aiding divergent heroes against reality-warping events. These depictions illustrate Eternity's adaptability, with powers ranging from universal reformation to direct confrontations that alter the entity's stability across timelines.

Reception and Cultural Impact

Critical Analysis

Eternity's debut in the Silver Age of , particularly in Strange Tales #138 (November 1965), has been praised for its innovative embodiment of abstract philosophical concepts such as the inexorable flow of time and the boundless expanse of infinity, introducing a cosmic scale that elevated narratives beyond earthly conflicts. This visual and conceptual design by captured the awe-inspiring vastness of the universe, serving as a metaphysical to human-scale heroism and influencing subsequent explorations of in Marvel's cosmology. Critics and fans have noted, however, that Eternity is frequently underutilized as a mere to resolve multiversal crises, appearing sporadically to intervene in threats like those posed by or without deeper character development, which limits its potential as a multifaceted entity. Recent storylines, such as the 2024–2025 Storm arc where possesses Ororo Munroe to battle Oblivion and unlock her ultimate cosmic form, have been highlighted for revitalizing the character's relevance by integrating it into ongoing narratives and emphasizing themes of possession and empowerment. Thematically, Eternity represents Marvel's engagement with through its role as the living embodiment of the universe's , grappling with cycles of creation, destruction, and renewal in a manner akin to DC Comics' Spectre, which similarly personifies and the precarious balance of reality. This parallel underscores both entities' function in probing the human condition amid infinite scales, where individual agency intersects with impersonal cosmic forces. Fan reception positions Eternity highly in cosmic entity rankings, often as the top or near-top most powerful being due to its multiversal scope. Yet, enthusiasts frequently call for more standalone stories to explore its psyche beyond reactive appearances, arguing that such depth would enhance its narrative impact in the broader Marvel lore.

Influence on Marvel Lore

Eternity's prominence in Marvel's official publications underscores its foundational role in cosmic storytelling. It was first detailed in the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe in 1983, with subsequent updates in the A to Z edition (2008), where it is classified as a near-omnipotent abstract entity embodying the universe's time and matter, ranking above most cosmic beings but below the . These handbooks have solidified Eternity as a benchmark for abstract entities, providing creators with a template for omnipresent cosmic forces. Additionally, Eternity frequently appears in fan-voted and editorial rankings of Marvel's most powerful characters, such as Comic Vine's Top 50 Most Powerful Marvel Characters, where it consistently places in the upper echelons due to its multiversal scale. As an archetype for abstract entities, Eternity has profoundly shaped Marvel's cosmic lore by inspiring the development of similar universal embodiments. It serves as a precursor to characters like the Phoenix Force, an immortal nexus of psionic energy and life that mirrors Eternity's role as the of all existence, with both entities often depicted in conflicts involving creation and destruction. This influence extends to modern events, highlighting the entity's role in maintaining universal balance amid existential threats from elder gods and voids. Eternity's integration into the 2025 Storm series marks a significant recent evolution, positioning the entity as a catalyst for elevated female-led cosmic narratives. In this storyline, selects (Ororo Munroe) as its champion in an epic clash against Oblivion, transferring aspects of its consciousness to her to heal multiversal injuries and transform her into the "Eternal Storm," a god-like form wielding enhanced elemental and cosmic powers. This development expands 's legacy by intertwining it with mutant lore, fostering explorations of multiversal expansions through a diverse . Merchandise tie-ins have further amplified Eternity's visibility, including the Eternity Mask crafted from the entity's own material in Marvel Comics #1000 (2019), which symbolizes its tangible impact on heroic artifacts and has been referenced in subsequent cosmic arcs. While no dedicated appeared in the 2023 Cosmic Legends line, Eternity's design from handbook illustrations has influenced custom and related cosmic collectibles, reinforcing its cultural footprint in fan communities.

Adaptations in Media

Film Appearances

Eternity first appeared in the (MCU) in the 2022 live-action film Thor: Love and Thunder, marking its debut as a cinematic entity in the franchise. In this portrayal, is central to the plot as a wish-granting cosmic being located at the center of the , accessible only through a perilous journey to its temple in the Shadow Realm. The film's antagonist, (played by ), pursues with the intent of using its power to eradicate all gods, highlighting Eternity's status as the ultimate arbiter of cosmic desires and the embodiment of boundless universal authority. Upon reaching Eternity, Gorr confronts its silent, imposing form, which grants wishes without , underscoring the entity's enigmatic and impartial nature. Visually, Eternity is rendered as a massive, golden statue with an expansive, ethereal silhouette, evoking a sense of infinite scale and otherworldliness that diverges from its origins, where it typically manifests as a starry, figure symbolizing the itself. This design choice emphasizes Eternity's role as a mythical, almost divine relic rather than an active participant in the conflict. As of November 2025, Eternity has no additional appearances in Marvel films, though its introduction in Thor: Love and Thunder has established it within the MCU's cosmic framework, potentially setting the stage for future multiversal storylines.

Other Media Representations

Eternity has appeared in several animated television series, often as a cosmic entity providing guidance or representing the universe's balance. In the 1998 Silver Surfer animated series, appears in multiple episodes, including "The Planet of Dr. Moreau," ", Part One," ", Part Two," and features prominently in the series finale episode "The End of ," where the character confronts the cosmic threat of , who seeks to bring about the end of the , and engages in a pivotal that underscores Eternity's role as the embodiment of time and reality. Eternity also makes a brief cameo in the : The Animated Series episode "The Dark Phoenix" (Season 3, Episode 13, 1994), appearing as an ethereal figure during Jean Grey's cosmic ascension to highlight the scale of her power. These portrayals emphasize Eternity's abstract nature, simplifying the character's multiversal complexity for episodic storytelling. In video games, Eternity's representations are rare and typically non-playable, serving as narrative elements rather than interactive characters. The character does not appear as a playable or summonable entity in official titles like the series from the 2000s or (2015 onward), where cosmic entities are often omitted to focus on hero-villain combat mechanics. Instead, Eternity's influence is indirectly felt through story modes involving or universal threats, but without direct involvement. Merchandise featuring Eternity has been produced through trading cards and collectibles, capturing the character's iconic starry form. Upper Deck's Marvel Allegiance Infinity Trilogy series (2023) includes card #40 depicting , illustrated by , as part of a set exploring cosmic lore with parallels and inserts highlighting the entity's power. Additionally, Upper Deck's Marvel Ages (2020-2021) features on card #173 in the Mid SP variant, emphasizing the character's role in Marvel's cosmic hierarchy. No official statues of were released in 2023, though fan customs exist; however, 2025 comic storylines tying to 's "Eternal Storm" arc have inspired custom figures and accessories for 6-inch scale action figures. Across these media, Eternity is often simplified for accessibility, reducing its multiversal depth to a wish-granting or advisory trope that aids protagonists without delving into philosophical abstractions from the . This adaptation prioritizes visual spectacle, such as glowing cosmic forms, over intricate lore.

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