The Ultimate Question: Is Thanos Stormbreaker-worthy?

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, is well-known for its unique enchantment: only the worthy can wield it. However, Thanos' choice of weapon, the Titan's prized Stormbreaker, presents an interesting comparison. Despite wielding this formidable axe, Thanos did not succumb to a fatal blow when Thor struck it into his chest during their confrontation on Titan. This raises the question: is Thanos Stormbreaker-worthy?

Why Wasn’t Thanos Surprised by the Blow?

Thor never laid a finger on Thanos in a direct confrontation. Instead, the blow was orchestrated as a reality stone sham, much like when Gamora stabbed Thanos in the neck on Knowhere. This premeditated attack strategy allowed Thanos to remain unharmed and walk away with his usual casual demeanor. His awareness of Thor’s presence from a mile away and his readiness for the attack indicate that he was not caught off guard. He was well-prepared for such an eventuality.

Thanos' Survival: The Power of Gems

Thanos’ survival in this encounter is attributed to the power of the Infinity Gems he possesses. He carried the Soul Stone and the Reality Stone, along with the Power Stone, which combined to make him almost indestructible. The Soul Stone allowed him to harness the essence of life and death, while the Reality Stone granted him near-unlimited power over the fabric of reality. These combined power sources kept him alive when he might otherwise have been slain.

Healing Through the Infinity Gauntlet

His survival is further emphasized by the fact that, when he used the Infinity Gauntlet to teleport away, he used its healing capabilities to mend his injuries. The Infinity Gauntlet's healing power is not just a plot device but a logical consequence of possessing the Infinity Stones. Each gem has unique and powerful abilities that collectively make the wearer nearly invincible.

Real-World Answer: Wristroom of the Writers

While the in-universe answer points to Thanos' superior power and the protective effects of the Infinity Gems, the real-world answer is grounded in the creative and plot-driven decisions made by the writers. Thanos had to survive to be the central antagonist of The Avengers (Phase 3) and Avengers: Endgame. His survival and continued presence allowed for the climactic events of these films, where the Avengers had to devise a strategy to reverse the effects of his snap.

Thus, although Thanos was not "worthy" in the traditional sense of the wielders of Mjolnir, his survival in the face of a potential killing blow from Stormbreaker was a strategic and plot-driven decision. The writers chose to make him tough and resilient to ensure that the story could proceed as intended.