How Did the Collector Obtain the Reality Stone?
The Collector, Taneleer Tivan, acquired the Reality Stone (in its Aether form) through a transaction facilitated by the Asgardians. After Thor successfully retrieved the Aether from Malekith following the Second Dark Elf Conflict in 2013, he deemed it too dangerous to keep two Infinity Stones (the Tesseract being the Space Stone) in one place, Asgard. Therefore, Thor tasked his fellow Asgardians, Sif and Volstagg, with delivering the Aether to The Collector on Knowhere for safekeeping, or so they believed. This act of entrusting the Collector with such a powerful artifact set the stage for future events in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The Collector: A Cosmic Hoarder’s Obsession
The Collector’s fascination with rare and powerful objects is central to his character. As an Elder of the Universe, he possesses an insatiable thirst for acquiring unique artifacts and living beings, driven by a desire to preserve them from potential extinction or destruction. This compulsive need to collect makes him an intriguing and often unpredictable player in the cosmic landscape. His museum on Knowhere serves as a testament to his vast collection, showcasing specimens and relics gathered from across the galaxy over millennia.
The Aether’s Arrival on Knowhere
When Sif and Volstagg delivered the Aether to the Collector, they did so with the understanding that he would safeguard it responsibly. However, the Collector’s true motivations were likely far more self-serving. He saw the Reality Stone not merely as an object to be protected, but as a valuable addition to his already extensive collection, a piece that could elevate his status and power within the universe.
Events Following the Delivery
The Reality Stone remained in the Collector’s possession until the events depicted in Guardians of the Galaxy. When the Guardians arrived on Knowhere seeking to secure the Orb (containing the Power Stone), they encountered the Collector and learned of the Orb’s dangerous nature. While they were occupied with this revelation, Thanos arrived, seeking the Reality Stone for himself. It’s implied, though never explicitly shown, that Thanos either took the stone by force or the Collector gave it up. Regardless, the Collector’s possession of the Reality Stone came to an end, leaving Knowhere in ruins and the fate of the Collector himself ambiguous (though later confirmed to be alive).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Collector and the Reality Stone
1. Is the Collector immortal?
Yes, the Collector is essentially immortal in the MCU, like the other Elders of the Universe. Although he can be physically harmed, Death has barred the Elders from her realm, effectively preventing them from truly dying. This stems from his immense age and exposure to cosmic energies.
2. Is the Collector a Celestial?
The article states that Ego, The Grandmaster, The Collector, and Buri (Odin’s grandfather) were all renegade Celestials, but this information is inaccurate. In the MCU, the Collector is an Elder of the Universe, a distinct group from the Celestials. Celestials are god-like beings of immense power responsible for seeding life across the cosmos.
3. What are the Collector’s powers?
Beyond his longevity, the Collector possesses a limited ability to manipulate cosmic energies. However, compared to other Elders, he has focused less on physical self-enhancement and more on expanding his collection.
4. Why did Thor and Asgard trust the Collector with the Reality Stone?
This is a point of contention. While the official reason was to prevent two Infinity Stones from being housed in the same location (Asgard), many question the wisdom of trusting someone as inherently untrustworthy as the Collector. It was likely perceived as the lesser of two evils – keeping the Aether away from Asgard while still having a somewhat secure location.
5. Did the Collector want all the Infinity Stones?
The Collector’s keen interest in acquiring the Power Stone shortly after obtaining the Reality Stone strongly suggests that he harbored ambitions of collecting all six Infinity Stones. He understood their immense power and potential value.
6. Could the Collector use the Infinity Stones effectively?
While the Collector is knowledgeable and powerful, his primary strength lies in acquisition and preservation, not necessarily in wielding power. He might have struggled to fully harness the Infinity Stones compared to characters like Thanos, but even with just two stones, he could have posed a significant threat.
7. Was the Collector killed by Thanos?
No, it was confirmed by James Gunn that the Collector was not killed by Thanos when he acquired the Reality Stone. While Knowhere was left in ruins, the Collector survived.
8. How did the Collector get so rich?
As an Elder of the Universe, the Collector has had millennia to amass wealth and resources. He has likely acquired valuable artifacts and materials through trade, exploration, and even outright theft. His vast collection itself is a testament to his immense wealth.
9. Is the Grandmaster related to the Collector?
Yes, the Collector and the Grandmaster are considered practical brothers, being fellow Elders of the Universe. They share a long history and have occasionally interacted, as seen in the comics.
10. Why is the Collector interested in collecting things?
The Collector’s obsession stems from a desire to preserve life and artifacts from potential destruction. He believes he is safeguarding the future by collecting and protecting these items. However, his methods are often morally questionable.
11. What is Knowhere?
Knowhere is a celestial head used as a mining colony, specifically in its brain and skull. It is a dangerous and lawless place, making it an ideal location for someone like the Collector to operate relatively undisturbed.
12. What happened to the Collector’s collection after Thanos attacked?
It is unknown what happened to the entirety of the Collector’s collection after Thanos attacked Knowhere. Some items were likely destroyed, while others may have been salvaged or stolen. Knowhere itself was later bought by the Guardians of the Galaxy.
13. How powerful is the Collector compared to other MCU characters?
The Collector is powerful due to his longevity, knowledge, and access to rare artifacts. However, he is not a physical powerhouse like Thanos or Thor. His strength lies in his strategic thinking and vast network of contacts and resources.
14. Will the Collector appear in future MCU projects?
Given that he survived the events of Infinity War, it is certainly possible that the Collector could reappear in future MCU projects. His unique perspective and vast knowledge could make him a valuable ally or a dangerous foe.
15. What are the Games Learning Society?
The Games Learning Society promotes research and collaboration at the intersection of games and learning. To explore how games can transform education and research, visit GamesLearningSociety.org. This community is dedicated to understanding and harnessing the power of games for educational purposes.
The Collector’s acquisition of the Reality Stone was a pivotal moment in the MCU, setting off a chain of events that ultimately led to the Infinity War. His character serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the allure of power, even in the hands of those who claim to be acting in the best interests of the universe.