In the aftermath of Avengers: Infinity War, some Christian reporting circles pointed out that the Infinity Gauntlet bore a remarkable semblance to a popular holy item in Catholicism, the Relic of the Hand of St. Teresa. In truth, the Gauntlet closely takes after this ornate metal encasement containing the mummified severed hand of St. Teresa of Avila, and perhaps that’s by no coincidence. Upon closer inspection, the relic and the Infinity Gauntlet from both the comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe share more than just similarities in aesthetics. Nevertheless, their intent and purposes couldn’t be more different.
In the world of Marvel, the Infinity Gauntlet is primarily a weapon of destruction. When adorned with all six Infinity Stones, the wearer possesses a god-like amount of power. In contrast, the Relic of the Hand of St. Teresa of Avila is a tool of instruction to bring followers of the Catholic faith closer to God. While the writings of St. Teresa speak about how people can become the best versions of themselves through spirituality, it seems as if the Infinity Gauntlet mostly brings out the worst in people. At any rate, the physical similarities between the relic and the Gauntlet are hard to ignore.
First and foremost, there are a couple of different depictions of the Infinity Gauntlet in the films, such as the original design in Thor and the newer designs in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. However, only one of the Gauntlet’s iterations in the films is of the actual item itself. In Thor: Ragnarok, Hela reveals that the Gauntlet on display in Odin’s Trophy Room is a only replica of the original, complete with fake stones to make it seem more authentic. Moreover, in Thor, the model Gauntlet is worn on the wearer’s right hand, whereas in Avengers: Age of Ultron and in the Avengers: Infinity War teaser, the actual item is placed on the wearer’s left hand, the same side as it is in the comics.
What’s fascinating about these two versions of the Infinity Gauntlet is that traditionally, the left hand is associated with evil in Catholicism. Hundreds of years ago, the church considered left-handed individuals to be the devil’s servants. Catholic schools went so far as to force children who were left-handed to switch to be right-handed, or else nuns, priests and teachers would beat them if they didn’t comply with the change. While superstition and several bible verses reinforce this indictment of left-handed individuals, this irrational depiction of the orientation of evil doesn’t end with Catholicism. Likewise, it even extends to the Marvel Universe.
To be sure, many bible verses or texts in other religions reinforce the perceived fact that the right hand is superior and more respectful than the ungodly left one. Perhaps this is why the actual Infinity Gauntlet is wielded on the wearer’s left hand and not the right. Still, this theory doesn’t explain why the Relic of the Hand of St. Teresa is also left-handed. Be that as it may, this placement is no mistake. Followers of the Catholic faith believe St. Teresa’s left hand was incapable of corruption. Therefore, her left hand became a testament to her holiness and undying devotion to God. Incidentally, orientation holds meaning in the MCU, though it follows the more traditional depictions in Christianity.
When Tony Stark, Bruce Banner and Rocket Raccoon create the Nano Gauntlet, their version is worn on the side of God, the individual’s right hand, whereas Thanos, a false God, wields the artifact on his left hand. Interestingly, when Tony Stark fatally snaps his fingers to defeat Thanos and his army, sacrificing his own life to save the universe, he achieves martyrdom. However, in accomplishing this act, the entire right side of Tony’s body is charred beyond repair. This devastating phenomenon also occurs after Thanos snaps and the Gauntlet fuses with his hand. When Hulk does the same, the power of the Infinity Stones scorches the entirety of his arm.
Regarding the Relic of the Hand of St. Teresa, the divine markings of Christ’s wounds, also known as stigmata, can be seen through the transparent areas within the encasement. What’s even more thought-provoking is that when the wielder of the Gauntlet snaps their fingers, they damage their body in the process, reminiscent of the physical impressions seen inside the Catholic relic.
Undoubtedly, many elements within the MCU symbolize the fundamental themes featured in Christianity, such as altruism, atonement and absolution. Tony’s self-sacrifice and redemption arc are notable examples of this fact, and it’s no surprise that other facets of the films have been lifted from this religion to boot. In the end, the inspiration behind the Marvel artifact might be more than a coincidence after all.
About The Author
