The Elders of the Universe are entities that embody the next level of collective power through the Soul Gems. By combining six gems into a single device, they harnessed the life force of Galactus to create a habitable planet, infusing it with life. The Silver Surfer intervened in this process, disrupting the machinery and causing the gems to vanish into a dark void.
After Thanos was resurrected, he immediately began his quest to collect the gems (which were then referred to as Infinity Gems). The origin of these gems stems from the fragments of a primordial being of the universe. In a moment of turmoil, it split into six distinct parts, each corresponding to the concepts of Power, Space, Time, Mind, Soul, and Reality.
The gems were forged by the In-Betweener and members of the Elders of the Universe. The titan Thanos sought these gems to create the Infinity Gauntlet. The wielder of a gem could exponentially increase their own abilities, depending on the unique properties of each gem and the user’s mastery over them. The Infinity Gauntlet is said to grant the power to transcend the very entities of the universe, like Eternity. Only the Living Tribunal and The One Above All can stand against the power of the Gauntlet. Below are the colors, names, and powers of the gems:
Green – Soul Gem
The Soul Gem possesses consciousness and its primary goal is to collect the souls of all living beings. It can: absorb the soul of another person in various ways; extract information by observing the soul or using the “Cold Light of Truth”; imprison souls within itself in another dimension; protect its wielder from soul absorption; and access the memories and abilities of souls trapped within the Soul World.
Red – Power Gem
This gem allows its user to access all forms of power or energy in existence. It can amplify the strength of other gems and enhance the effects of their powers. The user can replicate any physical abilities and become nearly invincible. It also serves as an infinite power source for any machinery or device.
Orange – Time Gem
This gem allows the user to control the entirety of time: past, present, and future. It can be used to travel through time, manipulate the age of any living being, and even trap individuals in a time loop. When in perfect sync with other gems, it permits the user to manifest in all time periods simultaneously.
Yellow – Reality Gem
This gem allows its user to alter reality, creating new realities at will, defying natural laws and logic. For instance, it could make 1+1=3… It can resurrect the dead, distort reality to an incomprehensible degree, and perform actions that were previously deemed impossible. In a critical state, it can change reality across the entire universe.
Purple – Space Gem
This gem allows the user to manipulate any dimension of space. It can be used to teleport themselves and others to any location, regardless of distance or barriers. It enhances the user’s speed, allowing them to appear in multiple places at once, and alters the distance between physical objects, defying physical laws. When used in conjunction with other gems, it enables the user to manifest anywhere in the universe simultaneously.
Blue – Mind Gem
The Mind Gem grants its user vast psychic abilities, including telepathy and mental manipulation. When in a critical state, it allows the user to connect their consciousness with all other minds in the universe at once.
With such immense power, the Avengers were able to counter and eventually defeat Thanos. How did they manage to withstand such overwhelming might? For answers, visit Heroes of the Great War to find out more right here!
The Power of the Beyonder – Coming from the Void
