After all of the questions that Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 2 has raised in its jam-packed episodes, we finally got an answer last week. The obelisk, a rather destructive object we were introduced to in a Hydra flashback, got a new name. Skye's definitely evil father presented it to Hydra's Daniel Whitehall and revealed that in its native language, the obelisk is called "The Diviner." Of course, it wouldn't be a good answer if it didn't raise about five other questions. What is a Diviner? What does it do? What is this native language you speak of, Doc? The most we've seen this object do is char people — lots of people. It has also revealed Coulson's alien symbols, which Skye deemed to be a map. Why would a Diviner need a map? Is it a map to the future or an alien planet?
Last season, we were lead to believe that there was a Clairvoyant in this universe. The team was skeptical. That type of power was unknown to exist outside of, say, Asgard. Sure enough, the team was right. There was no Clairvoyant. However, this obelisk seems about as real as they get. Is divination a possibility in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Is this gearing us up for Avengers: Age of Ultron, which will introduce us to the "age of miracles," Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch? That's what mutants are apparently called in this universe, since Disney Marvel does not have the exclusive rights to any X-Men characters. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's break down the possibilities for the obelisk now that we know what it's about.
It's an Infinity Stone
When this MacGuffin first came on the scene, most folks assumed that it was an infinity stone, myself included. The infinity gems are popping up all throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe and it would be neat to think that the television show could have one too. I still think this is a possibility. Based on the name "Diviner," this could be the Mind Stone. The stones have specific names and powers, and while we don't know all of them, the Mind Stone is as of yet unclaimed.
It's a Terrigen Crystal
Welcome back to Team Inhumans, where we discuss the clues leading up to the arrival of these special snowflakes of the Marvel Universe (not to be confused with the X-Men). Thanks to the folks at io9 for pointing out that the Diviner could be a Terrigen Crystal. It does have the right kind of shape. Terrigen is what the Kree used to give the Inhumans their supernatural abilities. While the mutants in X-Men are born with their powers and start to develop them at puberty, Inhumans are a little less metaphorical. Their powers are revealed once they are exposed to Terrigen mists. Possibly, when the Doctor said he could teach Whitehall how to "use" the Diviner, this is what he was talking about.
It's a Tool
Let's break down the word "diviner." That little object could have God-like powers. It certainly causes God-like destruction. We've seen that. It could grant people divine powers, which also fits the Inhumans theory. It could be used to predict the future, as per the practice of divination. Then there's the divining rod, a tool used to search for hidden water, ores, or gemstones. It is an ancient practice, called "dowsing," that is completely unscientific and therefore considered magical. Perhaps the obelisk is an alien version of this kind of device and instead of being an infinity stone, will help locate them.
The only thing we know for sure about the Obelisk? Giving it an official name just made it more confusing.
Images: ABC; Giphy (2); Getty Images
