One of the most entertaining aspects about the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been how creators will take facets from the comic inspirations, no matter how small, and bring attention to them. One of the best examples of this has been how Groot can only be understood with the words “I Am Groot.” The hilarious running joke that he’s hard to understand has never been deeply explored in the film and has raised many questions about why his language hasn’t been translated. But a new theory has offered a simple explanation that still connects to the known reasons why Groot hasn’t been understood for so long.
In a tweet from James Gunn, which answered a similar question, the Guardians of the Galaxy director explained that Star-Lord never had a universal translator. Instead, it was a standard one that didn’t have every language in the galaxy. So instead, Groot’s vocabulary is learned through a connection with him, which each of the Guardians and Thor gained over time, despite the latter’s joke about learning the language as an elective. But Reddit theorist SPACE_LEMON may have found an even more intriguing aspect built off Gunn’s initial statement.
According to the theory, Groot wasn’t understood in the first film because Quill’s translator couldn’t comprehend Groot’s ancient language. But rather than try to solve it, the translator instead relegates what it knows to the phrase “I Am Groot.” While the reasoning makes sense as his translator was never universal, there’s still the question of why it wasn’t updated with his language after Quill met Groot.
Although it hasn’t been explored in the film, the comic version of Groot was the last of an ancient race of aliens known as Flora Colossus. Their race was so ancient that their language may have been lost to history. If true, this would explain why Groot’s language could never be learned. It would also explain why Thor could understand Groot as he’s lived for over 1,000 years. As a result, it’s possible he met Groot’s race and spent time with them during his adventures, developing a powerful connection to them. Groot’s rarity as a species was also teased when they met The Collector, and he showed interest in keeping his body after his death.
The translators in Guardians of the Galaxy have even helped the likes of Captain Marvel interact with alien races. But as Quill showed audiences in the first film, when he couldn’t understand Sakaaran, they don’t have all languages. For now, it’s unclear how people in the galaxy gain language packs, but it’s clear that whatever the means, it would take time, and even then, Groot’s language may never be a part of them.
Space in the MCU has been shown as a cold and unforgiving place where people have to be on their guard and bonds are few and far between. Because of this, a character like Groot became even more special as he represented a forgotten mindset that involved selflessness, kindness and a connection in understanding him. As a result, everything from his species to his language and character is priceless. While the theory was never confirmed to be true, there’s no doubt that its existence only helps to display what has made Groot so special to so many.
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