Why Groot Was Able to Lift Thor's Stormbreaker in Infinity War?

Did Groot prove his worth?

Groot is without a doubt one of the most beloved characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He is adorable in his baby form and a fighter when on the battlefield. But, in the movie, Avengers: Infinity War, he did something which was quite surprising for many to see and that was lifting Thor's new weapon, Stormbreaker.

It is quite understandable because, in the past movies, no one was able to lift Thor's Mjolnir other than Vision. Yes, Captain America did scare Thor when he budged the hammer a little bit, but it wasn't enough to lift it. So, how was Groot able to pick up the Stormbreaker?

Keep reading to know more.

What actually happened?

For those who have watched the movie know that Thor, Rocket, and Groot traveled to Nidavellir to meet Eitri for forging a new weapon as Mjolnir was gone. When Thor created the Stormbreaker, Eitri looked for a handle. And, that's when Groot dismembered himself to create the handle with his wooden arm. It is without a doubt one of the best scenes of the film. 

Fans' speculation of the event.

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After the fans saw the sequence, theories began to swirl around how Groot did it. Many called him worthy of picking up the magical Asgardian weapon. Whereas, some said that the sentient tree was worthy. But, these are not the exact reasons.  

Recently, Russo Brothers confirmed the reason behind Groot lifting Stormbreaker.

The director of Avengers: Infinity War, Russo Brothers were asked by a fan to explain the scene and how Groot was able to pick Stormbreaker on Twitter. The directors wrote, "Mjolnir requires worthiness, not Stormbreaker." This means that the rules of Mjolnir do not apply to Stormbreaker. But, there's a catch...

Can everyone lift the Stormbreaker? 

Well, the answer by Russo Brothers is quite confusing, but it doesn't imply that everyone can lift the hammer. With Mjolnir, a person must be worthy and powerful to lift it. But, in the case of Stormbreaker, the person who is trying to pick it must be powerful just like Thor. The directors also said, "There are few people as strong as or stronger than Thor and you know who some of them are." So, strength is the primary factor and not worthiness. 

Another theory around Groot and Stormbreaker.

One theory suggests that Groot will come back in Avengers 4 through the handle of Stormbreaker. It will be interesting to see what happens with Groot.