The concept of the Sacred Timeline and the Multiverse originates from the fictional universe of Marvel Comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), specifically explored in the Disney+ series "Loki." In the MCU, the Sacred Timeline refers to the timeline that the Time Variance Authority (TVA) seeks to maintain and protect. It represents a single timeline that the TVA believes should unfold according to their perception of order.
According to the TVA's doctrine, any deviations from the Sacred Timeline create branching timelines, known as Nexus Events, which can lead to chaos and threaten the stability of the multiverse. The TVA's mission is to prune these branches and ensure the existence of a single timeline.
However, the existence of different Loki variants within the TVA itself does imply the existence of other universes or timelines. Each variant represents a version of Loki from an alternate timeline, suggesting that various timelines or universes do indeed exist within the multiverse.
In the Marvel Comics multiverse, the concept is more complex and extensive, with countless alternate realities and universes coexisting simultaneously. Each universe may have its own distinct timeline and version of events, featuring variations of characters and storylines. These different universes can sometimes interact or intersect through events like crossovers or dimensional travel.
In "Loki," the introduction of the Multiverse is hinted at as the Sacred Timeline's stability is challenged, leading to branching timelines and the possibility of a more expansive multiverse. The coexistence of different Loki variants demonstrates the existence of alternate timelines or universes that exist parallel to the Sacred Timeline.
It's important to note that the Marvel Comics and the MCU present fictional concepts and interpretations of time, timelines, and the multiverse. While they provide intriguing narratives and explore the idea of alternate realities, they do not represent scientific theories or explanations of our real-world understanding of the universe.