Loki: Myth vs. Marvel – The Tale of a Trickster

Loki: the delightful trickster, a fan-favorite outsider who conquered hearts worldwide. This video contains a few spoilers, but not too many—just enough to make you fall for this extraordinary character if you haven’t already. Played by English actor Tom Hiddleston, Loki made his Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) debut in *Thor* (2011). Since then, Loki has appeared in four more movies, and despite having less than 80 minutes of total screen time, his charm left fans wanting more.

His impact was so profound that Loki eventually got his own series, aptly named *Loki*, with its first season premiering in 2021. Season 2 followed in October 2023. Marvel drew inspiration for characters like Loki and Thor from Norse mythology. Loki, in particular, is based on the fire and mischief deity of the same name. However, how does the film version compare to the mythical figure? Let’s find out.

In the MCU, Loki is depicted as a broad-shouldered man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. In contrast, Norse mythology describes Loki with fiery red hair, a male-and-female physique, and scars stitched around his mouth. According to legend, his lips were sewn shut as punishment for breaking a wager. Loki’s shapeshifting abilities—also shown in the films—are another key trait.

Initially, Loki was introduced as a villain, opposing the Avengers and his stepbrother Thor, the God of Thunder. However, the movies hinted at Loki's earlier bond with Thor, highlighting shared adventures where Loki's cunning complemented Thor's strength and naivety. Over time, Loki’s scheming soured their relationship.

In mythology, Loki and Thor aren’t brothers. Some stories describe Loki as a "half-breed" with unpredictable traits. His father, Farbauti, was a Jotunn (a mystical giant), while his mother, Laufey, was a goddess. The MCU altered this dynamic, portraying Laufey as Loki’s biological father—a Frost Giant—whom Odin defeated and left for dead. Odin found the infant Loki in Jotunheim, adopted him, and raised him as a son. Despite this upbringing, Loki eventually betrayed Laufey to prove himself worthy of Asgard’s throne.

Mythological accounts depict Loki's relationship with the Norse gods as complex. He was both a companion and a trickster who sought to disrupt their control. One example of Loki’s mischief involved Thor’s wife, Sif, renowned for her golden hair. Loki, out of boredom, cut off her hair. Furious, Thor confronted Loki, who eventually replaced Sif’s hair with a golden wig crafted by dwarves. This prank, though disruptive, served to stir up change and avoid stagnation in Asgard, earning Loki both love and forgiveness from the gods—temporarily.

However, Loki's deeds grew darker over time. He orchestrated the death of Balder, the god of goodness and Odin’s most beloved son. Loki discovered Balder could only be harmed by mistletoe. Crafting a mistletoe dart, he tricked the blind god Hodr into fatally striking Balder. This act branded Loki as the ultimate villain. The gods punished him by binding him beneath a snake that dripped venom onto his face. His devoted wife, Sigyn, caught the venom in a bowl, but when she emptied it, the drops caused Loki immense pain, said to trigger earthquakes. Legend states Loki will eventually break free during Ragnarok, the apocalypse, to exact revenge.

Interestingly, Loki had a family in mythology. He was married to Sigyn, with whom he had two sons, Narfi and Vali. Sigyn’s loyalty to Loki was evident during his punishment. Besides Sigyn, Loki had other relationships, including with the giantess Angrboda, who bore him monstrous children, and an infamous encounter as a shapeshifting mare that led to the birth of Sleipnir, an eight-legged horse later gifted to Odin.

One legend highlights Loki’s trickery. A giant agreed to build a wall around Asgard in exchange for the sun, moon, and Freya. Thinking the giant would fail, the gods accepted. But the giant worked swiftly, aided by his horse, Svadilfari. Panicked, Loki transformed into a mare to distract the horse. The giant failed to complete the wall, leading to his demise at Thor's hands. Meanwhile, Loki, in mare form, gave birth to Sleipnir, a steed capable of traveling between worlds at lightning speed.

Loki’s shapeshifting extended beyond this story. He transformed into animals, old women, and even political figures, sacrificing his identity to drive the narrative forward. The Disney+ *Loki* series explored this trait by introducing alternate versions of Loki, including a boastful old man and even a crocodile.

Loki’s moral ambiguity is part of his allure. He is neither entirely good nor evil, bringing vitality and unpredictability to the stories he inhabits. This complexity fuels debates about his capacity for love. The first season of *Loki* addressed this with a peculiar romance between Loki and Sylvie, a female variant of himself. Sylvie, based on Lady Loki from the 2008 comics, is independent and strong-willed, contrasting with mythological Loki’s loyal yet mischievous spouse. Their dynamic adds intrigue to the series, leaving fans curious about their future.

In the show, Loki becomes the chosen guardian of time, tasked with maintaining universal balance. While myths don’t explicitly connect Loki to time, his magic and defiance make him a fitting candidate for such a journey. Whether he’s forging chaos or saving the day, Loki continues to transcend time, space, and expectations—remaining an irresistible figure across all dimensions.