The God of Mischief and Chaos

When we think of Norse mythology, the first god that comes to mind is often Loki. This trickster god is known for his mischief and chaos-causing abilities, and while he’s often a troublemaker to the other gods of Asgard, he can also be helpful when needed.

He has a plethora of powers, including shapeshifting, which he uses to deceive and deceive gods and mortals alike. He can appear as a human, an animal, or even a storm or other natural phenomenon. He can also create illusions to convince others that something is true when it is not.

While he is considered a member of the Aesir, the group of gods that reside in Asgard, Loki is technically a Jotunn, one of the giants that hail from the realm of Jotunheim. His real name is Loki Laufeyjarson, and he was born of Laufey and Farbauti. Laufey’s name has unclear origins, but it could be connected to thunder or lightning and a connection to dangerous natural forces. Farbauti’s name means “cruel striker” or “dangerous hitter,” and it may be related to storms and other natural phenomena.

Though he is the adoptive brother of Odin and father of Thor, Loki sees them as thorns in his side. He feels anger and betrayal towards Odin for tricking him into believing that he’s a Frost Giant and not a man meant to rule Asgard, and this fuels his unrelenting jealousy of his adopted brother. He has also fathered three other children, who go by the names of Fenrir, Midgard, and Hel. His most famous child, however, is the eight-legged horse Sleipnir, which he spawned with the giantess Angrboda.