How Accurate is Marvel’s Loki to the Norse Deity?
If you’re a fan of Marvel’s movies and shows, then you may have heard of the lovable and relatable antihero Loki. From his ridiculous good looks, outcast personality and hilarious sarcasm to his broken past, magical powers and dynamic with his adopted family, what isn’t there to love about the god of mischief? However, the Norse deity that Stan Lee based him on is vastly different from the popular version. Some of these facts may surprise you.
The original Loki wasn’t a frost giant. Take a second to read that again. Surprised? In Norse mythology, Loki is, in fact, a Jotun. But, unlike Marvel’s Jotunheim, the realm of giants in the myths isn’t entirely populated by frost giants. Loki himself is a fire jotun in mythology. Jotunheim itself isn’t a fractured planet made completely of ice. In fact, it’s very similar to the northern regions of earth with evergreen trees, snowy mountains and stony landscapes. Regarding appearance, according to the myths, the jotnar (plural form of ‘jotun’) could shapeshift and look any way they wanted. Loki was no exception to this rule.
Odin and Frigga weren’t Loki’s parents. Surprise again. In the movies, Odin made it clear that Loki was adopted and that the two had a rough dynamic. However, in the series by Marvel, Loki speaks fondly of Frigga, citing a nostalgic memory during the train scene. In mythology, on the other hand, Loki’s parents are Farbauti and Laufey. Marvel canon mentions that Laufey is Loki’s biological father. This is inaccurate in mythology, as Laufey is the name of Loki’s mother.
Loki is actually married. Sorry, ladies and gentlemen. This one’s taken. Loki’s wife in the myths is Sigyn (sig-IN for those who are curious about pronunciation), goddess of victory and fidelity. Even when Loki was tied to three rocks with a snake dripping venom on his face, Sigyn stayed by his side, holding a bowl above him to catch the venom and toss it away. Talk about dedication! Along that vein…
Loki has children. You read that correctly. And not all of them are by Sigyn, either. In fact, only two of Loki’s children, a pair of twins by the names of Narfi and Vali, were born by Sigyn. Three of Loki’s children: Hel – goddess of death – Fenris – a giant wolf – and Jormungandr – a giant snake wrapping around the earth and biting his own tail – came from an affair with the giantess Angrbođa. His last child, an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir, came from a scheme to prevent a wall from being built around Asgard. You’ve got to love stallions…
Loki is depicted as a redhead. We all know the iconic look: pale skin, lean build, black, green and gold armor, slicked back, raven hair and, of course, the infamous horns. Fan art can be found everywhere depicting this look. But artists have a different idea regarding the mischievous deity. In many art pieces, Loki is depicted with wild red hair, pale skin, a very thin build and often has tattoos on his face. In some interpretations, his lips are also sewn shut.
Despite the differences, there are a couple of similarities between MCU Loki and the Loki of myth.
Both can shapeshift. In both the myths and the movies, Loki is seen shapeshifting, sometimes several times in a row. Such shifting can be seen in “The Creation of Mjolnir” and “Thor: the Dark World”. Also in this category…
Both are genderfluid. In the Loki series, though it isn’t directly stated, a file can be seen in one of the introductory scenes stating that Loki is genderfluid. We can also see it in the comics by Stan Lee, where Lady Loki often shows up. This also shows in the myths, though there is only one myth, previously mentioned, where Loki shifts gender.
Both are known for having a “silver tongue”. No, their tongues weren’t actually made of silver. “Silver tongue” is an idiom for someone who has a talent with words. Loki can be seen in the Thor franchise talking his way out of situations, such as trying to diffuse a skirmish on Jotunheim. It would have worked if Thor hadn’t taken offense at being called a princess by a jotun warrior. In mythology, Loki does the same, talking himself out of a decapitation by two very angry dwarves. As a result, both are seen to be very talented liars and manipulators.
Knowing these similarities, would you view Marvel’s Loki the same way? Or, have these similarities and differences shifted your view of the beloved character? Whichever Loki you favor, both are valid and beloved by many.
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