Loki is the god of trickery, deceit, and shape-shifting. His appearance is often creepy and spider-like, and he is usually depicted with a fishing net or a knot.
Loki was the son of Fárbauti, a giant, and Laufey, a woman of unspecified divinity. He was married to Sigyn, but he had many affairs, including one with a giantess named Angrböda which produced three horrific offspring: Hel, the goddess of the underworld; Jörmungand, the giant sea serpent; and Fenrir, the horrific wolf. Loki was a shape-shifter, which he was constantly using trickery to deceive those around him and cause trouble.
When Baldur told Frigg that he had been having premonitions of his death, she went out to everyone and everything in the world to get their assurances that they would not harm her son. Loki learned, however, that she had not asked mistletoe. He fashioned a spear from mistletoe, and then when he tricked Hodr into throwing it at Baldur, it killed him instantly. Then, when Frigg and Odin were trying to rescue Baldur from Hel, he turned himself into a giantess and refused to weep at Baldur’s plight, not allowing Baldur to be returned to the world until Ragnarök.
Loki played a critical role in keeping the giant Thrym from becoming suspicious of Thor disguised as Freya so that Thor could get to the marriage ceremony and retrieve his hammer, which Thrym had stolen. When Thrym became suspicious of how much Thor was eating, or the fiery red eyes behind the veil, Loki explained that Freya hadn’t eaten or slept in a week, keeping Thor’s disguise intact until he could get his hammer and kill all of the giants in attendance at the wedding.
Sif was Thor’s wife and well-known for her gorgeous golden hair. Loki snuck into her room one night and cut it all off. After Thor threatened to kill Loki, Loki went to the dwarves and had them fashion a golden wig which became her most well-known accessory.
Loki shape-shifted into a mare and became impregnated by a stallion, creating the race of eight-legged horses called Sleipnir. The Sleipnir becomes the main mode of transportation for gods such as Odin and other shamans.
Loki was eventually locked in a cave with his wife Sigyn while a snake dripped venom on his face until Ragnarök because of his role in preventing Baldur’s return to earth. He tried to shape-shift into a salmon and swim away to safety, but Thor caught him in a net and dragged him to the cave, tying him up with his son Narfi’s entrails.
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Try it for Free!Loki Quick Reference
Parents
Fárbauti and Laufey
Domain / Power
- trickery
- deceit
- shape-shifting
Symbols
- fishing net
- net
- spider-like body
Notable Myths
- Death of Baldur
- Creation of the Sleipnir
- Loki cuts Sif’s hair
How Tos about Loki: Norse God
How to Create a Norse Mythology Character Exploration Activity in Your Classroom
Engage students by introducing them to Norse mythology and the character of Loki. Discuss Loki's traits, stories, and role among the gods to spark curiosity and provide background knowledge.
Assign students to research Loki using age-appropriate resources
Encourage independent learning by providing books, trusted websites, or multimedia about Loki. Have students gather facts about his personality, powers, and famous myths to build understanding.
Guide students to create visual character maps
Support creativity by having students draw or digitally design a map showing Loki's relationships and attributes. Include connections to other gods, symbols, and key stories for a colorful overview.
Facilitate group presentations or skits about Loki’s adventures
Promote collaboration by assigning small groups to share what they learned. Let them act out a myth, present their map, or explain Loki’s tricks and lessons to the class.
Reflect as a class on Loki’s role and what students learned
Encourage discussion about Loki’s complex character and the meaning behind his actions. Ask students to share their favorite facts or stories, fostering critical thinking and engagement with mythology.
Frequently Asked Questions about Loki: Norse God
Who is Loki in Norse mythology?
Loki is a trickster god in Norse mythology known for his cleverness, shape-shifting abilities, and mischievous behavior. He is a central figure in many legends and is both a helper and a troublemaker for the other gods.
What are some of Loki's most famous myths?
Some famous Loki myths include helping to build Asgard's walls, tricking the gods, causing the death of Balder, and being bound as punishment until Ragnarok. These stories show Loki's unpredictable and complex nature.
What powers or abilities does Loki have?
Loki is famous for his shape-shifting, magical tricks, and intelligence. He can transform into animals or people, create illusions, and often uses his wit to solve or cause problems among the gods.
Why is Loki called a trickster god?
Loki is called a trickster god because he uses cleverness, pranks, and sometimes deception to influence events. He often challenges the rules and norms of the gods, sometimes helping them and sometimes creating chaos.
How is Loki different from other Norse gods?
Unlike most Norse gods, Loki is not always loyal and can be both a friend and an enemy to the gods. His unpredictable nature and ability to change forms set him apart from gods like Odin and Thor, who are more consistent in their actions.
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