Loki

Question 1

What is Odin and Loki’s relationship?

Answer 1

There is indication that the relationship between Odin and Loki is a strong contractual one that is sealed with the most holy of oaths (blood brothership).

Question 2

What is the reasoning behind the tangler theory?

Answer 2

Fenrir is caught and bound by a magical chain, which almost resembles a cobweb.

• Note: to bind is not to permanently arrest, always idea that the binding can be loosened is the idea that something/one that has been bound will break free (as Fenrir inevitably does).

The otter myth → Loki invents the net and he is caught with it.

• Loki is the entangler because he entangles others and entangles himself.
• Words for cobwebs and daddy long legs (lockes spindel) in current Scan languages are similar to Loki.

Question 3

How do the Christians view Loki?

Answer 3

He is viewed as a prefiguration of the Devil, both in the Biblical sense and the literary sense. (He is similar to the devil Dr. Faustus sold his soul to, i.e. someone you sell your soul to for more knowledge). He can also be compared to Judas. He is both evil and necessary to move the plot along.

Question 4

What are the four theories behind Loki’s name?

Answer 4

1. Old Norse logi (flame, fire, blaze), back to PIE *leuk (doubtful)
2. Most likely: Germanic root *luk- which denoted things to do with loops (like knots, hooks, nets,etc), back to PIE leug-
   -> Loki as the tangler
3. Old Norse *logi (liar, deceiver) derived from PIE *lewgh- (to lie, tell a lie) and cognate with Old English loga (liar, deceiver,)
4. Also called Loptr (Old Norse for air)
   - Snorri insists on this → implication that air is very open and uncontained (metaphorical reference to Loki’s constant switching lol)

Question 5

Why does Odin associate with Loki?
1. Odin needs info

Answer 5

1. Odin needs info and Loki is full of it → as a source of info/wisdom, Loki is on same level as Mimir’s head (he needs Loki).

Question 6

Why does Odin associate with Loki?
2. Loki can plan!

Answer 6

2. Loki is the most clever and competent, he has forethought and can plan ahead → he gets things done, he’s Mr fix-it and Odin knows this

On one hand, Odin wants more info as if having more info might have a practical impact on what is meant to happen → but why bother? On the other hand, he knows things will happen and in a way he knows it’s partly his job to get there.

Question 7

Why does Odin associate with Loki?
3. Loki as a fixer, a cosmology fixer?

Answer 7

Loki is a fixer of specific problems. He is also a cosmological fixer (he is a person whose actions are driving the basic narrative towards Ragnarok, without him everything slows down and stops and doesn’t go anywhere).

He could be of help to avert Ragnarok, but he is also the person who can bring it about (you can’t win, so it depends on how you lose).

Question 8

How are Prometheus and Loki similar?

Answer 8

Prometheus (to think ahead), a titan (corresponds to giants), he steals fire and gives it to humans. As punishment, he is chained to a rock and an eagle eats his liver every day.

Vital info he knows: who will kill Zeus

• In Greek mythology, Prometheus had information that allows the principle god to avert his downfall and continue ruling whereas in Norse mythology, Loki gives birth to the being that will eat the principle god.
• Prometheus is bound with an eagle eating his liver just like Loki is bound with a snake that is dripping venom on him.