I’ve noticed that these days, the character of the Norse god Loki – patron god of chaos and trickery – has been popping up in various media. The Avengers and Thor films have probably gotten the most attention, given their popularity, but they’re hardly the only media to feature everyone’s favourite trickster.
I’ve always been a fan of Loki and his unpredictable ways, so I’ve put together a list of my five favourite media containing the mischievous god, in no particular order.
Odd and the Frost Giants.
This novella by Neil Gaiman, well-known as a master storyteller, is about a young Viking boy named Odd, who meets a bear, an eagle, and a fox in the woods. These are no ordinary animals, though: they’re gods who have gotten themselves into a bit of trouble, and may need Odd’s help to get them out of it. While he’s not the main character in this novella, Loki’s characterisation strikes me as true to the myths.
Young Avengers.
For those unfamiliar with the world of comic books, the Young Avengers comic tells the story of a group of teenage superheroes who have banded together to face a common threat. Well, a group of teenage superheroes, plus the teenage trickster god whose assistance they reluctantly accept, on the grounds that they can’t afford to refuse it. Kid Loki (as he is generally known to fans of the series) is entertaining, has some of the best lines in the comic, and keeps readers guessing when it comes to his motives or what side he’s really on..
Loki: Agent of Asgard.
Starring Young Avenger’s Kid Loki all grown up, Loki: Agent of Asgard catalogues the young trickster’s daring exploits in the service of his home realm, Asgard. Displaying the same wit and humour exhibited in Young Avengers, this comic promises to be one of Marvel’s more popular ones. So far we’re only up to issue two, but I’m already hooked.
Eight Days of Luke.
Credited with being the inspiration for Neil Gaiman’s American Gods, this book was written by acclaimed children’s/young adult writer Diana Wynne Jones. While it’s difficult to summarise this book without giving anything away, it tells the story of a lonely boy named David, who makes an exciting new friend named Luke. From there David is drawn into the trouble pursuing his new friend, and unknowingly meets a number of characters from Norse mythology. Eight Days of Luke is an engaging and accessible read, and both David and Luke come across as thoroughly sympathetic characters – even if, as David eventually observes, Luke has done some appalling things and will go on to do more.
The Gospel of Loki.
For years I’ve been craving a book that retells Loki’s mythological adventures in the novel format, and my wish has finally been granted. Chocolat author Joanne Harris has written a companion to her Runemarks series, retelling the Norse myths from Loki’s unreliable but engrossing perspective. I admit that I’ve only just begun reading this books, but so far, it’s a good read, and Loki’s characterisation feels true to the Norse myths while keeping me entertained.
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