Loki
Introduction
Loki is one of the most fascinating and complex figures in Norse mythology. He’s a trickster god, known for his cunning, shape-shifting abilities, and a knack for causing chaos—though he’s just as capable of getting the other gods out of trouble as he is of landing them in it. He’s not a straightforward "evil" character like some modern interpretations might suggest; instead, he’s a blend of mischief, wit, and unpredictability.
Loki is often described as a son of the giant Fárbauti (FAHR-bow-tee) and the giantess Laufey (LOW-fay), making him technically part of the Jötunn (YOH-toon) lineage, though he’s accepted among the Æsir (AY-seer) gods in Asgard. He’s a blood-brother to Odin, a bond forged through a ritual where they mixed their blood, symbolizing a deep, sworn kinship that transcends their differing origins and ties him closely to the ruling pantheon despite his outsider roots. This sacred pact, often seen as a blend of loyalty and tension, underscores Loki’s unique position—neither fully giant nor wholly Æsir, but a bridge between worlds. His family is famously diverse and unconventional, with offspring from different unions that range from mortal children to beings of immense mythological significance. Among his most notable progeny are Fenrir (FEN-reer), the monstrous wolf prophesied to play a pivotal role in the end of the world, and Hel (HEL), the enigmatic ruler of the underworld, both born to the giantess Angrboða. These children highlight Loki’s chaotic influence, as they embody forces that challenge the gods and shape the fate of the cosmos.
Lips Sewn Shut
The nearby photo depicts the Snaptun Stone, a Danish artifact featuring an etched image of Loki. His face, with a sly expression, curled mustache, and stitched lips, is carved into the hearthstone, reflecting a tale of his punishment. According to Hans Jørgen Madsen, a Danish archaeologist, the Snaptun Stone is "the most beautifully made hearth-stone that is known." The stone is housed and on display at the Moesgård Museum near Aarhus, Denmark. The associated story comes from the Prose Edda, specifically in the Skáldskaparmál (SKALD-skap-ar-mahl), where Loki wagers his head with the dwarf Brokkr (BROK-ur) over a crafting contest. When Loki tries to sabotage Brokkr and his brother Eitri (AY-tree) by shapeshifting into a fly to distract them, they still produce marvelous treasures, including Thor’s hammer Mjölnir (MYOL-neer). When Loki loses the bet, he cunningly argues his neck wasn’t part of the wager, so Brokkr, frustrated by Loki’s trickery, sews his lips shut with a cord called Vartari (VAR-tah-ree), temporarily silencing his silver tongue until the stitches are later removed.
Interestingly, photos are only allowed for personal use at the museum. No credit was given, and the Wikipedia user no longer exists.
The original photo is hosted on Wikipedia.
Loki, Brokkr and Eitri
The scene from Skáldskaparmál (SKALD-skap-ar-mahl), depicted by the Snaptun Stone, serves as a cornerstone for understanding Loki’s character. The stone provides evidence that Loki was a prominent and complex figure in Norse mythology, often both admired and feared. Skalds (SKAHLDS), Norse storytellers, shared tales of his antics around bonfires late into the night. He was a clever instigator whose mischief drove progress yet invited retribution. Here is an excerpt from Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur’s 1916 translation of the Prose Edda, modernized with contemporary English and separated dialogue for clarity. Additionally, the name Sindri has been replaced with Eitri, amending a discrepancy in dwarf names across sagas caused by divergent oral traditions.
Skáldskaparmál, Page 146
Why is gold called Sif’s (SEEF’s, wife of Thor) Hair? Loki Laufeyarson, always up to no good, chopped off all of Sif’s hair. When Thor found out, he grabbed Loki and was ready to crush every bone in his body.
Thor: “Swear you’ll fix this, or you’re done!”
Loki: “I swear! I’ll get the Black Elves to make Sif golden hair that grows like the real thing.”
So, Loki went to the dwarves called Ívaldi’s Sons (EE-val-dee’s). They crafted the golden hair, plus Skídbladnir (SKEED-blad-neer), a ship for Freyr, and Gungnir (GOONG-neer), a spear for Odin. Not satisfied, Loki stirred up trouble with another dwarf, Brokkr (BROK-ur).
Loki: “Bet your brother Eitri can’t make three things as awesome as these. My head’s on the line if he does.”
Brokkr: “You’re on.”
They hit the forge. Eitri tossed a pigskin into the fire and told Brokkr to keep the bellows pumping.
Eitri: “Don’t stop blowing till I pull it out.”
While Brokkr worked the bellows, Loki, disguised as a fly, buzzed in and stung his hand. Brokkr didn’t flinch. Eitri pulled out a boar with golden mane and bristles, called Gullinbursti (GOO-lin-burst-ee).
Next, Eitri threw gold into the fire.
Eitri: “Keep the bellows going. Don’t stop.”
Loki, still a fly, landed on Brokkr’s neck and bit harder. Brokkr held steady. Eitri pulled out a gold ring, Draupnir (DROWP-neer).
Finally, Eitri placed iron in the fire.
Eitri: “Blow hard. If you stop, it’s ruined.”
This time, Loki’s fly stung Brokkr right between the eyes, blood blinding him. Brokkr swatted the fly, pausing the bellows briefly. Eitri returned, annoyed.
Eitri: “That almost wrecked everything!”
He pulled out a hammer, Mjölnir (MYOL-neer), and handed all three treasures to Brokkr.
Eitri: “Take these to Ásgard (AHS-gard) and win that bet.”
In Ásgard, Loki and Brokkr presented their gifts to the Æsir (AY-seer), who sat in judgment: Odin, Thor, and Freyr. Loki went first.
Loki: “Odin, here’s Gungnir—it never misses. Thor, this hair for Sif—it’ll grow instantly. Freyr, Skídbladnir gets a breeze wherever it sails and folds up to fit in your pocket.”
Then Brokkr stepped up.
Brokkr: “Odin, this is Draupnir—every ninth night, it spawns eight identical rings. Freyr, Gullinbursti runs faster than any horse, glowing bright enough to light the darkest places. Thor, this hammer, Mjölnir, hits anything you want, never breaks, always returns, and can shrink to fit your shirt. Only flaw? The handle’s a bit short.”
The gods huddled and decided Mjölnir was the best, a game-changer against the Rime-Giants. Brokkr won the bet.
Brokkr: “Time to collect your head, Loki.”
Loki: “Good luck with that!”
Loki bolted, using magic shoes to zip through air and water. Brokkr turned to Thor.
Brokkr: “Catch him!”
Thor nabbed Loki. Brokkr raised his blade to take Loki’s head.
Loki: “Hold up! You get my head, not my neck. That wasn’t the deal.”
Frustrated, Brokkr grabbed a cord and knife to stitch Loki’s mouth shut, but the knife wouldn’t cut.
Brokkr: “Wish I had my brother’s awl.”
The awl appeared, piercing Loki’s lips. Brokkr sewed them tight. Loki later ripped the cord, called Vartari (VAR-tah-ree), free.