Trickster

Tricksters in Mythology
The Icelandic god Loki is somewhat of an inconsistent character in Prose Edda.   While he is often portrayed in an opposing manner when seen next to the other Icelandic gods, his deceiving tricks sometimes turn out to be helpful others, even to the gods. It is interesting to note that even through all of Loki’s tricks the other gods have yet to find an effective way to keep him in check.   Mircea Eliade has chosen to believe that Loki and all of his destructive forces he possesses points toward an acceptance of human frailty in the Icelandic culture. Within the Hynes heuristic guide of categorizing tricksters, Loki falls easily into the category of shape shifter. A shape-shifter trickster can be categorized by its unique ability and tendency to alter his body to aid in his goal of deception (Hynes 1997 pg. 36-37). Loki is well known for several tricks in the Prose Edda where he transforms himself into other animals and people. Loki is famous for his trick against a giant who has been contracted to build a stronghold for the gods. In this trick, Loki transforms himself into a mare in order to “romance” the giants horse to prevent the giant from being able to finish the stronghold on time. By playing this trick Loki saves the Aesir from having to many regrets by voiding their end of the bargain (Thury and Devinney 2009 pg. 220). This trick has elected to portray Loki in a positive light, proving to us that while Loki’s methods are less than conventional he does have a heart so to speak. It is important to remember thought that while there are redeemable qualities to Loki he is still a trickster. The mistletoe trick is one where Loki can really only be taken as negative. In this occurrence, Loki disguises himself as a woman in order to trick Frigg into telling him why Baldr was immune to all the sticks and stones the other gods were throwing at him. Frigg tells him that she has gathered oath from weapons and the trees that protect Baldr from...