picture by Michael Rechlin
Loki the god of Mischief

Loki is the god of Mischief and strife. He is pleasant and handsome in appearance, wicked in character and very changeable in his ways. Strongly connected to fire and magic he can assume many different shapes. He was always placing the Aesir into the most difficult situations; and often extracting them by his wiles.

Loki is the son of the giant Farbauti and the giantess Laufey. Loki’s mistress is the giantess Angrboda, and with her he is the father of three of the gods worst enemies: Fenrir, the Midgard Serpent, and Hel. His wife is Sigyn.

Loki’s trickery brought about the death of Balder, forcing the gods to punish him. He was chained to three large boulders; one under his shoulders, one under his loins, and one under his knees. A poisonous snake was placed about his head. The dripping venom that lands on him is caught by Sigyn in a bowl. But when the bowl is filled she has to leave and empty it. The poison that falls on Loki’s face makes him twist in pain, causing earthquakes.

On the day of Ragnarok Loki’s chains wil break and he will lead the giants into battle against the gods.