Hermes: The Invaders In Norse Mythology

The classic trickster archetypes represent the traits of deceitfulness, craftiness, and stealthiness. Tricksters will repeatedly annoy the gods to make a name for themselves, or they will commit an act of great proportions, gaining infamy in their respective realms. Others, however, commit an act of trickery that results in punishment, such as the deceitful serpent in Genesis. However, Hermes, from Greek Mythology, used a mischievous act at a young age to gain notoriety and influence later in his life. Rather, Loki, depicted in Norse Mythology, committed malicious acts from his position of power. Tricksters, such as Hermes and Loki, rely on deception in order to, either, obtain authority or to exploit their position of power.

In Greek Mythology,

Loki was one of the most dynamic and detrimental characters and caused much of the chaos in the realm of Asgard. In Norse Myths and Legends, it states that Loki, half giant, half god, was friends with the mighty gods Odin and Thor (4). Thanks to his close relationship with Odin, Loki began moving up the social hierarchy and became associated with many powerful gods such as Thor. After arriving in Asgard, Loki began causing trouble. However, he was never severely punished for his actions because his affiliations with the major gods made him virtually untouchable. Because of this, Loki was able to bend this new-found authority to his will, and his mischievous antics began to become more serious. He was even able to steal Brisingamen, the most extravagant necklace in existence, from Odin’s very own wife, Frigga (“Loki”). Loki’s lust for power and attention would soon come to an abrupt end when he committed a crime so drastic that the gods would never forgive him. Loki had grown jealous of Balder, “the god of light and peace” (“Loki”), so he decided to formulate a plot to murder him. Loki was then punished for his actions because he had murdered a god loved by all. Loki’s blind ambition for acknowledgement and insatiable thirst for power had finally brought him to the point where his tricks would no longer be tolerated by the