
Loki’s Punishment, by Eckersberg
Who is Loki?
Loki is an odd character. He lives among the Gods in Asgard. Asgard is the realm where the Gods such as Thor and Odin live in Norse mythology. However, Loki stands out for his tricks and treachery. His parents are giants, and at the end of times, during Ragnarok, he will fight on the side of the giants. That’s right, he will fight against the other Gods. So what is Loki’s contribution to the world?
The wickedness and evil in the world, is created by Loki and his offspring. Who are his children? Well, there is Hel, Goddess of the underworld. Yes, Hell is indeed a pagan term absorbed into Christianity. Fenrir is a massive wolf that will fight and kill Odin. And the great serpent that is wrapped around the world – it would appear the Vikings knew very well the world was a globe. There is also Sleipnir, a mythical horse that Odin rode on. This horse is perhaps the only child that is not some representation of evil.
Yet, for all the evil that he did, there is one act that stands out. There is one act, that was unforgivable to the other Gods. One trick that they could not forgive.