Loki’s mythology is not as chaotic as you may think…
It’s even more chaotic than that!
Often referred to as the Trickster God of the Aesir, Loki is actually the son of Fárbauti a giant, or a Jötunn, and Laufey, who was said to be a goddess. Though Loki is often referred to using he/him pronouns, can change his shape and gender at will.
While many of the old stories involving Loki paint him in a negative light, the same cannot be said for Loki’s modern followers.
Laufey (Mother), sometimes referred to as Nál.
Nari or Narfi (from Sigyn)
Jörmungandr (From Angrboda)
Sleipnir (From Svadilfari)
Loptr (Old Norse meaning “Air”)
Contriver of Baldr’s death
Wrangling Foe of Heimdallr
Loki was known to be mischievous and at times malicious, but he was also rather helpful in many stories.
At some point Loki’s name became conflated with Logi, meaning “fire”, however, Logi is a separate being and is the Nordic personification or god of fire. Many blame Richard Wagner for this mix-up.
It is also possible that Loki’s name means “knot” or “tangle”.
It has been debated whether or not the Finnish "Lukki" (the name for a spider with thing, long legs) came from the same root as "Loki" ("luka" the proto-germanic word for "lock") but this is not a very popular belief and there is very little evidence to back it up.
Though Loki is part Jötunn, he is seen as part of the Aesir.
My personal favorite story of Loki is Þrymskviða, in which Loki and Thor disguise themselves as women in order to get Thor’s hammer back.
Sleipnir, Loki’s son, is an eight-legged horse that came to be when Loki had to transform into a mare in order to drive away the great stallion, Svadilfari. While Loki was in the form of a mare, the two came together to create Sleipnir who was said to be the fastest and best horse in all of the nine realms. Odin eventually chose Sleipnir as his steed.
One of the most popular tales involving Loki gets its namesake from the god, the Lokkasenna.
Loki ends up punished by the Aesir for either killing Baldr or for the events that take place in Lokkasenna. He is bound in a cave by the intestines of one of his offspring, his son Nari is turned into a wolf, and a venomous snake is placed above his head and drips venom into his eyes. Sigyn holds a shell above his head to protect him from the venom but every so often needs to empty the shell and the venom drips into his eyes once more.
In myth, it is said that Ragnarök will begin when Loki breaks free from his bondage.
Loki has been conflated with Lugh, the Irish deity due to their similar prankster and chaotic nature as well as the slight similarity of their names.
There is no evidence that Loki had a cult or large following until modern times, so many of these correspondences, offerings, etc are going to be based on Loki’s mythology and current Lokeans’ posts.
Birch (Loki is mentioned in the Norwegian Rune poem for Berkano/a, or Birch)
Haircap Moss “Loke’s Oats”
Offering your time to Loki
Trying to understand the misunderstood
Don’t be afraid to go against the grain
Keep in mind that these are only some ideas for offerings and correspondences! Items and activities that connect you to her in a more personal way are just as good, and often better, than those you find on the internet. As with any relationship, feel it out, ask questions, and be attentive and receptive!
References and Further Reading
Loki - Norsemythology.com
The Poetic Edda - translated by Henry Adams Bellows (Via Sacred Texts)
Loki in Norse Mythology - World History Edu
Symbols for Loki - Lokeanwelcomingcomittee
Loki Devotees and Followers to check out:
@lokeanwelcomingcommittee
as suggested by the community <;3
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