Loki and Animal Associations

[Loki Laufeyjarson]

You'll notice in roleplay that Loki tends to be compared to a very particular set of animals. Here is a list of those animals that will be associated most with him and the reasons why. I may add to this list if I think of more.

The Wolf

This is based primarily on the fact that he has a child who takes the form of a wolf. However, there are some things about the aspects wolves hold that draws him to them. They are very familial, for one, and will do anything to protect their pups and pack.

The Cat

Cats are associated with the feminine, especially female sexuality; they are graceful and predatory, in a much more subtle way than most. Cats are also masters of the "I meant to do that" save, and have a tendency to be silly, in striking contrast to how downright frightening they really are.

The Red Fox

Foxes are tricksters, it is well-known. They are cunning and swift and mischievous; as they are small in stature and not too strong, they must rely on their wits to survive. They also have the added bonus of being acting very feline, despite being a canid; as such, like cats, they are associated with female sexuality.

The Hare

The hare is another animal that many people have deemed a trickster. Hares are swift and much smarter than some other prey animals; their natural adversary is the fox, another of Loki's animals, and so they have learned how to keep themselves hidden in order to keep themselves alive. As a prey animal, some people consider them "cowardly" or "weak" -- that's not the case, of course, but neither is it for Loki, and he's had those labels slapped on him, as well.

The Spider

Yet another trickster animal, because of the way it spins its webs to ensnare its breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is also the turn of phrase, "spinning a web of lies" -- something I think we can all agree brings Loki to mind.

The Snake

Snakes were seen by many ancient peoples as dirty, as slimy, as threatening and dangerous because of many snakes having venomous bites. A snake, supposedly, is what tricked Eve into eating the forbidden fruit; as such, snakes in Western societies are considered treacherous for that reason, as well. Again: a trickster animal. Snakes are adorable to some (ie: me), but many are just as dangerous as advertised, if not handled correctly.

The Fly

This one has a completely mythological basis. Loki became a large, black fly to bite at the eyes of the dwarves making Sif's new golden hair, so that they would lose the bet and he would keep his head.

The Falcon

Based in mythology. Loki borrowed Freyja's falcon cloak on several occasions to help the gods, but always brought it back. Falcons have keen eyesight and are a predatory species.

The Raven

Based in mythology as well, but not because of its association with him. Two ravens were Odin's intelligence seekers -- as such, they are associated with knowledge in the Norse pantheon, and knowledge is something Loki possesses in abundance. Ravens are also associated with death, as they feed on corpses and will lead wolves to prey so that they might share in the kill; Loki is meant to bring about Ragnarok by leading the fire Jotnar to the site of the battle, and thus, cause the death of this world, so that it might move into the next.