![]() ![]() Loki, in the shape of a mare, was impregnated by Svaoilfair and later gave birth to Sleipnir. He is the child of Loki and Svaoilfari, a giant stallion who was employed in building a fortification for the gods. Sleipnir’s lineage explains his freakish form and incredible power. Famously, he is even able to ferry Odin safely in and out of Hel, the realm of the dead. In addition to racing over the ground, Odin’s mighty steed can also fly through the air and swim through water. His strength knows no equal, and his heart knows no fear. Sleipnir is “the best among horses.” He can gallop faster, jump higher, kick harder, and whinny louder than any other horse, whether it is found grazing on the grass of Midgard or feasting in the rich stables of Asgard. In one story, a Valkyrie mandates that Norse runes should be carved into Sleipnir’s teeth. Sleipnir’s coat is as gray as a thundercloud, and his mane and tail are streams of darker grey. Other works of art show him using all his legs independently. In some depictions of Odin riding Sleipnir, the mighty horse’s extra legs are shackled to his regular legs at the knee. His extra legs are coupled with his regular legs, growing from his shoulders and his haunches. Sirius, known as Lokabrenna (“Loki’s Brand” or “Loki’s Torch”) in traditional Norse astrology SEE ALSO:Įncyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.Sleipnir is a large, muscular horse with eight legs instead of four. Loki’s second wife is Sigyn who shares Loki’s exile following Baldur’s death. It’s unclear whether some myths reference Angerboda or Loki in disguise as for example the giantess who refuses to weep for Baldur. Both frequently assume other names and disguises. Consort:Īngerboda is also his sister, possibly his twin, and alter-ego. ![]() Loki who enjoyed sexual relations with many of the Norse goddesses is allegedly very handsome and charming when he wishes to be. Loki’s transformations are not merely superficial: when he appears in the form of a gorgeous white mare, the transformation is so complete that s/he gives birth to Sleipnir. (He may or may not be a reliable patron.) MANIFESTATION: Loki is the patron of spies moles trouble-makers plotters secret agents double agents double crossers those operating under cover. He enters anyway and abuses them: publicly exposing their secrets and accusing them of cowardice until Thor returns with his hammer and forces Loki to be quiet. In the poem, the Lokasenna, the other deities seek to keep Loki from entering Aegir’s hall where they are feasting. He has a malicious streak and a vicious, cutting humor although heis also the only one able to make the goddess Skadi laugh following the death of her father. Loki is more than a trickster and a plotter he is a skilled inventor, artisan and craftsman. If Odin masquerades in the guise of Santa Claus, as some believe, then Loki may be the original persona behind Santa’s dangerous helpers like Krampus or Black Pete. (And yet with Loki, there is always an exception: in a traditional ballad from the Faeroe Islands, after Odin and Hoenir, another Aesir spirit, fail, Loki rescues a young boy from a troll in response to prayers directed to him by the boy’s parents.) It is difficult if not impossible to find sympathetic portrayals of Loki. Extending the metaphor, Loki was identified with Judas or Satan. Part of this confusion is because Norse mythology was committed to paper by later Christian commentators who identified Baldur with Christ. Loki’s motives and loyalties are never clear. Loki constantly leads the Aesir into danger and then proceeds to rescue them as with the myth of Idunn’s apples or the theft of Thor’s hammer. Loki is the mother of Odin’s prized eight-legged steed Sleipnir. At the same time, he is instrumental in obtaining many of their most precious tools and attributes. ![]() Yet he conspires against them and is responsible for the death of Baldur. He is Thor’s travelling companion ostensibly his friend. Loki lives among the Aesir spirits and is Odin’s blood brother. His name is related to an Old High German word meaning “shooting star.” Loki was born from the spark of life but his own children include the goddess of death and the wolf of doom. Loki is usually classified as a Jotun (giant) but was conceived when lightning (his father) struck a leafy oak (his mother) and so may be some kind of primordial fire spirit. Loki is a mysterious, contradictory spirit, perhaps the ultimate trickster. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |