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Who was Loki?

In short: Loki is the cunning trickster god of Norse mythology. Son of the giant Fárbauti and of Laufey, he lives among the Æsir yet keeps putting them in danger — until he brings about Baldr's death and is bound for it.

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5 facts about Loki

  1. With the giantess Angrboða, Loki fathered three monsters: the wolf Fenrir, the world serpent Jörmungandr and Hel, ruler of the dead.
  2. In the form of a mare, with the stallion Svaðilfari, he gave birth to the eight-legged horse Sleipnir — later Odin's mount.
  3. He engineered the death of Baldr: he gave the blind god Höðr a sprig of mistletoe and had him throw it.
  4. As punishment he was bound; a serpent drips venom on him, and his wife Sigyn catches it in a bowl. When he writhes, the earth quakes.
  5. At Ragnarök Loki and Heimdallr fight — and kill each other.

Between gods and giants

Loki is one of the most puzzling figures of Norse tradition: a giant by birth, yet closely bound to the gods, often their helper and just as often the cause of their troubles.

In the family tree he is the node through which the gods' great enemies enter the family. His son Váli, incidentally, is not the same as Odin's son of that name.

Frequently asked questions

Who were Loki's parents?

Loki is the son of the giant Fárbauti and of Laufey, also called Nál.

Who were Loki's children?

With the giantess Angrboða: the wolf Fenrir, the world serpent and Hel; with his wife Sigyn: the sons Narfi and Váli. As a mare he also gave birth to the horse Sleipnir.

How does Loki die?

At Ragnarök, Loki and the god Heimdallr fight and kill each other.

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More from Norse mythology

Through Loki, the gods' great enemies enter the family tree. Open the example tree to explore his parents, partners and children generation by generation.

Explore in the family tree

Open this family tree