Was Loki a Christian Invention?

A few more details on the figure of Loki, and its liminal character and transgressive behaviour, and hopefully, once and for all, this can settle the misconception of Loki having been a Christian creation.

Bibliography and suggested sources at the end of this video.

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#loki #norsemythology #archaeology

[devinsmith]

Most interesting myth about Loki is an obscure one where he steals Freyja's necklace and she gets Heimdallr to try and get it back, resulting in a fight between Loki and Heimdallr in the form of seals.

[howardhavardramberg]

Loki is definitely not a Christian invention, however, Loki has been manipulated by Christianity to some extent.

[ryan.]

The Norse myths come from a deeply symbolic shamanic tradition. Trying to understand them via a modern lens is bound to be confusing.

[mattbunch]

Thank you for taking the time to post with everything going on in your life... I hope that things get better for you soon

[leedraconis]

Lokis history is so interesting, and I always appreciate you expanding in that knowledge. Thank you!

[MrBlazingup]

Originally Seth was a sky god, lord of the desert, master of storms, disorder, and warfare—in general, a trickster. Seth embodied the necessary and creative element of violence and disorder within the ordered world.

[mr.b]

As always, a big thank you for your remarkable work ! 🙏 And good luck for the future ! 😉

[Raubabbau]

All the discussions about Loki. Well, I now firmly believe that he himself is behind this and is thoroughly amused by the way mortals argue about him.

[Starlaify]

Thank you for all of your interesting and deep thoughts! I just came across your page, and I’m excited to think and learn. 💜🙏🏻

[Strykehjerne]

You just said everything I was going to say about Loke, personally I had to "stumble" across Xolotl shape shifting, rule breaking, twin/brother, free, mischievous and beneficial at once.. to get a grip on animist elements in both norrøn mytologi and Mexican cosmology.. all I had as a Norwegian kid was the death of Balder myth.. but pre Columbian stuff helped me revisit this.

[kaiduran]

So thoughtful as usual Arith. I am reminded of Anansi, Coyote, and Seth in the way that tricksters move the stories forward.

[petersmedley]

Thankyou for another beautifully thought out, well argued presentation Arith. I found out about the hearth stone a little while ago, not long after I had listened to your other talks about Loki. It was said to be a particular type of stone which a smith used at the hearth or forge, this to protect his bellows from the heat of the forge when at working temperature. You can see a hole below the face carving-this is where the snout of the bellows is inserted. This would seem to be confirmation of your idea that Loki was thought of as a spirit associated with/close to fire but actually a spirit of air…the stone is located close to the flames, on the hearth but is there to introduce air into the flames and intensify the heat. This would seem to be the perfect fit as well as furthering your idea that Loki, whilst not a god, was a vital spirit, essential (here) in blacksmithing, and encountered in this world on a daily basis. I wonder what you think of this extrapolation? Kind regards from Wolverhampton!

[ralphdavisson]

What if Loki was, similar to as you mentioned in the fire spirit video, a literary device, but to allude to the role of the storyteller? This could help explain why he was so popular without being a god and was subsequently painted in a more "sinister" light by Christianity to dissuade involvement with the ones who study the tales. I think this thought stands on weak legs, but I figured it's worth sharing.

[Olafmikli]

I think Loki's thing is that he was made much more evil than his original incarnation.

[iainmelville]

I did enjoy this video. I fought it quite magnificent, I never really knew that much about Loki and this shed a good deal of light on the subject. Thank you. I hope that life is kind to you, it saddens me to know that you are not sailing on an even keel. I wish you well.

[timlachman]

I hope things get better for you arith you have been one of the foremost people I look to for knowledge and studies on norse paganism and the heathen gods for several years now. I will always support you and your endeavors my friend, even though we have never met. Cheers

[bessienesseler]

I would love to see what the parallels are between Anansi and Coyote and the trickster figure of Loki.

[corawalkswithdogs]

Thank you for another informational video!

[ernamoller]

Thank you Arith for a very useful video. Blessings from South Africa.

[arambelingmadman]

This is a very interesting and cool video, but how can we ignore that badass beard.