Loki can be seen as the undisputed archetype of the Trickster. Considered a Aesir, ( the principle race of Norse gods who live in Asgard ) Loki is at times, their ally, one of their own, but his unpredictability and spry natures cause him to be their enemy on occasion, though accounts vary by source.
This raises another aspect of his character and sheds some light on the original personality of the Trickster Archetype. One would think a character such as Loki would only be out for self gain and to cause mischief with others, which in essence is not far from the truth, but in numerous accounts Loki has been heroic and courageous, a personality trait not commonly seen in Tricksters of later literature.
Loki has the ability to shape shift into numerous forms. According to various sources and poems found in the Poetic Edda, he has taken the form of a seal, mare, fly, falcon, old maid and salmon. This ability also plays into this archetype.
Loki is considered the god of Fire and magic. Many of the grotesque creatures seen in Norse mythology have been fathered by Loki, and in the case of the eight legged horse Sleipnir, birthed by.
At the battle of Ragnarök, it is prophecies that the white god Heimdall and the god of Fire Loki will ultimately be each others undoing.
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