Loki: An Illustrated Guide to the Trickster God

by L. Dean Lee, The Saxon Storyteller (illustrator)

A complete introduction to the Norse god Loki, covering his origins, his characteristics, his place in the pantheon of Norse mythology, and his lasting significance in the modern world.
 
This is a culturally informed introduction to the Norse god Loki, who is revered in Norse paganism as the god who creates chaos and is a cultural staple of northern European folklore. Known for his cunning shape-shifting abilities and a penchant for causing mischief, his actions sometimes benefit the gods. Loki possesses various magical powers, which he uses to manipulate situations to his advantage.
 
This book is an overview of who Loki is, what his origins as a deity are, his personality and significance, his associations, and practices of how to venerate him. Readers will find this book invaluable as a stand-alone work or as part of a series on Norse deities. It provides a comprehensive, accessible, and beautifully illustrated introduction to all aspects of Loki and offers avenues for further research.
 
An Illustrated Guide to the Trickster God Offers a robust and accessible introduction to Loki within Norse and Scandinavian mythology and folklore. All areas are covered, from his pivotal role as an unpredictable trickster god in mythological texts up to his current depictions in modern times. Works equally well as a stand-alone book or as part of a comprehensive series on the Norse gods and goddesses. Includes expert guidance from a practicing Norse heathen on how to incorporate Loki into spiritual practice.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

Published April 7, 2025

Reviews

[Kyra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The accounts of the myths involving Loki aren't terribly in-depth in this one, but I think all the major Loki stories are here, and the author even gives Loki a motivation for killing Balder beyond just "he felt like being an asshole," which is nice. I particularly liked that this book spends a lot of time examining Loki's cultural significance and how we know what we do about Norse mythology--that's an excellent background to have for any study of the myths. The paragraph or two about Marvel Loki is...not entirely accurate, but the author does at least grasp that MCU Loki got a redemption arc, so I guess I can forgive the rest.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the most adorable book about the Norse god Loki. It includes historical and modern context about him as a fictional being and as a deity as well as lots of tales written with the tone of stories being told around a fire. I'm not sure of the accuracy of all the stories, but they were fun and informative. The artwork is so cute and everything is explained clearly enough that it makes me want to pick up the other books in this series to learn more. I subtracted one star for some spelling issues and contradictory information within the text.

Thank you to Goodreads for the free copy for my honest review.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loki: An Illustrated Guide to the Trickster God by L. Dean Lee was a beautiful book! I got it in a Goodreads Giveaway, though I may purchase the books about the other gods myself!

It’s a nice mix of general info about Norse mythology, introduction to Loki, summary of some of his main myths, and how Loki is venerated as a God in past/present. All in about 120 pages - nice and short.

Each of the pages are full color and beautifully illustrated as well.

I can’t speak to the accuracy of the content, but the writing was easy to read and follow. It introduced you to a lot of new concepts in Norse mythology without feeling overwhelming. I really liked how some of the myths were written.