Playing With Fire: An Exploration of Loki Laufeyjarson

by Dagulf Loptson

Everyone knows the Norse god Loki, or at least they think they He is the god of mischief, the trickster, the troublemaker of Asgard. To some, he is a destructive force to be defeated or restrained. To others, he is an amusing prankster, a friend, and an ally. Love him or hate him, he’s impossible to ignore. But is there more to Loki, or have we only scratched the surface? Playing With Fire is part historical exploration, part heartfelt devotional, written from the perspective of a devotee who has walked with this often misunderstood deity for over two decades. Go deeper with Loki and be surprised. Go all the way, and be transformed.

Genres: Mythology, Nonfiction, Paganism, Spirituality, Witchcraft, Religion

327 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2015

Reviews

[T.L. Merrybard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it and learned a lot about Loki, plus got plenty of interesting insights into other parts of Norse history, stories and the gods! Loved the combo of research, knowledgeable conjecture, and personal gnostic vision, and it's rare that I'll read a non-fiction book cover to cover in a few days, but this one I did!

[Kriselda Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely insightful look at Loki, his family, his relationships with the gods and other denizens of the spiritual world, and in-depth discussions of his purpose and role in both ancient and modern practice. Loptson backs up his ideas with solid scholarship and his writing is clear, authoritative and witty.

[Mordred Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look into Norse mythology. Despite being focused on Loki, the book examines various deities and events in Norse mythology (such as Ragnarok), evaluating multiple primary and secondary sources to deliver an insightful and eye-opening outlook on the subject. I would recommend it to any Norse pagan, not just those with an interest in Loki.
It is an easy and thoroughly engaging read, containing a good balance of analysis and practical witchcraft.

Trigger warnings: Extracts/references from the Eddas which include the topics of murder, violence, torture, and sexual assault.

[Victorea Meadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are very few nonfiction books that I have sat down to read with any steady consistency. The first was back in 2000, on a bus trip to visit my friend in Des Moines, Iowa, and that was Drawing Down the Moon. This book is second. The author presents similarities to other cultures and to Loki in ways that have been presented to me before by another but in a more palatable way. (Which is weird but I digress.)

If you're looking to understand Loki further as a deity, this is a must-have.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting, informative, and entertaining read about the god Loki, and his/her family. It helps to dispel the misconceptions about them, and their worshipers. I highly recommend this book.

[JHM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. Loptson's knowledge of the extant texts helps separate the common perceptions of Loki from what we can find out about how our ancestors regarded him. The author deftly combines this educated exploration of texts with personal experience. The result is a rich exploration of Loki that has a distinctly personal perspective while leaving space for the reader's own experiences.

[Janette Moeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening and informative

This book was just what I needed, to learn more about Loki, and understand him better. I recommend it highly.

[Milo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a great read. Quick and easy, really interesting thoughts. Though I may not agree with anything, this was very insightful.

[Elenore Figg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I want to say I was apprehensive reading it because I had never heard of this author and google just basically decided to offer random recommendations and I read a preview and was hooked on this book.

[Jamie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author really have something against women and female sexuality and it doesn't bring anything good to this book.