The Loki Variations: The Man, The Myth, The Mischief

404 Inklings #14

by Karl Johnson

Loki, ever the shapeshifter, has never been more adaptable across pop culture. Whether it’s deep in the stories from Norse mythology, the countless offshoots and intepretations across media, or even the prolific Loki that has come to dominate our screens via the Marvel Cinematic Universe, each serves its own purpose and offers a new layer to the character we’ve come to know so well.

By exploring contemporary variations of Loki from Norse god to anti-hero trickster in four distinct categories – the God of Knots, Mischief, Outcasts and Stories – we can better understand the power of myth, queer theory, fandom, ritual, pop culture itself
and more.

Johnson invites readers to journey with him as he unpicks his own evolving relationship with Loki, and to ask: Who is your Loki?
And what is their glorious purpose?

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, Retellings, Mythology, Queer

96 pages, Paperback

First published November 24, 2022

Reviews

[Uryun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so important to me. I think it explains beautifully many of the reasons why I love Loki (and all his variations) and how important his figure is, not only in Norse mythology but also in our current collective imaginary. At times, it felt like the author was reading my mind and writing exactly what I could not find words to express.

There is not just one Loki and, ultimately, "Loki is who we need them to be".

"I am Loki. God of Outcasts. They see themselves in me. And I in them. All of us. Alone together"

[Karen Rós · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and engaging read, examining the sociology behind the trickster and Loki specifically across multiple types of work incl. the Edda. Like the author I’ve come to terms with the fact MCU Loki is never going to transform into a mare and have sex with a horse and give birth to Sleipnir, but that doesn’t mean I’m not still sad we never got it. Also I’m mildly offended that Jul i Valhal only gets a dishonourable mention - don’t knock it if you haven’t seen it! ;)

[Sara]

I don't rate nonfiction.

Interesting look at some of the different Loki's that have popped up over the centuries, down into popular culture. There's the obvious current, Tom Hiddleston, version but Karl Johnson also does a good job at taking the reader back to where it all began, with frequent references to the Eddas and how Loki has evolved over time. Loki is of particular interest due to his perceived role as a bit of an outlier, an outcast with the other Norse Gods, and his acceptance by those in modern society as a beacon of such. An interesting read.

[Jenny Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice way to introduce a Marvel fan into the larger Mythos surrounding Loki. Openly idiosyncratic and personal, but the research is solid and the author does a good job making things relatively accessible. Quick to read; more of a survey than anything else.

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me knows I love Loki, whether it's the MCU version or the original Norse myths. I even wrote and published a fantasy novel of my own where my version of Loki was one of the two main characters. Therefore The Loki Variations seemed like the perfect read for me. This was a short book (I got through it in two brief sittings) but I enjoyed the author's analysis of Loki across various media, with a particular focus on the myths and MCU but also incorporating Supernatural and several well-known novels. For those interested in looking at Loki through the lens of popular culture this is a great introductory read. I am giving it 4 stars. I liked it and had fun reading it, but part of me wished it could have been a little longer and offered a bit more of a detailed analysis, as it only seemed to scratch the surface. For Loki fans and those fascinated by different versions of myths in popular culture, though, it is well worth a look.

For those who read and enjoy this book and then want a more in-depth analysis, two other works I can recommend are Trickster Makes This World by Lewis Hyde and, if you can read French, Loki by Georges Dumézil.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

[historic_chronicles · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Who is Loki? There is no single true form of a myth, instead there can be many different variations, so long as each variation feels like it could recognisably be The Myth. As long as the constituent parts are broadly similar and/or the function of each variation has a shared sense of purpose, then every(one's) Loki can be a legitimate Loki."

Having seen these eye-catching "404 Inklings" short books here and there in my favourite bookshops, I finally decided to pick up one and give it a go following hearing many great reviews on the series. Being a lover of mythology and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this title grabbed my attention immediately and I had to read it. I was not disappointed.

With a conversational tone, Karl Johnson reminds us that there is far more to our favourite mischievous Norse God. By exploring cultural, political and societal themes, Johnson takes an intensive dive into the myth with ancient and contemporary cross referencing throughout sure to please Loki fans of all backgrounds.

The writing is engaging and the author initiates a fascinating study of the character of Loki across multiple platforms, whether it be from the more traditional mediums such as the Poetic Edda, or recent interpretations like the hugely popular Marvel Cinematic Universe and the "Loki" Disney+ series.

For my first foray into the "404 Inklings", I was deeply impressed and will certainly be on the lookout for more titles that capture my attention.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing exploration into one of the most popular Norse gods. Loki is not just the God of Mischief, he’s so much more to so many people. Social, political & cultural themes have informed multiple versions of the character in various stories over time. This rebellious god already has endless tales & will continue to shape-shift into other versions/stories, meaning everyone will be able to imagine or favour their own Loki.

[Eleanor Hanwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from 404 inklings. This one delves into many of the variations of Loki across books, comics, film and tv.

It was great to delve into some of the more unusual tales that feature Loki and how these have intepreted into teenage stories and even Japanese detectives!

I’ve now got a new list of Loki variants to check out!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The variety of Loki variations is fascinating. A very brief but intense dip into all the diversity in all senses of the world. I think that Loki turns out to be a mirror to show you what need to see in him.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love 404 Inklings, and I was so pleasantly surprised when I came upon this title! I greatly enjoyed the casual accessible narrative tone paired with the deep analysis of cultural memory. Definitely a book I will return to again and again.

[Claire Eymin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I have no knowledge of Norse mythology and this felt like a good introduction. There’s a good mix of general background on Loki in classic Norse mythology (as far as it’s known) and how it is reinterpreted in modern literature and pop culture in general.

[Lily Scior-Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating overview of the Loki myth across various portrayals. If you’re here as a fan of the show, some parts are relevant.

[Coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely little read about the different lokis existing in myth and media. Does contain a lot of spoilers naturally, but those only made me more curious about stories I have not seen/read yet.

[Lucy Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting commentary on the mythology of Loki and the evolution of his character throughout different pieces of media.

[Callum Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the pleasure of this man being my lecturer he’s genuinely one of the nicest people on the planet and this book kept me very captivated the whole time plus signed by him and Linnea

[Filipa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting book. Loved learning more about Loki as a character across time and media.

[Oliver Snowden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following the winning 404inklings formula, Karl Johnson's The Loki Variations is a short, well-written, and perfectly paced exploration of the infamous trickster. Johnson packs a remarkable amount of insight into its pages, making it a compelling read for anyone curious about the god's many guises. If the topic interests you, you will definitely like this book.