Loki as he appears in his standard character design from his official profile in the Smite video game

(6) NORSE – VILLAIN: LOKI

The supreme shapeshifting trickster deity of Norse mythology, whose shtick seemed to be screwing things up for the Hel of it before just wanting to watch the world freeze in Fimbulwinter for s€x, drugs and Ragnarok-and-roll.

Indeed, one might be surprised that I rank him only in sixth place – lower than two other figures of Norse mythology and children of Loki at that – given his ultimate apocalyptic role, arguably the equivalent of my top entry for Norse mythology.

However, that last feature is often seen as “adaptational villainy” under the influence of Christianity rather than reflecting his original role, which was more mischievous than destructive. This is also reflected in Loki happily knocking about with the gods (and being adopted by them), frequently paired up with Thor himself as trusted companion. And on the whole Loki lived up to the trust of Thor and the gods. Yes – he got them into sticky situations, but you really get the impression that he did so as a challenge to himself to see if he could get everyone out of the mischief he caused, as indeed he almost always did.

Ultimately however, at least in the popular version of Norse mythology we have inherited, he crossed the line into outright villainy with his role in the death of Baldur (as well as thwarting Baldur’s return from the underworld) and it was all downhill from there.

Also, I think it’s a fair call for his offspring to outrank him as they were monstrous and primal forces of destruction throughout, albeit he ultimately joined with them in the destruction of the world. They also take down the big two of Norse mythology, whereas Loki settles for settling scores with his longstanding enemy Heimdall in mutually assured destruction. It’s interesting that while Loki himself was not monstrous – at least in his fair appearance – he consistently sired monstrous offspring. I do feel sorry for his wife Sigyn, who remained the model of devotion to him despite everything he did.

ELDRITCH ABOMINATION RANKING

Not so much for Loki himself, although it is hard to fell with a shapeshifter, but certainly for everything he sired. I mean, whenever Loki got it on, it seemed to result in the birth of some monstrous abomination and usually a world-ending one at that.

FANTASY DARK LORD RANKING

Loki ranks high as a fantasy dark lord given his intelligence and abilities, arguably becoming an apocalyptic dark lord in Ragnarok albeit as one of what seems to be a committee of dark lords (and ladies), but loses points for his lack of focus because his true love seems to be trolling.

RATING:

A-TIER (TOP TIER)