- "You must be truly desperate to come to me for help. What makes you think you can trust me?"
"I don't. Mother did. You should know that when we fought each other in the past, I did so with a glimmer of hope that my brother is still in there somewhere. That hope no longer exists to protect you. You betray me and I will kill you."
"When do we start?" - ―Loki and Thor[src]
Loki Laufeyson is the central antagonist of the Infinity Saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, serving as the main antagonist of Phase One, a supporting character in Phase Two and Phase Three.
He is the son of Laufey, the ruler of the Frost Giants in Jotunheim. Shortly after his birth, Loki was abandoned and left to die. Found by the Asgardian king Odin, he was brought to Asgard and raised by him and his wife Frigga as an Asgardian prince, along with their biological son Thor. When he grew up, he became known as the "God of Mischief". When Loki learned the truth about his real father, he made a plan to force Odin to banish Thor so he could become next in line to the throne. Loki succeeded in his schemes and took the throne as Odin fell into the Odinsleep, however when the Warriors Three and Lady Sif attempted to return Thor home, Loki was forced to try and kill his brother. However, Thor returned from his exile on Earth and ended Loki's reign of terror.
Lost in the darkest depths of the universe, Loki made a deal with The Other, a servant of the Mad Titan Thanos, who gave him a powerful Scepter and command over their army of the Chitauri to conquer Earth. Once he came to Midgard, Loki managed to take possession of the mystical Tesseract and used its power to build an army and caused the Chitauri Invasion, but he was ultimately defeated by a group of superheroes called the Avengers. Thor returned him to Asgard, where Odin condemned him to spend the rest of his life in prison as punishment for his crimes.
However, when his mother Frigga was killed during the Sacking of Asgard, Loki was freed by Thor in order to defeat the Dark Elves and their leader, Malekith who desired to use the power of the Aether to transform the universe into eternal darkness. During the fight against the Dark Elves in Svartalfheim, Loki faked his death, and, unbeknownst to everyone in the Kingdom, returned to Asgard and successfully removed Odin from the throne, taking his place as King where he remained for several years. During his reign, Loki continued to rule Asgard by sending Lady Sif on missions of Earth to investigate the attacks of Lorelei and Vin-Tak.
Roles[]
He is the main antagonist of Thor, a cameo antagonist in Captain America: The First Avenger, the main antagonist of Avengers, the tritagonist as well as the central antagonist of Thor: The Dark World, the deuteragonist of Thor: Ragnarok, a supporting character in Avengers: Infinity War, a posthumous antagonist in Avengers: Endgame and the titular villainous main protagonist of the Disney+ series Loki.
Early Life[]
Adopted by Odin[]
Loki transforming his appearance
Loki was born on Jotunheim as the son of the Frost Giant King, Laufey. Small and weak for a Frost Giant, Loki was abandoned by his father in a temple where he was expected to die. In 965, not long after the war between the Giants and the Asgardians, Loki was found by King Odin. Adopting Loki and using sorcery to alter his appearance to make him appear to be an Asgardian, Odin raised Loki and his biological son, Thor, with his wife Frigga. As they grew up, Loki always felt like he was living in Thor's shadow, envious to the fact that Thor was meant to be king instead of him.[1]
Loki is given a lesson by Odin
Lacking interest in Asgardian warrior arts, Loki took an interest in sorcery. Frigga, who was a lot closer to Loki than Odin was, taught Loki everything she knew about sorcery, and he eventually became an expert in Asgardian magic.[2] Loki's jealousy of Thor and eagerness to win Odin's appreciation slowly altered Loki's personality for the worse. Where he was once aloof and carefree, Loki slowly became ambitious, going to great lengths to achieve greatness without any thought or care on the consequences.[1]
The Trickster's Schemes[]
Thor's Coronation[]
Loki attends Thor's coronation
- "I think you’re right. About the Frost Giants, about Laufey, about everything. If they found a way to penetrate Asgard’s defenses once, who’s to say they won’t try again. Next time with an army."
- ―Loki to Thor[src]
Loki was present when Thor was supposed to ascend the throne. Before the ceremony, Loki said that while he was sometimes envious of Thor's place as first-born, there was no doubt that he loved him dearly. When Thor asked how he looked, Loki answered "Like a king". However midway through, the ceremony was interrupted by the Frost Giants Loki had summoned earlier that broke into Asgard and attempted to steal the Casket of Ancient Winters. Odin called the Destroyer, which killed the invading Frost Giants but not before they killed several guards.
Loki looks upon the damage left by Jotuns.
Loki, Thor and Odin made their way to Odin's Vault to investigate; when they arrived, they found the bodies of the Frost Giants and the Asgardian guards who had been killed. Enraged, Thor demanded Odin march into Jotunheim and attack the Front Giants in retaliation but Odin refused. Thor argued that as king of Asgard he should be able to decide these matters, but Odin told him he was not yet king. Loki stayed silent, listening and working out his own plan.
Loki tricks and manipulates Thor
Thor unleashed his rage by throwing over a dinner table and sitting in brooding silence. Loki soon found his brother and sat calmly next to him, comforting him over his disappointment in not being crowned king. Loki spoke to him and was able to manipulate him by claiming that he also agreed with his view that they should gain revenge for the Asgardian lives lost during the attack. This increased Thor's confidence as he decided, as Loki had planned, to disobey their father's orders and attack Jotunhiem on their own so they could confront King Laufey, although Loki claimed that such a plan was madness knowing that Thor would just ignore his words.
Loki tries and fails to trick Heimdall
Loki followed the enraged Thor, along with Lady Sif and the Warriors Three, to Jotunheim to seek answers; before they left Loki told a guard of their intention and ordered him to inform Odin. They went to Heimdall, keeper of the Bifrost Bridge, Loki confidently tried to confuse Heimdall, but the gatekeeper was already well aware of their intentions, but still gave them safe passage to Jotunheim, while the others mocked Loki as they prepared to depart.[1]
Attack on Jotunheim[]
Thor and Loki speak to Laufey on Jotunheim
When the group arrived in Jotunheim, they looked over the barren wasteland planet and Hogun claimed that they should not be there. As they explored the planet, they eventually located Laufey, the King of the Frost Giants who ordered them to leave. Thor demanded answers, but Loki, seeing they were vastly outnumbered by their enemy, tried to persuade his brother to retreat. Soon Thor relented but as they began to leave, a Frost Giant insulted Thor, causing the prince to attack his foe with Mjølnir leading to a full on attack.
Loki throws his knives at the Frost Giants
The Frost Giant's army launched an ambush of the Asgardians and they engaged in a fierce battle against their enemies, where Loki began to fight by using his knives to kill those who attacked him. While Sif and Volstagg used to their strength and great fighting skills to gain the advantage, Loki used his magic to attack and confuse the Frost Giants, tricking one into charging at an illusion which caused him to fall to his death while Loki continued fighting.
Loki discovers he is part Frost Giant
When he made physical contact with a Frost Giant, Loki discovered that he was unharmed, unlike Volstagg, and his arm turned blue. As they became more outnumbered and Fandral was injured, Loki ordered a retreat; they ran from a Jotunheim Beast. When they were cornered, Odin arrived and attempted to regain the peace between Asgard and Jotunheim; however, Laufey told him Thor had started a war. Odin accepted this and took the group back to Asgard.
Loki witnesses Thor being banished to Earth
Back on Asgard, Odin remained furious at Thor, telling him he had just started a new great war between Asgard and Jotunheim, Thor argued aggressively while Loki stayed quiet, when he did try to intervene Odin silenced him. Odin took Thor's armor and powers and banished him to Earth. Loki watched as Thor was thrown out of Asgard and Odin sent Thor's hammer after him with a spell meaning only one worthy of its power would be able to lift it.[1]
Refusal to Help[]
Loki speaks with Sif and the Warriors Three
- "Go to the All-Father and convince him to change his mind."
"And if I do, then what? I love Thor more dearly than any of you, but you know what he is. He's arrogant, he's reckless, he's dangerous! You saw how he was today. Is that what Asgard needs from its King?" - ―Sif and Loki[src]
Back in one of the great halls of Asgard, Loki listened as Volstagg argued with the others about why they should have never allowed Thor to go on his revenge mission, questioning how they could have been caught. Loki told the Warriors Three and Sif that he was the one who had informed the guard of their journey to Jotunheim, showing little remorse and refused to speak to Odin to convince him to return Thor home as he argued that Thor had proven himself to be a reckless leader.[1]
Learning His True Heritage[]
Loki confirms his true Frost Giant powers
- "I’m the monster that parents tell their children about at night?"
"No! No!"
"It all makes sense now. Why you favored Thor, all these years! Because no matter how much you claim to love me, you could never have a Frost Giant sitting on the throne of Asgard!" - ―Loki and Odin[src]
Still thinking on the discovery he had made during his fight against the Frost Giants, Loki made his way into Odin's Vault and picked up the Casket of Ancient Winters; upon touching the device his skin turned blue, causing him to resemble a Frost Giant. Odin arrived in the room and ordered his son to stop, but Loki confronted him over his sudden change on Jotunheim. When Loki asked what he was, Odin insisted that he was his son, but Loki did not accept this as an answer and demanded to know what else he was.
Loki learns the truth about his birth from Odin
Odin relented, telling Loki of how he had discovered Loki as a helpless baby and taken him in. Upon discovering his true heritage, Loki believed that Odin would have never put a Frost Giant on the throne of Asgard. Loki berated Odin in denial, accusing him of using him as a tool for peace. Odin, overcome with stress, fell into the deep Odinsleep. Seeing his father ill, Loki called out to the nearby guards for aid.[1]
Taking the Throne[]
Loki speaks to Frigga about his past
- "My King, we would ask that you end Thor’s banishment."
"My first command cannot be to undo the All-Father’s last. We’re on the brink of war with Jotunheim. Our people need a sense of continuity in order to feel safe in these difficult times." - ―Sif and Loki[src]
With Odin temporarily rendered comatose, Loki sat by his beside with his mother Frigga, he asked her more questions about his heritage, wanting to know why the truth had been kept from him for so many years. Loki could not accept the truth however. During their talk, a guard arrived and presented Loki with Odin's staff Gungnir, and pronounced Loki as the new King of Asgard.
Loki sits upon the throne of Asgard
Loki gladly took the throne in his place. He was visited by the Warriors Three and Lady Sif, who were shocked by the disappearance of Odin and Loki's new position. Reluctantly accepting their new king, they requested that he end Thor's banishment but Loki refused, claiming his first action as king could not be to undo his father's last. Before they could argue he ordered them to leave and Fandral pulled Sif away before she could confront Loki further.[1]
Keeping Thor in Exile[]
Loki speaks to Thor on earth
Loki paid a visit to Thor on Earth where Thor had been captured by S.H.I.E.L.D. when trying to regain Mjølnir. Thor asked Loki what had happened on Asgard, but Loki lied and told him that Odin had died, in order to keep him unmotivated and emotionally destroyed. Loki informed him that he had taken on the burden of the throne and that the peace was dependent on Thor's banishment from Asgard and that Frigga had forbidden his return.
Loki fails to lift his brother's hammer, Mjølnir
Thor sadly agreed and said goodbye to his brother and thanked him for coming, accepting that the death of their father and the disasters that had befallen their family had all fallen to him as he accepted his fate to remain on Earth for the rest of his life. After leaving Thor in his holding cell to be questioned by Phil Coulson, Loki attempted to lift Thor's hammer but failed as this betrayal of his brother's trust proved him to be unworthy of wielding it.[1]
Starting a War[]
Dealing with Laufey[]
Loki makes a deal with Laufey
Traveling to Jotunheim, Loki visited Laufey and introduced himself as the one who had given them safe passage into Asgard. He struck a deal to allow Laufey to go to kill Odin and take the Casket of Ancient Winters, which Odin had stolen from them, allowing Laufey to restore Jotunheim to all its former glory. Loki told him he could not be seen killing the Allfather himself as the people of Asgard would never accept him as king if he did. Laufey accepted Loki's offer.
Loki's many lies are confronted by Heimdall
Returning to Asgard via the Bifrost Bridge, Loki was confronted by Heimdall, who claimed that Loki was using magic to block his gaze upon him while he was in Jotunheim. Loki claimed that Heimdall's powers were becoming weaker and reminded him that he was his king and therefore was forced to obey his orders without question and with complete loyalty. When Heimdall agreed Loki ordered him not to allow anyone else to use the Bifrost.[1]
Sending the Destroyer[]
Despite his direct orders, Loki soon learned that the Warriors Three and Lady Sif had used Heimdall's Observatory and travelled to Earth via the Bifrost Bridge. Knowing that his brother would soon learn of his treasonous lies, Loki decided that he had no choice but to silence those who had betrayed him. Therefore Loki called upon his most powerful weapon, the Destroyer and ordered it to travel to Earth and destroy everything it found and kill his enemies.
Loki freezes Heimdall
Furious at the betrayal, Loki made his way to the end of the Bifrost and confronted Heimdall over his treason. Heimdall however made it clear that he knew that Loki was responsible for bringing the Frost Giants into Asgard. Loki stripped Heimdall of all titles and banished him from the Kingdom. However Heimdall knew he was now free of his oaths and when he attempted to kill his king, Loki froze Heimdall with the Casket of Ancient Winters, leaving him to die.
Loki watches the Destroyer's rampage
Loki sent the Destroyer to Earth pursue and destroy Thor and the others. This caused a huge battle between the warriors and the Destroyer who laid waste to the small town which Thor was staying in. When he saw no other end to the battle Thor sacrificed himself, Loki had the Destroyer punch Thor, breaking his bones and killing him. This however proved his worthiness and Thor got his powers back, easily defeating the Destroyer with Mjølnir.[1]
Betraying Laufey[]
Loki welcomes Laufey into Asgard
Knowing he had to move his plans forward, Loki then welcomed Laufey and his small army of Frost Giants to Asgard and showed him the way to Odin, walking past the frozen body of Heimdall on their way. Laufey came to Odin's bedroom, attacking and knocking down Frigga who attempted to defend her husband before finding his greatest enemy defenseless as he lay in his Odinsleep now completely unguarded.
Loki betrays and kills his father Laufey
Laufey stood over Odin's sleeping body, and mocked the King of Asgard as he made an ice blade form in his hand. Just as Laufey was about to kill Odin with the blade, Loki returned and betrayed his true father, shooting him in the back with Gungnir. As Laufey stared in shock and horror, Loki told him his death came from the son of Odin. Loki then killed his cold-hearted father with a single powerful blast from Odin's spear.
Loki is confronted by the returning Thor
As Frigga ran to her son, Thor returned to Asgard with all his powers restored, as Heimdall had survived and returned him through the Bifrost Bridge. Thor arrived in Asgard mere moments after Loki had killed Laufey. He told their mother all about Loki's attempt on his life with the Destroyer while Loki attempted to talk his way out of the situation. Loki fired his spear's energy at Thor and shot him through a wall before making his way to Heimdall's Observatory.[1]
Duel at the Bifrost Bridge[]
Loki begins to destroy Jotunheim
Loki traveled to the Bifrost Bridge and aimed its full power at Jotunheim where it began ripping through the centre of the planet. To ensure that it could not be stopped, Loki then froze it with the Casket of Ancient Winters so the energy would continue to slowly destroy the planet and wipe out the Frost Giants for good so he could be recognized as the King who ended the war.
Loki is confronted by the furious Thor
Thor arrived to see the destruction being caused and tried to convince his brother not to massacre an entire race, but Loki refused and continued to mock and threaten Thor. It was soon proven that Thor would be unable to use his hammer to stop the destruction and Loki argued that massacring the Frost Giants was the right thing to do. Eventually he threatened to kill Jane Foster, causing the furious Thor to attack him to protect the lives Loki threatened.
Loki battles Thor to the death
The brothers fought a violent battle with Loki often using tricks to get the upper hand on his brother. Loki continued to use Gungnir to his advantage, both as a spear and using its energy to shoot at Thor while laughing maniacally every time he managed to outwit and hit his furious brother. They eventually charged at one another and threw each other through the wall and out onto the rainbow bridge, and Loki was thrown over the edge and was barely able to hold onto the side.
Loki creates multiple illusions of himself
As he begged his brother to help him, Thor, seeing his brother in need, bent down to help, only to learn that Loki had indeed tricked him and created an illusion. Loki sneaked up behind him and stabbed him in the side with Gungnir; as Thor lay wounded on the ground, Loki created multiple versions of himself, all laughing manically at him. Thor, enraged slammed his hammer on the ground, causing a shock wave which caused Loki to be knocked backwards.
Losing All Hope[]
Loki is trapped under Mjølnir
As Loki lay injured on his back, Thor calmly walked over to him and placed Mjølnir on his chest, trapping him onto the floor, unable to move. Thor then began to consider how he could possibly stop the destruction of Jotunheim, as there was no way to stop the beam of energy, all while Loki mocked his brother for trying and failing. Thor knew there was only one way he could stop the deaths of millions of Frost Giants.
Loki watches as Thor destroys the Bifrost
Thor retook his hammer and began to destroy the Bifrost Bridge as Loki looked on in sheer horror at what his brother was attempting to do. Attempting to stop him however he could, Loki reminded Thor that if he destroyed the Bifrost then he would never see Jane Foster ever again, but Thor ignored him and continued his task. Loki chose to leap at his brother to stab him in the back, but before he could, the bridge was destroyed and the brothers were thrown into the air.
Loki allows himself to fall into a black hole
Thor destroyed the Bifrost Bridge, and the pair began to fall into the abyss, only for both of them to be saved at the last minute by Odin, who had awoken from his Odinsleep. They both hung before a black hole and Loki tried to convince Odin that he had done it all for them. Odin rejected Loki's pleas with a simple, "No". Loki, devastated by Odin's repudiation of his actions, deliberately let go of Thor to fall into the abyss made by the destruction of the Bifrost Bridge.[1]
New Alliance[]
Working for Thanos[]
Loki makes a deal with The Other
- "I was a king! The rightful king of Asgard. Betrayed."
"Your ambition is little, born of childish need. We look beyond the Earth to greater worlds the Tesseract will unveil."
"You don't have the Tesseract yet. I don't threaten, but until I open the doors, until your force is mine to command, you are but words." - ―Loki and The Other[src]
Falling through the Wormhole, Loki arrived in a part of the universe called Sanctuary and met the Mad Titan Thanos, who offered a pact that would allow him to become ruler of the Earth while he would take the Tesseract which was being studied by S.H.I.E.L.D.. Thanos provided Loki with a Scepter with a blue gem which acted as a powerful weapon, and also as a mind control device. Unbeknownst to Loki, while he could use it to puppeteer the minds of others, he himself was also being influenced, the staff's power turning his green eyes crystal blue as he wielded it.[3]
Loki takes control of Erik Selvig's mind
Loki's use of the Scepter fueled his hatred and desire to bring harm to humans and Thor. Thanos showed Loki how to temporarily control someone while still on the planet. Doctor Erik Selvig was taken to a S.H.I.E.L.D. facility, where Nick Fury showed him the Tesseract asked him to study it. Loki influenced Selvig to ensure that he agreed.[4] One year later, Frigga learned that Loki had survived and tried to make contact with him, but Loki told her it was not the time to talk.[5]
Chitauri Invasion[]
Arrival on Earth[]
Loki arrives at a S.H.I.E.L.D. Facility
Accepting Thanos' deal without fear of failure, Loki turned his focus back to Erik Selvig, who had been summoned by S.H.I.E.L.D. with the task of unlocking the Tesseract's secrets. Selvig came to understand the cube's capabilities, and through Loki's influence he developed equipment that would focus its power. When the time was right, Loki activated the Tesseract, forming a portal that pulled him through space to its location on Earth, the main facility of Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S..
Loki puts Clint Barton under mind control
Upon arriving at the facility, Loki was immediately confronted by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents who ordered him to put down his weapon. When Loki attacked the agents with powerful blasts of energy, the agents fired guns at him only to learn that bullets bounced off his body. Once he had killed or subdued all his attackers within seconds, Loki managed to use the Scepter's true power to subjugate and control Hawkeye and Selvig, as well as a number of other agents by placing the tip of the scepter at their chest near their heart and allowing the power of the gem to overtake their free will.
Loki meets and threatens Nick Fury
As Loki gathered his army of slaves, Nick Fury attempted to keep him away from the Tesseract and escape unseen. Loki however spied the S.H.I.E.L.D. Director and ordered him to leave the cube. Introducing himself and explaining he was Asgardian, Loki explained to Fury that he wanted the Tesseract as part of his glorious purpose which was to free the Earth and humanity from freedom, which he defined as life's great lie, vowing that he would become their one supreme king, although Fury questioned his goals for peace and argued that he wanted war.
Loki attempts to make his escape
Fury tried to flee with the Tesseract, but then decided to stay and allow himself to die with the cube if it meant stopping Loki as well. Selvig and Hawkeye informed Loki of Fury's intent, prompting Loki to gather the turned agents and leave with the Tesseract but not before ordering Hawkeye to shoot and kill Fury. The group then made their way to the Jeeps where they avoided Maria Hill's attempt to stop them. As they made it outside, the energy the cube had unleashed consumed the area and the entire compound with it.
Loki shoots down Nick Fury's helicopter
As they drove away from the wreckage of the facility, trapping the presumed dead Hill inside, Fury, who had survived the gunshot due to a Bulletproof Vest, flew over them in a helicopter. Unwilling to allow Loki to escape with such a dangerous weapon, Fury fired his gun at the Asgardian, so in response Loki fired a single blot of energy from his Scepter, shooting the helicopter out of the sky. Fury barely survived the crash and continued to fire at the jeep as Barton drove them to safety; despite being under fire, Loki appeared relaxed and pleased with his success. [3]
Testing the Tesseract[]
Loki communicates with The Other
Before long, Loki and his small but ever growing army had been successful in securing an area to determine the next course of action for the Tesseract while Erik Selvig continued his experiments to learn how to control and manipulate its power. While watching his men work, Loki noted the Scepter's gem glowing and calling out to him. He allowed himself to enter a trance where he could appear to The Other and his Chitauri army across deepest space in a metaphysical form.
While on the Sanctuary, Loki mocked the Chitauri and asked if they were truly as formidable as he had been promised. The Other furiously reminded Loki of how he had been given a second chance after being cast out and defeated by Asgard. The Other then warned Loki that if he failed at his pursuit of Earth and the Tesseract did not fall into their hands to be given to Thanos, that there would be no place for him to hide from the Mad Titan's wrath and, when he was found, before long he would beg for something as sweet as pain.
Loki speaks with Erik Selvig and Hawkeye
Now unsettled about potential failure and more determined than ever, Loki met with Selvig and Clint Barton to discuss their next course of action to complete their plans. While Selvig commented on the incredible power and knowledge that the Tesseract was providing him, he explained that what he would need was Iridium, necessary to stabilize the portal. Loki also spoke to Hawkeye about the team of Avengers that Nick Fury was forming. To gain the Iridium, Loki went to Stuttgart, Germany with Hawkeye and other turned agents.[3]
Skirmish in Germany[]
Loki steals Heinrich Schafer's eyeball
- "Kneel before me. I said... Kneel! Is not this simpler? Is this not your natural state? It's the unspoken truth of humanity that you crave subjugation. The bright lure of freedom diminishes your life's joy in a mad scramble for power. For identity. You were made to be ruled. In the end, you will always kneel."
- ―Loki to the citizens of Stuttgart[src]
In Germany, Loki disrupted a gala at a large museum while Hawkeye raided a secure installation for Iridium. Loki struck terror into the hearts of guests by securing the one thing needed for Hawkeye to breach the security measures: Heinrich Schafer's eyeball. Loki, disguised in a suit, attacked Schafer, grabbed the man and flipped him onto a bench, then used a special device to saw into Schafer's eyeball, allowing Barton access to steal the Iridium.
Loki forces a crowd in Germany to kneel
Loki strode out after the screaming crowd into the streets where he made several copies of himself, trapping the people and demanding that they kneel before him. As he looked upon the humans cowering in fear at the power of Asgard, Loki could only laugh at those he deemed lesser than himself. Loki bragged that this was man's purpose to be ruled and that in the end they would always kneel before him, but a single man stood up and challenged him and his intentions. The man said he would not kneel before a man like him, Loki arrogantly argued that there were and never had been men like him as he deemed himself vastly superior to all the humans.
Loki fights against Captain America
When Loki prepared to kill the old man, Captain America appeared and challenged him, deflecting the bolt of energy back at Loki with his shield. Seconds later, an armed Quinjet carrying Black Widow also challenged him from the sky. Loki fired a bolt of energy at the Quinjet, missing, and Captain America threw his shield at him. Loki engaged in a brief but brutal battle with the super-soldier, during which Loki gained the upper hand and stood above the Captain, demanding he kneel; Cap refused and continued fighting Loki.
Loki surrenders to the Avengers
Just as Loki once again gained the upper hand and began beating Captain America into submission, they were interrupted by the arrival of Iron Man, who shot Loki in the chest and threatened to fire all his weapons upon Loki, daring him to make a move. Realizing that the Avengers had been assembled and he was now outmatched, Loki allowed himself to be captured, using his magic to remove his armour. As the Avengers took Loki into custody, he secretly began plotting how to use this situation to his advantage in the end.[3]
Captured[]
Loki is captured and taken away on a Quinjet
As they journeyed to the Helicarrier on board the Quinjet, Loki sat in silence while Captain America and Iron Man discussed what his plans could be and why he had allowed himself to be captured so easily. The conversation stopped however when lightning began shooting from the sky, signalling the arrival of Loki's brother. As predicted, Thor arrived and extracted Loki from the jet and the Avengers' custody.
Loki talking to Thor about his plans
Taking his brother to a nearby mountain where they were observed by Hugin and Munin, Thor attempted to reason with Loki, imploring him to remember that they were once brothers as they had been raised together and spent years playing and fighting together. Thor asked him to return home to Asgard and surrender the Tesseract. Loki, however, still resented his brother and refused to cooperate, claiming that Odin was not his real father. When Loki mentioned his knowledge of the Tesseract, Thor demanded to know how he knew so much but Loki refused to say Thanos' name.
Thor regained Mjølnir and threatened his brother, but before he could get the information he needed from Loki about the Tesseract's location, Thor was tackled by Iron Man and knocked off the side of the mountain. Loki remained on his perch and watched, pleased, as his enemies began to battle each other over who should take Loki into custody. As the argument escalated, Thor and Iron engaged in a fierce fight which ended when Captain America intervened and convinced them that they should ally themselves.[3]
Questioned by S.H.I.E.L.D.[]
Loki is captured by S.H.I.E.L.D.
- "You talk about peace and you kill cause it’s fun. You have made me very desperate. You might not be glad that you did."
"Ooh. It burns you to come so close. To have the Tesseract, to have power, unlimited power. And for what? A warm light for all mankind to share, and then to be reminded what real power is." - ―Nick Fury and Loki[src]
With the Avengers and Thor now considering themselves to be allies in the war, they took Loki together into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody aboard the Helicarrier. As armed guards marched Loki down the hallways and past Bruce Banner's laboratory, Loki smiled at the scientist, making Banner uneasy and raising suspicion all round. Loki was placed in a confinement capsule which had been designed, without Banner's knowledge, to hold a rogue Hulk. If Loki tried to escape or break through the cell, it would drop him 30,000 feet straight downward, which would hopefully be fatal to him.
Loki is interrogated by Nick Fury
Loki taunted Nick Fury about his failed attempts to understand and control the Tesseract and his gathering of misfits to defend Earth, however Fury remained confident and told the God of Mischief that he had made him very desperate and he might live to regret this. Loki went on to tell Fury that he had finally seen what really power was and Fury took this as a cue to leave. Loki's mere presence and self-confidence was enough to provide a disruptive element that would fragment the only group of heroes that had any hope of stopping him.[3]
Tricked by Black Widow[]
Loki speaks to and tests Black Widow
- "I won’t touch Barton! Not until I make him kill you. Slowly, intimately, in every way he knows you fear. And then he’ll wake just long enough to see his good work, and when he screams I’ll split his skull! This is my bargain, you mewling quim!"
"You’re a monster." - ―Loki and Natasha Romanoff[src]
As Loki paced in his cell, he was greeted by Black Widow who came to apparently offer a deal in exchange for Clint Barton's freedom. Loki subjected her to a play of wits where he asked her questions about her past and her relationship with Barton. Eventually Loki ferreted out her deeper misgivings and explained that Barton had told him all about her murders and terrible crimes she had committed while a part of the Red Room before she joined S.H.I.E.L.D..
Loki threatens Black Widow from inside his cell
Loki vowed that he would force Barton to torture and kill Romanoff in order to break his heart before he broke his skull, taking considerable pleasure at the horror this put in Romanoff. However the spy tricked the trickster into revealing that there was already a monster among them and that it was not him. From this, she concluded that the monster was Banner and that Loki planned to use Hulk to destroy the Helicarrier and the heroes as well. Once she left to warn them, Loki's smile indicated that was part of his plan: to turn Hulk against the Avengers by first turning the Avengers against Hulk.[3]
Attack on the Helicarrier[]
Loki smiles as he hears Hulk's rampage
- "Your heroes are scattered, your floating fortress falls from the sky. Where is my disadvantage?"
"Your lack conviction." - ―Loki and Phil Coulson[src]
However Loki's plan to use Hulk was only one aspect of his real intentions. More of his full scheme became clear as another jet carrying Hawkeye and the rogue agents came to his aid, following a signal from the Scepter. Hawkeye caused a massive explosion which separated the Avengers. The wounded Banner transformed into Hulk and went on a rampage, destroying much of the Helicarrier while Loki remained in his cell and smiled to himself at the destruction.
Loki tricks and traps his brother Thor
Before long one of Loki's controlled agents freed him from the cell. Loki then used illusions of himself to trick Thor into entering the cell, trapped him in there, and mocked his brother for falling for the same trick yet again. Before Loki could drop the cell from the Helicarrier in order to kill his brother, Agent Phil Coulson confronted him with the Destroyer Armor Prototype Gun and politely ordered him to move away from the controls and surrender, noting that he was not sure exactly how powerful the gun really was.
Loki prepares to drop Thor out of the sky
Loki used his illusions to get behind the brave S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and stabbed him straight through the heart with his Scepter. Thor watched in horror as Coulson fell to the ground dying. Loki looked his brother straight in the eye as he returned to the control pad, and ejected Thor - in the cell Fury made for disposing of a dangerous Hulk - to fall thousands of feet from the Helicarrier to his eventual death.
Loki mocks the mortally wounded Phil Coulson
As Coulson lay on the ground bleeding to death, he summoned the strength to tell Loki that he stood no chance of winning this war. Loki claimed he had no disadvantage as the Avengers had been destroyed, only for Coulson to fire the Destroyer Gun at him, sending him flying through a wall. Though he retrieved his Scepter, Black Widow released Hawkeye from the mind control, and Loki got on-board a Quinjet and headed to New York City, where Erik Selvig waited with the Tesseract at Stark Tower where they intended to complete their experiments.[3]
Battle of New York[]
Tony Stark's Challenge[]
Loki watches as Iron Man locates him
- "Please tell me you’re going to appeal to my humanity."
"Uh…actually, I’m planning to threaten you."
"You should have left your armor on for that." - ―Loki and Tony Stark[src]
While Erik Selvig continued his work on the roof of the skyscraper, Loki prepared to welcome his army of Chitauri and begin his glorious, but brief, war on the Earth. Iron Man, having survived the Attack on the Helicarrier and having figured out his plans, caught up with him at Stark Tower. Loki watched confidently as Stark landed on the Tower's landing pad and abandoned his wrecked Iron Man suit, stepping inside the building in order to confront and threaten the God of Mischief personally.
Loki is threatened by Tony Stark
Stark offered his foe a drink while Loki claimed that once the Chitauri arrived nothing could stop him. He asked Stark what he had to fear: Stark told him that he should fear the Avengers as together the team would be a strong force against him. Loki mocked the claim, noting that in their first bout he had already driven them apart, but Stark insisted he had just pissed them off and that if they couldn't protect the Earth, they would Avenge its destruction at Loki's hand. He also promised that the Incredible Hulk was stronger than Loki and his entire army combined, much to Loki's great annoyance.
Loki tries and fails to brainwash Tony Stark
When Loki grew weary of the threats noted that the Avengers would soon be too busy fighting Stark to challenge him as he attempted to subjugate Stark with the Scepter, only to be physically blocked by the Arc Reactor in Stark's chest, leading to Stark mock him even further for the awkward failure. Annoyed at the insults, Loki threw the inventor out of a window, and was surprised when a freshly built Iron Man armor rocketed after him. Loki found himself under attack when the fully suited Iron Man rocketed back up to retaliate and, avenging Agent Phil Coulson, knocked him back with a energy blast.
Loki looks at the Battle of New York
Before they could continue the fight, the Tesseract opened the portal in the sky, finally allowing Loki's entire Chitauri army to come pouring through beginning the Chitauri Invasion of Earth. As Iron Man left Loki to begin battling the oncoming army as he shot them out of the sky singlehandedly, Loki recovered himself and took a moment to enjoy the moment. With his triumph near at hand, Loki stepped out onto the observation tower on Stark Tower, regained his full armour and watched as New York City burned around him, lifting his arms up and smiling at all of the devastation he had now caused.[3]
Showdown with Thor[]
Loki furiously jumps forward to attack Thor
Loki was confronted by his brother, Thor, who had survived his fall from the Helicarrier and demanded that he deactivate the Tesseract or the God of Thunder would destroy it. Loki refused, claiming that nothing could stop his war. The brothers fought for a second time, Loki's Scepter matching Thor's hammer. Blasts from the gem almost completely destroyed the Stark Tower logo on the side of the balcony, blasting some of the giant letters and debris off the side.
Loki fighting Thor on top of Stark Tower
The two continued to battle as Loki shot down a Quinjet carrying the other Avengers. When the confrontation came to stalemate with them grappling each others' necks, Thor urged Loki to look around him at the destruction he had caused and asked if he truly believed it would all end with his rule. While Loki was unsure of himself, his eyes reverted to their normal green state temporarily as he struggled with the scepter's grip on him; he claimed it was too late to stop the madness, but briefly considered Thor's appeal to work together to end it all and redeem himself.
Thor tries and fails to convince Loki to stop
The will of the Tesseract over his mind was stronger than his guilt, however, and Loki instead stabbed Thor in the stomach with a throwing knife, preparing to strike him down with the Scepter as he knelt before him and laughing in amusement at Thor's sentiment. This did little more than enrage the thunder god, who disarmed his adoptive brother of his staff before hitting him repeatedly in the face, soon beating Loki into submission before picking him up over his head and slamming him down hard onto the ruined balcony.
Loki rides a Chitauri Chariot into battle
Not allowing himself to be defeated and captured so early into the Chitauri Invasion, Loki threw himself off the building and landed on one of the Chitauri Chariots. From there, Loki took command of the attack on the New York City, shooting down at the humans, destroying many cars and killing dozens of innocent people in massive explosions. The Avengers meanwhile put all their might into attempting to stop him and protect the lives of the people trapped in the city.[3]
Humiliating Defeat[]
Loki catching Hawkeye's explosive arrow
When Hulk destroyed the first of the Chitauri's massive Leviathans, Loki commanded the Chitauri on the other side of the still-open portal to send the rest of their massive armada, releasing dozens of Leviathans and hundreds more Chitauri soldiers, overwhelming New York City's defenses. An aerial chase in which Loki chased down Black Widow left his craft destroyed when Loki confidently caught one of Hawkeye's arrows, which then exploded, causing him to crash land back on Stark Tower.
Loki is brutally attacked by Hulk
Just as Loki got to his feet ready to return to the fight, Hulk confronted him and punched him through a wall into the main room. Loki leapt to his feet and demanded that he stop, claiming that as an Asgardian God he was vastly superior and would not be bullied by him. Loki's frustrated rant only goaded Hulk into simply picking him up and repeatedly slamming him into the ground. Loki, too stunned to fight or threaten any longer, just lay on the ground, more wounded physically than he had ever been before.[3]
Defeated and Captured[]
Loki is finally defeated by the Avengers
Barely able to move from the beating he had received from Hulk, Loki eventually summoned the strength to crawl only to find himself face to face with the Avengers, who had defeated the Chitauri army and closed the Tesseract's portal. As Black Widow held the Scepter and Hawkeye aimed an arrow directly at his face, Loki accepted his defeat and quietly requested the drink that Tony Stark had offered before. The Avengers ignored his request and took him into custody.
Loki is recaptured by Thor
With the Tesseract relinquished to Thor, Loki was bound and placed in a metal muzzle to prevent his pleading, threatening and use of magic. Despite the World Security Council wanting to imprison Loki on Earth to pay for his crimes, Nick Fury allowed Thor take him back to Asgard to be punished by Odin. Loki was led to an open area in Central Park with his brother. From there, Thor said goodbye to the Avengers and used the power of the Tesseract to transport both of them back home to Asgard.[3]
Imprisoned[]
Loki is brought before Odin in chains
Thor brought him back to Asgard where Loki was forced in chains to face Odin's justice. Though Loki tried to justify his actions on Earth, Odin openly told him that he will spare his life only because of Frigga's love for him. Odin then condemned Loki to eternal imprisonment, and called him by his true name, Loki Laufeyson.[6] Loki was put into the Asgardian Dungeons deep beneath the Palace.[7]
Return of the Dark Elves[]
Solitude in Prison[]
Loki locked within the Asgardian Dungeon
Having been condemned to eternal imprisonment, Loki was locked in a cell within the Asgardian Dungeons deep beneath the Asgardian Royal Palace. With centuries to be spent alone by himself, Loki's only source of amusement was to watch as new prisoners arrived in the Dungeons and to read the many books that Frigga would send him. However the longer he spent in his cell, the more bitter and resentful Loki became towards Odin for his lies and his cruel prison sentence.
Loki watches as the Marauders arrive in prison
A year later from the Battle of New York, Loki still remained in his cell. Unknown to him, a war raged across the Nine Realms as a result of the Duel at the Bifrost Bridge having destroyed many of the ways across the Realms. A group of space pirates called the Marauders used this to their advantage and attacked Vanaheim. After their defeat at the hands of Thor, Lady Sif and the Warriors Three, they were locked in cells next to Loki's.
Loki is visited by Frigga's illusion
Despite his solitude, Frigga alone continued to communicate with Loki despite the commands of Odin, and did so via a projection of herself to his cell. She also continued to supply him with books to help pass the years. During one visit Frigga attempted to make Loki consider his actions during the Chitauri Invasion and accept his crimes, but Loki only argued that she and Odin were not his true family and therefore had no right to judge his actions.
Sacking of Asgard[]
Loki confronts and offers advice to Kurse.
While he sat alone in his cell, throwing and catching ornaments to pass the time, Loki heard horrific screams from another part of the Asgardian Dungeons. As Loki looked out he saw a Marauder had magically transformed himself into a monstrous Kurse with a Kursed Stone and broken out of his cell, revealing himself as a Dark Elf looking to destroy Asgard and its leadership. Grasping an opportunity to harass his foster father, Loki advised the Dark Elf where to find the exit.
Loki ignores the battle happening around him
Loki remained in his cell as a battle broke out between the guards and the escaped prisoners. Ignoring the chaos, Loki continued to read his many books even when Thor and the Warriors Three joined the battle, violently throwing prisoners into his cell wall. Loki eventually stopped to observe the battle when the entire Dungeon shook as a Dark Elf Harrow crash-landed inside the Asgardian Palace and the entire army of Dark Elves attacked the Palace.
Loki grieves the death of Frigga
Eventually the battle subsided and appeared to have been won by the forces of Asgard. Not long after the sounds of battle had died away, a guard visited Loki and informed him that Frigga had been killed by the Dark Elves, who had attacked Asgard at the same time as the prison riot started. Loki thanked the guard and stood up in silence, processing the news. Although he appeared calm, this knowledge sent Loki into a fit of rage and he unleashed a seismic blast of his mystical aura which trashed his cell.[7]
Liberation[]
Loki is offered his freedom by Thor
With his cell in ruins and his only comfort gone, Loki briefly used an illusion to hide his disheveled appearance when he visited by Thor, who saw through Loki's illusion. Thor told Loki that he planned to confront Malekith on Svartalfheim and he needed Loki's knowledge of the pathways between worlds. Promising Loki that they would have their revenge for Frigga's death and his freedom as a reward for his help, Thor also vowed that if Loki betrayed him he would kill him without hesitation; nonetheless Loki agreed to Thor's proposal.
Thor and Loki prepare to escape from Asgard
Free from his cell and excited by the prospect of an adventure while also impressed by Thor's clandestine tactics, Loki began to make fun with Thor, claiming that he was surprised that Thor did not wish to use his strength to escape instead. Using his magic, Loki gave his brother the appearance of Lady Sif while transforming himself first into an Asgardian Warrior and then into Captain America, noting that Thor seemed to prefer the company of the Avengers.
Loki is tricked and handcuffed by Thor
As Loki continued to talk and mock Captain America's Uniform for its tight fit and amusing connotations, Thor grabbed him and pushed him against a wall, covering his mouth. Seeing there were two Einherjar guards keeping watch, Loki advised that he be given some form of weapon, such as his knife. Thor seemingly relented but instead of providing him with his blade, Thor shackled him. While Loki appeared unimpressed, Thor reminded him that he usually enjoyed tricks.
Loki's life is threatened by Lady Sif
As they were approached the abandoned shuttle of the Dark Elves, both Lady Sif and Volstagg threatened to kill the amused Loki if he even thought about betraying Thor. When they reached Jane Foster, she punched Loki in the face, telling him the punch was for what he did to New York City. Still amused, Loki commented to Thor that he liked Foster for her feisty nature before they continued their journey to the ship.
Loki mocks Thor's attempts at flying the ship
Boarding the crashed Dark Elf Harrow while Volstagg kept the guards at bay, Thor, Foster and Loki flew it out of the palace. Loki and Thor continued with their brotherly bickering, with Loki commenting on Thor's poor flying skills, especially when he accidentally beheaded a statue of Bor. Loki suggested that he pilot the ship; Thor reminded him that he was the only one who could fly, despite Loki's proven ability to use unfamiliar technology. When Foster fainted due to the Aether in her veins, Loki casually asked if she was dead and berated Thor about his poor plan.
Loki making his escape from Asgard
As he continued he spill out insults to his brother, Loki was then pushed onto a Asgardian Skiff flown by Fandral. Once Thor landed on the Skiff as well, Loki commented on how impressed he was that he had successfully tricked him. As Fandral helped the trio make their way out by attacking the Einherjar, Loki was able to fly the Skiff to a secret location where he was able to transport them out of Asgard and onto the Dark Elves' home world of Svartalfheim.[7]
A Tense Truce[]
Loki argues with Thor about their past
When the three arrived in Svartalfheim, Loki continued to drive the Asgardian Skiff while Thor cared for Jane Foster as she recovered from the Aether's power overloading her body. Loki began to mock Thor's love for a human woman and antagonized his brother, claiming that within a heartbeat she would be dead and he would live on due to the Asgardian life span being so much longer.
Loki tells Thor he should trust his rage
As Loki claimed that the Dark Elves' attack was Thor's doing for locking him in the Asgardian Dungeons, he managed to annoy his brother so much that Thor pushed him back and considered punching him in the face, however Thor stopped himself as he believed Frigga would not want them to fight. Loki argued that while he was right, she would not be surprised. When Thor told Loki he wished he could trust him, Loki told him to trust his rage.[7]
Battle of Svartalfheim[]
Loki and Thor watch Malekith's arrival
Arriving in Svartalfheim, Loki and Thor looked over the wasteland of the planet as they saw Malekith and his small army of Dark Elves exiting their Ark to confront their attacks. While Loki commented that their plan would undoubtedly get them all killed, Thor uncuffed his brother and prepared to attack their enemies, with Loki questioning if Thor trusted him or not.
Loki seemingly makes a deal with Malekith
When Thor asked if Loki would even trust himself, Loki told him that he would not. As part of their plan, Loki then pretended to betray Thor, stabbing him in the side and kicking him off the edge of the cliff. While the Dark Elves watched, Loki mocked and insulted his brother before making an illusion of him cutting off Thor's right hand. Loki then threw Jane Foster before the Dark Elves, claiming his allegiance with them and his desire to watch Asgard burn.
Loki saves Jane Foster from the Aether
As Malekith started absorbing the Aether from Foster's body, Thor and Loki revealed their ruse. Loki quickly removed the illusion he had cast and jumped on top of Foster in order to shield her while Thor used Mjølnir to shoot lightning at the Aether, dispersing it in an explosion. However, Malekith was still able to absorb the fragments. As the Dark Elves retreated to their giant ship, Malekith's lieutenant Kurse stayed behind to keep Thor and Loki busy.
Loki is almost sucked into a black hole
With Malekith having regained the Aether from the Asgardians as he had planned, he no longer had any need to keep them alive and ordered their demise. When Kurse threw his Black Hole Grenades into the air towards them, Loki pushed Jane Foster away from it without hesitation. Though he himself was nearly sucked in it, he was saved at the last moment by Thor as they prepared to retaliate against the Dark Elves and stop Malekith.
Loki is challenged by a team of Dark Elves
While Thor fought the almighty Kurse as Malekith made his escape on his Ark, Loki was attacked by another group of Dark Elves. Armed only with his dagger, Loki found himself surrounded but remained confident in his abilities and instantly began planning how to beat them. As the Elves attacked, Loki easily defeated them all by using his speed and trickery to gain the upper hand and kill them before seeing that Thor was struggling to battle Kurse.[7]
Faking Death[]
Loki bravely attacks and stabs Kurse
Seeing Thor being beaten into submission by Kurse, Loki ran to his brother's aid. He stabbed Kurse from behind, pushing the blade through his chest. The Kursed warrior then grabbed Loki and pulled him onto the blade, stabbing him as well. As one final ruse before he began losing strength, Loki activated one of Kurse's Black Hole Grenades, which then sucked the Dark Elf into a black hole, crushing his entire body and destroying him in just mere seconds.
Loki seemingly dies from his wounds
With Kurse destroyed and Loki seemingly mortally wounded from his injury, Thor ran to his aid and told a dying Loki that he would tell Odin about his noble deed. Loki looked into his brother's eyes and replied that he did not do it for Odin before his skin turned grey and he seemingly died in Thor's arms as his brother cried out in grief. As it appeared Loki was dead, Thor and Jane Foster left him behind on Svartalfheim as they continued their mission to stop Malekith.
Loki disguised as an Einherjar Guard
However Loki's death was just another of his illusions. Seemly weak but still alive, Loki then waited for Thor and Foster to depart from the planet to find Malekith on Earth. Then, when an Einherjar Guard had come to check the battlefield, Loki apparently killed the guard and took his place, returning to Asgard without anyone seeing. Disguised as the Einherjar Guard, Loki informed Odin that a body was found on the battlefield. Odin responded, believing Loki to be dead.[7]
King of Asgard[]
Stealing the Throne[]
Loki successfully disguises himself as Odin
Loki managed to take Odin's place and usurped the throne of Asgard. When Thor defeated Malekith, he returned to Asgard to give his report to Odin. Disguised as Odin, Loki offered him the throne, but Thor declined while honoring Loki's sacrifice. Thor then offered him Mjølnir, but Loki told him it belongs to him if he be worthy of it, knowing full well that he could not take it from him. Thor thanked him and left the room.
Loki proudly reclaims the Throne of Asgard
Loki reverted to his true form and smiled in triumph at reclaiming the throne of Asgard at long last.[7] Some time into Loki's reign, Lorelei escaped to Earth using one of the secret passageways between worlds. Loki, still disguised as Odin, ordered Lady Sif to capture Lorelei and bring her back to Asgard.[8] During his observation of Earth, Heimdall saw a Kree land on the planet. Due to the enmity between Kree and Asgardians, Loki sent Sif to investigate.[9]
Search for Odin[]
Thor later discovered that Loki was still alive, and around that time, Loki stopped impersonating Odin. After that, Thor brought Loki back to Earth, and they started searching for him. Also, Loki's return to Earth later brought the attention of Doctor Strange, who decided to help them find Odin, so Loki could return to Asgard.[10]
Personality[]
Loki is an ever-scheming individual; the God of Mischief, he had been known to meddle in people's lives and even lead them to their inevitable deaths as it made him feel powerful, and often reveled in having a superior ploy or ulterior design upon his enemies, such as Thor and the Avengers. Compared to his boisterous older brother, he always seemed to be calm, peaceful and quiet but in truth had the mind of a cold, calculating sociopath and was constantly formulating machinations that would achieve him power and respect that he truly believed he deserves. Other than that, Loki supposedly cared for Thor, consoling him after his coronation was ruined but was stated to be jealous of him his entire life although no one knew the extent of such jealousy until it was too late. He has a deep hatred of Odin and Thor due to supposedly being the least favored son and constantly rejected by Thor himself. Loki will do anything to humiliate, defeat or hurt Thor, even enslaving the world he cares about and supposedly killing himself.
Part of his bitterness stems from the fact that he is a Frost Giant and was intended as a political tool to bring peace between Asgardians and Frost Giants. As such, Loki felt alienated and ashamed since he is a member of a race Asgardians are taught to fear and hate, and the people he thought were his family lied to him about it all his life. Growing up, Loki believed he was an actual prince of Asgard and so genuinely thought he could be King. Loki competed with Thor for Odin's favor, yet once his real parentage was revealed, Loki felt betrayed as he felt a Frost Giant as king was never a feasible possibility. Furthermore, Loki also felt that he was viewed as nothing more than a trophy and tool instead of an actual son by Odin despite all evidence to the contrary. Despite his hatred and contempt, Loki has expressed the desire to be Thor's equal and recognized by Odin as the worthy son. Perhaps, he does love his family deep down as he appeared hesitant to eject Thor out of the Helicarrier, and saved Odin from being murdered by Laufey as he later states that his death was not his goal. Even so, the decades of built-up resentment overshadows any sliver of humanity Loki might retain.
He has suppressed his desires for most of his life due to constantly living within Thor's shadow. As such he is capable of presenting himself as timid and meek when in reality he is in possession of supreme megalomaniacal ambitions which he believes he is entitled to more than anyone else, especially Thor whom he views as an incompetent fool who would make a terrible King in comparison to Loki. As The Other states his desires are virtually reminiscent to that of childish need to always be best; this also makes his hatred of Thor an entirely overgrown and impractical sibling rivalry and the entirety of his actions can be intervened as purely attention-seeking, going to horrifying lengths such as the subjugation or destruction of a species, all to impress his father. Indeed, Loki's megalomaniacal desires are foiled by his true objective which that is to stand superior over Thor and crush him completely, proving to Loki that he is his equal and his better, which is all he has ever wanted.
As a master of deceit and trickery, Loki utilized his duplicitous nature within combat. Loki was also not above underhanded tactics, such as when Thor offered a hand of peace, Loki deceptively stabbed him in his side. Loki would create feints and appear like running away or surrendering if a fight turned to his disadvantage. For example, when he was at the mercy of Thor on top of the Bifrost Bridge, Loki pathetically begged for his life, yet revealed the act to be just another one of his illusion manipulations and a feint to ambush his brother. However, Loki had a flaw of being arrogant, narcissistic and was in possession of extensive delusions of self-entitlement. This led him into trouble at times as he mocked Hulk within Avengers Tower, calling him a "dull creature" which caused him to be thrashed around like a plaything by the green monster.
He had an unfounded superiority over Humans and deep hatred and this enforced his thinking that he was entitled to rule them; simply because he can due to mankind's history of following people with power, Loki simply believed that they would view him as a benevolent dictator instead. Added to this, Loki firmly believed that freedom was life's great lie and that no-one was truly free and everyone was oppressed in some way. He went as far to say that humans were created only to be subjected by superior men and that they craved to have a ruler, claiming that they would be lost and their lives effectively pointless without one to give them their identity. He mocks Thor for his compassion towards humanity and him enslaving Earth would be nothing less than a petty, spiteful attack towards his older brother.
Evidently, Loki had no respect for his real heritage and would often contradict himself within this area to whatever situation would require it better. After learning that Laufey was in actuality his biological father, he did not even mention this to him on Jotunheim and later murdered him when he attempted to kill Odin. He called the Frost Giants a "race of monsters" despite being a member of the race himself before unleashing the full power of the Bifrost upon their planet, effectively ending the war which Thor started and having saved Odin's life he would be paraded as a hero as he apparently could not see the logic that ending an entire race would only make Odin disgust him further. Since learning that he was the son of Laufey, Loki states that Thor is not his brother at all ignoring the years that they grew up together entirely and throws this in his face twice. When hanging over the Bifrost, though he refers to him as "brother" despite having previously disowned him only a few minutes earlier. Although this was soon revealed to be an illusion, and another trick to use against Thor. Likewise, after being transported to Earth by the Tesseract he claims himself as "Loki of Asgard" but on Svartalfheim before the Dark Elves, proclaims himself "Loki of Jotunheim".
However, deep down Loki has some form of love for his family. Though his hatred for his brother and father is unending, he does not share these feelings for his mother Frigga. Upon learning she was killed, Loki acted with rage and destroyed everything within his cell. When confronted by Thor in his imprisonment, he asked genuinely if she suffered as she died and was willing to work with his much-hated brother to kill Malekith. Part of this stems from his regret over directing Kurse to Frigga and Jane Foster and upon Svartelheim he displays tremendous and uncharacteristic selflessness such as risking his own life to save Foster and Thor, while dying in the process. Thor even states that Loki did indeed die with honour but even this was a ruse as he has usurped the throne of Asgard and killed/captured Odin.
Powers and Abilities[]
As a Frost Giant, Loki possesses superhuman attributes such as abnormal strength, speed, agility, durability, stamina and reflexes and has been shown to be a powerful combatant. He learned to use Asgardian sorcery from Frigga, which, in addition to his cunning, manipulative and strategic mind makes Loki one of the most dangerous foes a person could ever face in battle.
Powers[]
Loki's true nature as a Frost Giant
Loki, as a Frost Giant, has many superhuman attributes common among the Jotuns.
- Frost Giant Physiology: Since Loki had been enchanted to look like an Asgardian, Loki's Frost Giant features only come out when he was in contact with Frost Giant magic, such as when he utilizes the Casket of Ancient Winters or when he was inflicted with the Frost Giants' touch. As a Frost Giant, Loki has superhuman abilities including:
- Superhuman Strength: Loki possesses considerable superhuman strength, and thus he has overpowered humans, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, and the enhanced human Captain America with little effort, has easily defeated multiple Frost Giants and Dark Elves, and has even held his own in combat against Asgardians. However, Loki's strength is still not quite on the same level as that of Hulk or his adopted brother Thor.
- Superhuman Speed: Loki is fast enough to catch Hawkeye's arrow in mid-flight, inches away from his neck. He also used his speed in his fight against Captain America, during which he easily gained the upper hand, at one point even smashing Captain America's Shield to the ground.
- Superhuman Agility: Loki has shown immense agility and reflexes, defeating several Dark Elves at once by using swift and agile movements.
- Superhuman Durability: Loki has shown himself to be extremely durable to injuries, further augmented by his armor. Hence, Loki only flinched after getting shot in the face with a pistol, and was not at all affected by assault rifle rounds to his torso. Loki also barely reacted to a jab to the face from Captain America, and even a full force kick to the face from the latter that made Loki stumble back, only hurt him slightly. However, sufficiently powerful weapons, such as Iron Man's repulsors, Hawkeye's explosive arrows, and a deflected shot from his own scepter, are at least able to cause Loki pain and leave minor marks. Loki's durability is implied to be far greater than that of a normal Frost Giant, as he is able to take multiple mighty blows from even Hulk and Thor without any fatal damage. In addition, as a Frost Giant, Loki is immune to the extreme cold of Jotunheim.
- Superhuman Stamina: Loki possesses superhuman stamina that allows him to fight prolonged battles, such as the Battle of New York. His muscles produce practically no fatigue toxins during physical activity compared to those of humans. His incredible stamina enables him to exert himself at peak capacity for an undefined period of time without tiring at all.
- Regenerative Healing Factor: Despite his astounding resistance to injury, it is still possible to injure or even kill Loki. However, due to his Frost Giant physiology, Loki heals at a rate much faster than that of humans. Hence, Loki was quickly back on his feet even after being brutally smashed multiple times against the ground by Hulk.
- Longevity: Loki has the capacity to live for thousands of years. Loki was a baby at the end of the last great war between the Asgardians and the Jotuns, over a thousand years ago.
- Cold Immunity: Due to his Frost Giant physiology, Loki is immune to the otherwise damaging touch of Frost Giants. In fact both a Frost Giant's touch and him either using or even touching the Casket of Ancient Winters, would reveal his true form as a Frost Giant.
- "Are you ever not going to fall for that?"
- ―Loki[src]
Loki creates an illusion to trick his enemies
- Master Sorcerer: Loki learned how to wield Asgardian Magic while growing up in Asgard, thanks to his adoptive mother Frigga. He eventually became a highly skilled and formidable sorcerer, with it being his main asset in battle. The magical abilities he demonstrated were:
- Illusion Manipulation: Loki can generate hazy green, holographic light with a wave of his hand, which he has used to create illusions. He was particularly noted to fool enemies who try to attack him with an illusion of himself. Thor was noted to fall for this ability numerous times. Loki even made multiple illusory image of himself appear simultaneously during his first duel with Thor, before the latter blasted them away with lightning. Loki could also alter his attire, his voice and his physical aspect in order to resemble another person. He used this power to change his clothing from his usual armor, to a human's business suit, and to his battle armor, though while changing his clothing, the light was yellow instead of green. He was also capable of imitating Thor, Captain America, Odin, and an anonymous Asgardian guard. He could also use his power to alter the appearance of Thor (making him look like Lady Sif or without a hand) and of his cell in the Asgardian Dungeons. However, Loki most notably conjured up the extremely convincing illusion of him seemingly dying from a wound inflicted by Kurse. He may have used this ability to speak to Thor when the latter was imprisoned by Coulson after failing to pick up his hammer, instantly appearing in and then disappearing from the sealed room Thor was kept in.
- Hypnosis: Loki can subtly influence the minds of others, such as when he manipulated Erik Selvig into researching the Tesseract.
- Invisibility: Loki was able to render himself and others unseen and unheard to whomever he wants. Instead of letting light waves pass through himself, it was simply a trick of the mind, similar to hypnosis. He was able to use his magic to mask his presence from even Heimdall himself while he was in Jotunheim, and used the same ability to sneak several Frost Giants into Asgard without Heimdall's detection. He also presumably used this ability to hide himself from S.H.I.E.L.D. agents when he briefly visited Thor and attempted to lift Mjølnir himself. Also he appeared as a reflection mirror without being present in a room, while no one noticed him, as he even spoke allowed and neither Erik Selvig or Nick Fury heard him. In fact, he used this particular instance to influence Selvig to work on the Tesseract. He has also seemed to use this to leave decoys of himself in full view of others without being detected, as he was able to get behind Coulson to stab him despite having been standing across the room working on the console to control the confinement capsule designed to drop from the Helicarrier.
- Telekinesis: Loki was able to mentally move objects with his mind, akin to generating immense concussive force. During Loki, Thor, Sif, and the Warriors Three's skirmish with the Frost Giants, While using his throwing blades, they flashed green light, similar to the holographic light he uses for his illusions, allowing him to launch them with enough force to shatter an ice shield of a Frost Giant. Upon hearing about Frigga's death, Loki, in a fury, clenched his fists and sent everything around the cell flying through the air and crashing into the walls. It also shook the cell violently like a small tremor, causing the light in it to flicker like an electromagnetic pulse.
- Illusion Manipulation: Loki can generate hazy green, holographic light with a wave of his hand, which he has used to create illusions. He was particularly noted to fool enemies who try to attack him with an illusion of himself. Thor was noted to fall for this ability numerous times. Loki even made multiple illusory image of himself appear simultaneously during his first duel with Thor, before the latter blasted them away with lightning. Loki could also alter his attire, his voice and his physical aspect in order to resemble another person. He used this power to change his clothing from his usual armor, to a human's business suit, and to his battle armor, though while changing his clothing, the light was yellow instead of green. He was also capable of imitating Thor, Captain America, Odin, and an anonymous Asgardian guard. He could also use his power to alter the appearance of Thor (making him look like Lady Sif or without a hand) and of his cell in the Asgardian Dungeons. However, Loki most notably conjured up the extremely convincing illusion of him seemingly dying from a wound inflicted by Kurse. He may have used this ability to speak to Thor when the latter was imprisoned by Coulson after failing to pick up his hammer, instantly appearing in and then disappearing from the sealed room Thor was kept in.
Abilities[]
As the God of Lies and Deceit, Loki is able to trick and manipulate his enemies into doing what he wants. However, he was tricked and outsmarted by Black Widow.
- Arcane Lore: Loki possesses great skill in wielding mystical artifacts and arcane lore, notably Gungnir, the Casket of Ancient Winters, and the Tesseract. Loki uses his knowledge primarily to conjure illusions and manipulate others to do his will. He has demonstrated the ability to cause the Casket of Ancient Winters, which he used to freeze Heimdall, to appear and then disappear into thin air in a warped, swirling blur of motion, although it is not immediately clear if this was entirely Loki's doing or, in some way, bound to an inherent property of the item. He also claims to know of secret pathways between worlds that even Heimdall himself is unaware of, which allow Loki to travel without using more common transportation methods (such as the Bifrost). As ruler of Asgard, he also gained control of the Destroyer for a time.
- Gifted Intelligence: While not a scientific genius, Loki is extremely intelligent nonetheless. He is able to understand and eventually utilize alien technologies with great proficiency, such as when he used the eye remover on Heinrich Schafer, learned to use the control console that controls the cage, and flew a Chitauri airship.
- Master Manipulator: Loki successfully manipulated Thor, Sif, and the Warriors Three to attack the Frost Giants, pretending to be sympathetic to Thor's feelings of disrespect, while meanwhile, setting up his own agenda. When Loki needed Thor to stay away from Asgard, he lied to his brother about Odin's death, though the king was in Odinsleep.
- Expert Combatant: While Loki was far more interested in sorcery than Asgardian warrior arts, he still has combat training that is extensive enough for him to defeat and kill several S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives in mere seconds, kill several Frost Giants in Jotunheim, slay multiple Dark Elves at once, using only a dagger, overpower the highly skilled Captain America (the latter even commenting on Loki's fighting skills) in a duel, and even hold his own against Thor for a time, though Thor later admits to having held back against his stepbrother.
Equipment[]
- Small Blades: In battle, Loki often uses knives or daggers to injure and/or kill his enemies, though he is also proficient with a spear. He was first shown to have throwing blades that glow when in use, which allowed him to kill attacking Frost Giants with a single throw. He used what appeared to be the throwing blades, to kill Nick Fury's agents when he first came for the Tesseract. As of Thor: The Dark World, he was shown using a single dagger to kill multiple Dark Elves.
- Gungnir: When taking over the throne, Loki was seen wielding Odin's spear, which can fire beams of energy that can kill mortals or Frost Giants, and injure Asgardians.
- Casket of Ancient Winters: Loki took possession of the Casket during his brief rule over Asgard, demonstrating being able to make it appear and then disappear into thin air in a warped, swirling blur of motion, as seen used the casket to freeze Heimdall. He then seemed to access its freezing energy to freeze the Bifrost Bridge i n an attempt to destroy Jotunheim.
- Scepter: When arriving at Earth for the second time, Loki wielded a scepter (given to him by Thanos) that was capable of firing destructive energy bolts, as it contained the Mind Stone. By touching the scepter to the chest of a person, Loki was capable of twisting the person's loyalties towards him while retaining their normal personality, notably doing so to both Hawkeye and Erik Selvig.
Relationships[]
Family[]
- Frost Giants - Biological Family
- Laufey † - Biological Father and Victim
- Adoptive Family
Allies[]
Enemies[]
|
Appearances[]
| Appearances for Loki |
|---|
|
In chronological order:
|
Trivia[]
Malekith prepares to kill Loki in Captain America & Thor: Avengers!
- In the non-canon comic Captain America & Thor: Avengers!, Loki helps his friends to free Fandral who is captured by the Dark Elves led by Queen Alflyse.
- Despite being a Jotun (Frost Giant), Loki is almost always referred to as an Asgardian. This may stem from having lived the majority of his life on Asgard.
- Loki's hair appears to measure how insane he's become. It grows longer throughout the MCU timeline.
Behind the Scenes[]
- Tom Hiddleston, the actor who portrays Loki, originally auditioned for the role of Thor.
- Loki is the first Marvel Cinematic Universe villain to appear in multiple films in the series, not counting appearances through photographs and archive footage. In addition, he is also the only one to serve as the main antagonist of multiple films.
References[]
Template:Gallery Template:Wq
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 Thor
- ↑ Thor: The Dark World Deleted Scene
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 The Avengers
- ↑ Thor Post-credits Scene
- ↑ Thor: The Dark World Prelude, Volume 1
- ↑ Thor: The Dark World Prelude, Volume 2
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 Thor: The Dark World
- ↑ Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: 1.15: Yes Men
- ↑ Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: 2.12: Who You Really Are
- ↑ Doctor Strange Mid-credits Scene
Template:Succession box
External Links[]
Loki on Marvel Database.
Loki (comics) on Wikipedia.
