Abstract
This paper focuses on the representation of Loki, the Norse god of mischief and trickery, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and proposes a new theoretical framework for understanding the role of trickster characters in narrative. Through an analysis of the character's mythological origins in Edda, his appearances in comics such as Sandman and Marvel Comics, and his portrayal in the MCU films and television series, the author traces the evolution of the character as he makes the transition to the big and small screens. Drawing on transmedia narratology and storyworld theory, the paper argues that Loki's character serves as a unique source of narrative tension and complexity, enabling the growth and expansion of the fictional world. Using semiotic square, the paper proposes that Loki's disruptive and creative functions are key to the trickster archetype, and that if Loki becomes the hero or villain, he can no longer carry the role of trickster that is then assigned to another character/s.
Through an analysis of the character's evolution across different media, the author shows how Loki's representation reflects broader changes in the representation of mythological and literary characters in popular culture. The paper also proposes a new theoretical framework for understanding the role of trickster characters in narrative, and argues that the trickster archetype can serve as a powerful tool for enabling the growth and expansion of fictional worlds. Through an analysis of the representation of Loki in the MCU, the author shows how the character has evolved from a complex and nuanced trickster figure to a more sympathetic and relatable antihero and hero.
Overall, this paper offers a new understanding of the trickster archetype in popular culture, and contributes to our understanding of the representation of Loki in the MCU.