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September 10, 2026Sources cited
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Loki (Marvel)

Loki is a Marvel Comics character adapted from the Norse god of the same name.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Loki is a Marvel Comics character adapted from the Norse god of the same name. In Marvel continuity, he is known as the God of Mischief, and he is portrayed in the films by Tom Hiddleston.

Origins

Loki was adapted from Norse mythology into Marvel Comics and later into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Marvel version preserves the character’s reputation for trickery while giving him a distinct superhero-franchise backstory.

Characterization

In Marvel stories, Loki is not fixed as purely heroic or villainous. He is usually written as a cunning trickster whose loyalties shift depending on the plot.

Loki television series

The Loki TV series follows a variant of Loki after the events surrounding the 2012 timeline branch, bringing him into conflict with the TVA and broader multiverse complications.

Abilities

Marvel’s Loki is depicted with magical and deceptive powers, especially illusion-casting, shapeshifting, sorcery, and rapid movement or teleportation.

Key facts

  • Loki is a Marvel character inspired by the Norse trickster god Loki.
  • In the Marvel films, Loki is portrayed by Tom Hiddleston.
  • Marvel's Loki is typically called the God of Mischief.
  • The character has alternated between villain, anti-hero, and reluctant ally across different stories.
  • Loki's abilities in Marvel include sorcery, illusion casting, shapeshifting, and teleportation.
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Canadian context

The character is widely known in Canada through Marvel films, streaming television, comics, and related merchandise.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Loki in Norse mythology?
Loki is a trickster figure in Norse mythology, usually described as cunning, shapeshifting, and ambiguous in morality.
Who plays Loki in the Marvel movies?
Tom Hiddleston plays Loki in the Marvel films.
What is the Loki TV series about?
The series follows a variant of Loki after he escapes with the Tesseract, leading him into contact with the TVA and a larger multiverse storyline.
Is Loki a hero or villain?
He is usually portrayed as an antagonist or anti-hero rather than a straightforward hero or villain.
How did Loki die in Avengers?
In the MCU, Loki is killed by Thanos in the opening of Avengers: Infinity War, not in the first Avengers film.
What are Loki's powers?
Loki’s Marvel powers include sorcery, illusion-casting, shapeshifting, teleportation, and manipulation through deception.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Loki
    Supports: Norse mythology background: trickster, shapeshifting, ambiguous morality
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Germanic-religion-and-mythology/Loki
    Supports: Norse mythology background: trickster, shapeshifter, associated with the Aesir, mixed moral character
  3. Marvel — https://www.marvel.com/characters/loki/on-screen
    Supports: Marvel screen character identification and portrayal by Tom Hiddleston
  4. Disney+ — https://www.disneyplus.com/series/loki
    Supports: Loki TV series premise involving the TVA and a variant of Loki
  5. Marvel — https://www.marvel.com/characters/loki
    Supports: Marvel character identity, alias, and powers
  6. Marvel — https://www.marvel.com/movies/avengers-infinity-war
    Supports: Loki's death in Avengers: Infinity War