Myth in Popular Culture
It is nearly impossible to talk about myth in modern culture without the topic of comic books and comic-based films coming into the conversation. This week, we look at the Norse mythological character Loki through the lens of Thompson and Schrempp’s comments about the tendency of culture to adapt myth to the suit the times.
Step 1: With an eye for how Loki is characterized in the Eddas, one of the main written sources of Norse mythology. Consider the following: Is he all bad? Does he have any redeeming qualities? What adjectives are used to describe him?
Step 2: Check out the last few pages of the 300th Anniversary edition of the Marvel comic Thor by Walt Simonson published in 1987. This particular Thor series started in 1966. Consider the following: How is Loki characterized here? Is he all bad?
Step 3: Check out these pages from the comic Loki: Agent of Asgard (vol.1) published in 2014. Consider the following: How is Loki characterized here? Is he all bad?
Step 4: Watch these two clips from the 2017 film Thor: Ragnarok that focus on the relationship between brothers Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Thomas Hiddleston). Again, how is Loki characterized? Is he all bad?
Video Clip 1 from film Thor: Ragnarok (2017): “Thor & Loki do ‘Get Help’” (video 2m cc avail)
Video Clip 2 from film Thor: Ragnarok (2017): “Thor Electrocutes Loki Scene” (video 2m cc avail)
Step 5: Prompts for your Discussion: In clip 2 from the 2017 film, Thor says to Loki: “life is about growth, it’s about change, but you seem to just want to stay the same . . . you’ll always be the god of mischief but you could be more.” Has this always been true in the history of the Loki character? If you see a shift in Loki’s portrayal, where do you see it? Is there any connection between how Loki is written about and how is portrayed visually? Finally, what do you think are some of the underlying cultural reasons that this story was adapted in this manner?
