Loki Symbols: What Are They?

In the ancient world of Norse mythology, Loki, the god of mischief, has been an enigmatic figure with numerous representations. These representations, called Loki symbols, present a range of Loki’s qualities, from cunning trickster to cause of chaos. This article will explore the unique symbols associated with Loki and their significance in Norse mythology. We aim to clarify how the Norse symbol for Loki contributes to understanding this complex deity’s essence in ancient Norse beliefs.

Loki in Norse Mythology

Before diving into the specific symbols, it’s essential to understand Loki’s role in Norse mythology. Loki is often portrayed as a trickster or a shape-shifter with an ambivalent relationship with the other gods. He is neither entirely good nor evil but lies in a morally ambiguous space. Known for his cunning and deceit, he can aid the gods in one moment and create chaos in the next. His complex character is well-reflected in the various Loki symbols in Norse mythology.

The Norse Symbol Loki: Binding of Loki

The binding of Loki is one of the most known symbols associated with this god. It represents Loki’s punishment for causing the death of Baldur, a beloved god. In this symbol, Loki is bound in chains by the gods with the entrails of his son Narfi. Above him, a serpent drips venom onto his face, causing him immense pain.

This symbol can be seen as a representation of Loki’s duality. He is both the cause of destruction (Baldur’s death) and a victim of torment. It also represents the consequences of Loki’s deeds, reminding us of the balance of actions and their repercussions.

Loki’s Knot: The Snartemo V

The Snartemo V, often referred to as Loki’s Knot, is another Norse symbol of Loki. Discovered on a Norwegian sword scabbard dating back to the 6th century, the symbol comprises intertwined loops resembling a closed, six-loop square knot.

This symbol’s interpretation links it to Loki due to its intricate and knotted design, symbolizing the god’s deceptive nature and ability to entangle and mislead others. The Snartemo V may not directly portray Loki but echoes his character traits and role in Norse mythology. 

The Loki Sigil

Among contemporary Loki symbols Norse mythology, the Loki Sigil is widely recognized. This symbol originates from a modern context rather than historical artifacts. It was created for Loki devotees, a part of the Rökkatru belief system, which honors the Jötnar (giants) and other figures who are often seen as adversaries in traditional Norse mythology.

The Loki Sigil depicts a stylized flame, mirroring Loki’s element of fire. Fire is often associated with transformation and destruction, fitting Loki’s role as a helper and a hindrance to the gods. This symbol also represents Loki’s transformative power, reflecting his shape-shifting abilities and the changes he brings about.

Is Snake a Loki’s Symbol? 

In the vast tapestry of Norse mythology, associations between Loki and the snake are indeed quite prevalent. As Loki’s symbol, the snake emerges most prominently from the story of his binding. After his deception led to the death of the beloved god Baldur, Loki was punished by the gods. The entrails of his son Narfi bound him, and a serpent was positioned above him to drip venom onto his face. His wife, Sigyn, held a bowl to catch the poison, but when she had to empty it, the venom would fall, causing Loki immense pain.

However, the snake represents more than just Loki’s punishment. In Norse symbolism, the snake is often associated with cycles of death, rebirth, transformation, and cunning—traits that resonate with Loki’s character. Loki himself shape-shifted into a serpent during his mischievous exploits. In one such instance, he transformed into a snake to escape the wrath of the gods, further tying his image with the serpentine symbol.

But it’s crucial to note that while the snake is a significant symbol associated with Loki, it isn’t exclusively his. It’s used across various contexts in Norse mythology, symbolizing different entities and ideas. Therefore, while the snake is a potent symbol linked with Loki, it is not a direct emblem of the trickster god himself.

Rune Representations

There are several runes associated with Loki, but none is explicitly labeled as “Loki’s Rune.” Yet, two runes, Kenaz and Hagalaz, are often linked to Loki.

Kenaz, the torch or beacon rune, can be associated with Loki because of his ties to fire. It represents knowledge, enlightenment, and destruction, all related to Loki’s character.

Hagalaz, the hail or disruption rune, is also linked with Loki due to its association with disruptive, chaotic forces. As the instigator of many disruptive events in Norse mythology, Loki fits this symbolism perfectly.

What Color Symbol Is Loki?

Colors hold profound symbolic significance in mythology, and in the case of Loki, the Norse god of mischief and chaos, the primary color associated with him is green. This connection is predominantly observed in modern interpretations of Norse mythology, including popular culture representations like the Marvel Comics universe.

In many cultures, green symbolizes change, renewal, and unpredictability, which aligns perfectly with Loki’s mercurial nature. As a shape-shifter, Loki often upsets the status quo, introducing dramatic change and uncertainty mirrored in the mutable and vibrant hue of green. Furthermore, green’s association with renewal echoes Loki’s role in Ragnarok, the Norse apocalypse. Despite its destruction, Ragnarok also represents the rebirth of the world, a concept fittingly symbolized by the color green.

Another color associated with Loki is red, connected to his element of fire. Fire, like Loki, can be both constructive and destructive, capable of warming and lighting but also burning and ravaging. The color red, often symbolizing passion, danger, and power, is an apt reflection of these dual characteristics.

Nevertheless, these color symbols are more prevalent in modern depictions and interpretations of Loki. Ancient Norse mythology doesn’t strongly associate specific colors with individual deities, including Loki. Therefore, while green and red serve as effective symbolic colors for understanding Loki’s multifaceted character in a contemporary context, their linkage should be recognized as a product of modern interpretation.

What is Loki’s Number?

Assigning numerical values or specific numbers to Norse gods is not a practice known from ancient Norse culture or mythology. The Norse people did not traditionally attribute individual numbers to their gods, as seen in some other belief systems, including Loki. Hence, from a strictly historical or mythological perspective, Loki does not have a specific number associated with him.

Still, in modern interpretations and practices, especially in numerology and certain esoteric beliefs, numbers might be attributed to deities, including Loki. In these contexts, Loki is sometimes associated with the number 13. This is not due to historical Norse tradition but rather because 13 is often regarded as an ‘unlucky’ or ‘rebellious’ number in many cultures, aligning it with Loki’s trickster nature and his role as an instigator of chaos.

Moreover, in the Marvel Universe, Loki is designated as ‘Agent of Asgard #17,’ giving him a connection to the number 17 within this specific context. However, it’s crucial to note that this association is limited to the fictional world of Marvel and is not rooted in Norse mythology.

Therefore, while certain numbers might be linked with Loki in modern contexts, it’s essential to understand that these are contemporary associations. In Norse mythology and traditional Norse belief systems, there is no designated number for Loki.

Are Goats a Symbol for Loki?

In Norse mythology, certain animals are indeed associated with specific deities, forming a significant part of the symbolic language of this ancient belief system. But the goat does not directly symbolize Loki. In Norse mythology, the goat is most closely tied to the god Thor.

Thor, the god of thunder and protector of the gods and mankind, possesses a chariot that is drawn by two magical goats named Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr. These goats hold powerful connotations of strength, endurance, and resilience, reflecting Thor’s mighty and enduring nature.

Loki, on the other hand, is associated with different animals. As the god of mischief and a known shape-shifter, Loki often transforms into various creatures to trick the gods or escape tricky situations. Notable among these transformations are his turns into a salmon and a mare.

On the other hand, goats indirectly play a role in one of Loki’s tales. In the story where Loki and Thor visit the giant Útgarða-Loki, Loki contests with a figure who is revealed to be a wildfire. This figure, Logi, eats not just the meat of a roasted goat, as Loki does, but the bones and the wooden trencher as well. Although goats are involved in this story, they serve more as narrative elements than symbols for Loki.

Ultimately, while goats are significant in Norse mythology, they do not directly symbolize Loki. Their association lies more with the god Thor and Loki’s narratives rather than being a direct symbol of Loki himself.

Do Spiders Symbolize Loki?

In Norse mythology, the trickster god Loki is associated with many elements and animals, but spiders are not traditionally among them. Loki is a shape-shifter and has transformed into various animals in different myths, such as a salmon, a mare, or even a fly. Still, there’s no record in the ancient texts of him taking the form of a spider or being symbolically associated with one.

Nevertheless, in contemporary interpretations and certain neo-pagan beliefs, spiders may be linked to Loki due to their symbolic associations. Spiders, known for their cunning, craftiness, and ability to weave intricate webs, can be seen as a metaphor for Loki’s complex nature. His deceptive tactics and knack for spinning complicated, web-like schemes mirror a spider’s behavior.

In the Marvel Comics universe, there are even instances where Loki is associated with spiders, mainly through his interactions with the Spider-Man character. But it’s crucial to recognize this as a modern, creative interpretation rather than something from historical Norse mythology.

Ultimately, although there may be symbolic parallels between Loki and spiders in modern interpretations, spiders are not a traditional symbol for Loki in ancient Norse mythology.

Is Loki Associated with Crows?

In Norse mythology, specific animals are frequently associated with certain deities, reflecting various aspects of their character or domain. However, crows are not traditionally linked to Loki, the trickster god of Norse mythology. Instead, crows, specifically Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory), are most famously associated with Odin, the Allfather, who sends them out each day to observe the world and report back to him.

Loki is associated with various animals due to his ability to shape-shift, which he often uses to deceive or escape others. His notable transformations include turning into a salmon, a mare, and a fly, among others. Still, there’s no direct mention in the Eddas (the primary sources for Norse mythology) of Loki transforming into or being symbolically associated with a crow.

In contemporary interpretations, particularly within modern Paganism and various forms of artistic media, crows may be linked with Loki due to their symbolic representation of trickery, intelligence, and adaptability—traits that align with Loki’s nature. Yet, it’s important to note that this association is not rooted in traditional Norse mythology but is a more recent development.

Therefore, even though Loki is closely connected with several animals within Norse mythology due to his shape-shifting abilities and their metaphorical reflection of his nature, crows are not one of them. The symbolic association of crows belongs more fittingly to Odin within the context of traditional Norse mythology.

Conclusion: Deciphering a Loki Norse Mythology Symbol

Understanding the Loki symbols in Norse mythology is more than just knowing what they look like; it requires an in-depth knowledge of Loki’s multifaceted character and the culture that created these symbols. As seen, each symbol is a testament to Loki’s complex character, his tricks and deceptions, and the chaos he engenders.

Although some symbols directly depict Loki’s exploits, others, like the Snartemo V and the associated runes, are more abstract representations of his qualities and roles. Contemporary symbols like the Loki Sigil show how the understanding and portrayal of this enigmatic deity have evolved over time.

The complexity of Loki’s symbols reflects Loki himself – multi-dimensional, layered, and ever-fascinating. Each symbol offers a unique lens to appreciate and explore the legend of Loki, his intricate personality, and his enduring impact on Norse mythology.