Gone Medieval – “Thor and Loki”
Podcast: Gone Medieval (History Hit)
Host: Matt Lewis
Guest Expert: Prof. Caroline Larrington
Date: October 10, 2025
Episode Overview
In this special episode of Gone Medieval, host Matt Lewis is joined by Norse mythology expert Prof. Caroline Larrington to explore the two most iconic gods of the Norse pantheon: Thor, the god of thunder, and Loki, the god of mischief. The episode delves into their origins, attributes, myths, and the complex relationship between them, dispelling popular misconceptions (notably from Marvel adaptations) and providing a richer, more nuanced portrait of these enduring mythological figures.
Key Discussion Points
1. Introduction to Norse Myths and Episode Scope
- The episode is part of a series exploring Norse mythology.
- Focus: How Vikings understood Thor and Loki—not just as cinematic figures, but as central characters in their belief systems. (03:26)
2. Thor: Origins, Importance, and Attributes
Thor’s Background
- Son of Odin and the giantess Earth (Yurð), but his mother’s “giantess” label doesn’t always mean physically giant—she represents the earth itself. (19:36, 19:55)
- Married to Sif (noted for her golden hair, until Loki intervenes).
- Father to sons Móði (“courage”) and Magni (“force”), and daughter Þrúðr (“strength”). (19:36)
Thor’s Role and Worship
- God of thunder and weather, occasionally fertility. Particularly venerated in Iceland and western Norway; less so in Sweden and Denmark. (20:44)
- Protects seafarers and crops, invoked for safety and prosperity.
- Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, a potent symbol for power, protection, and fertility—worn on amulets and pendants. (48:39)
Cultural Prominence
- “Lots of people have Thor in their personal names, even today in Iceland.” (21:12, Caroline Larrington)
- Thor is the “default god” for many Norsepeople, standing for everyday people (kotla) and the ordinary fighters.
3. The Mythic Gear: Hammer, Belt, and Gloves
- Mjolnir (the Hammer): Forged by dwarves after Loki cuts Sif’s hair and must make amends; hammer’s short handle due to Loki’s interference. (41:36)
- Belt of Might: Increases Thor’s already prodigious strength. (04:41, 46:28)
- Iron Gloves: Enable him to wield his hammer and catch red-hot items thrown at him. (46:28)
Notable Myth:
- The Origin of Mjolnir: Loki’s mischief leads to a contest between dwarves; produces multiple treasures for the gods, and Loki narrowly avoids decapitation with a clever trick. (42:00-46:16)
4. Thor’s Personality and Mythical Exploits
- More than just a “giant-slaying superhero”—often portrayed as blustering, slow to catch on, sometimes the butt of the joke in myths. (28:38)
- Known for prodigious consumption at feasts—“something’s got to fuel those superpowers.” (29:56)
- Memorable Story: Thor cross-dressed as a bride to steal back his hammer from the giants, showcasing comic elements in Norse storytelling. (30:00-33:23)
“As they’re sitting at the wedding feast, Thrim is surprised by the amount his lovely bride can eat. She’s eaten something like three oxen, eight salmon, as well as all the little dainty snacks that are put out for women.”
— Caroline Larrington (32:00)
5. Thor’s Relationship with Giants
- Deep-seated hatred for giants, despite his own mixed heritage.
- Does not favor negotiating or fraternizing with giants, preferring violence (“hits first and asks questions later”). (33:33, 33:48)
- Possible symbolism: Thor as the god of farmers/fighters versus giants representing untameable forces of nature. (37:12, 37:26)
6. Thor’s Hammer as a Symbol
- Mjolnir as a protective amulet among Norsepeople—indicative of Thor’s practical importance. (48:39)
- Archeological finds: molds for both Thor’s hammer and the Christian cross, suggesting transitional belief periods. (48:56)
7. Thor’s Relationship with Odin
- Verges on tension—Odin as the god of the nobility and poetry, Thor as champion of commoners and fighters. (50:12)
- Notable Poem: Odin and Thor trade insults at a river crossing, emphasizing their differing values and social roles. (50:17)
“Odin also boasts about how he likes to hang out with giant women, learn their wisdom, have sex with them, while Thor just hits them with his hammer.”
— Caroline Larrington (50:17)
8. Loki: Origins, Nature, and Role Among the Gods
Ambiguous Origins
- Loki is “numbered among the Aesir, but always at the end of the list.” (23:55)
- Not worshipped, likely not a “god” in traditional sense—more of a principle or personification of chaos and curiosity.
- Mixed parentage: mother is a goddess, father is a giant. (23:55)
- Swore an oath of blood brotherhood with Odin—integral but always outsider.
Character Traits
- Trickster, clever, brings both fortune and trouble.
- Increasingly alienated from the gods, especially after the birth of monstrous children (Fenris the wolf, Jormungandr the Midgard serpent, and Hel, goddess of the dead). (24:19, 53:54)
- Not a force simply for evil or chaos—also solves problems he creates.
“Loki is a mysterious figure... He is therefore a bit of an outsider in Aesir society.”
— Caroline Larrington (23:55)
Monstrous Offspring and the Road to Ragnarok
- Loki’s three children with Angrboda (a giantess): Fenris (wolf), Jormungandr (serpent), Hel (queen of the underworld). (04:41, 53:54)
- All are subdued or exiled by Odin, sparking further estrangement and resentment.
- Central to Ragnarok myth: Loki leads giant forces against the gods after breaking free from bondage. (53:54)
9. Thor & Loki: Companions, Contrasts, and Comic Duos
- Frequently travel together—mirroring the ancient epic concept of “brains and brawn.”
- Loki’s insight complements Thor’s strength; lack of animosity in most myths.
- Loki sometimes leads Thor into perilous situations, but also bails him out—see the story of Utgarda-Loki (trickster giant king misdirects Thor with illusions and contests). (27:14-28:17; 04:41-18:36)
- Popular depiction in modern media builds upon (but also distorts) this dynamic.
“If Thor wants to go out on a journey, particularly if he’s going into the land of the giants, it’s pretty useful to have someone who understands their ways along for the ride.”
— Caroline Larrington (27:30)
10. Loki as Trickster: From Mischief to Malice
- Early stories portray Loki as a playful troublemaker; later tales show a slide toward malevolence, especially post-Baldr’s death. (53:54-64:14)
- The Death of Baldr: Loki engineers the murder of the beloved god by tricking Baldr’s blind brother into throwing a fatal mistletoe dart. (58:00-61:00)
- Afterward, Loki is hunted, bound, and tortured, awaiting Ragnarok.
11. Modern Reinterpretation and Loki’s Ambiguous Morality
- Loki has been “rehabilitated”—now seen as a complex figure rather than merely evil.
- Recent retellings (including Marvel, God of War, etc.) present him as an “animating principle,” often with understandable motives (e.g., revenge for mistreatment of his children). (64:43-69:51)
- Increasingly depicted as queer or gender-fluid, tapping into modern themes of outsider identity.
“There’s a kind of sympathy with Loki because of the treatment of his children, and because of his more or less saying, we’ve had enough of the gods and their breaking of oaths, their readiness to just take things from the giants...”
— Caroline Larrington (64:43)
12. Why Do the Gods Keep Loki Around?
- For most of mythic history, Loki’s cleverness is as useful as his mischief is dangerous—he solves as many problems as he causes. (69:51-71:44)
- In myths, attempts to escape prophecy often ensure its fulfillment; Loki’s presence is both fated and necessary.
13. Loki in Modern Culture: The Cool Outsider
- Loki’s appeal: anarchic, witty, “his own man”—aligns with modern ideals of individualism and ambiguous morality. (71:44-72:05)
- His queerness and nonconformity resonate with contemporary audiences.
- Loki remains relevant, with stories still being retold and inventions in TV, film, and novels.
14. Thor and Loki: Enduring Relevance
- The “brains and brawn” dynamic between Thor and Loki, as well as their deeper complexity, keeps them alive in popular culture.
- Both serve as avatars for different human traits and cultural values, and continue to find new life in retellings, from AS Byatt to Joanne Harris and beyond.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On Thor’s Popularity:
“Lots of people have Thor in their personal names, the sagas, and indeed modern Iceland still is full of people called Thordis, Thorkegg, Orgrimr, Thor Gunna, and so on and so forth.”
— Caroline Larrington (21:12)
On Loki’s Relationship to the Gods:
“He becomes more and more alienated from the divine community. And in the end, we find that the gods have to bind him... at Ragnarok, he will be loosed from his chains and he'll lead the enemies against the gods.”
— Caroline Larrington (24:19)
On the Marvel Influence:
“Marvel have told us quite a lot that's quite useful about Thor and Loki... but they have invented some things, like, for example, the idea that Loki is Thor's adopted brother. No...”
— Caroline Larrington (18:55)
On Loki’s Modern Appeal:
“He’s not the revolutionary hero who's standing up for the oppressed, exactly. Because he has his own particular agendas... It's much more complex than simply having a binary that says Thor is good, Loki is evil.”
— Caroline Larrington (64:43)
On Choosing Sides:
“Everybody likes Loki these days because he's cool and because he's smart... It's a bit like Tyrion in Game of Thrones... He drinks and he knows things. And I think Loki may or may not drink. Thor certainly drinks, but he knows things.”
— Caroline Larrington (77:09)
Segment Timestamps
- Thor and Loki in Norse Myths v. Marvel: 18:36–19:25
- Thor’s Background, Importance, and Attributes: 19:36–22:08
- Thor’s Relationship to Worshippers and Place Names: 22:08–23:47
- Who is Loki?: 23:55–27:14
- Companions on Journeys—Brains and Brawn: 27:14–28:17
- Comic Stories of Thor: 29:56–33:23
- Thor’s Hatred of Giants: 33:33–38:50
- Thor’s Hammer and Amulets: 41:25–48:56
- Poem: Thor v Odin: 50:12–52:19
- Loki’s Monstrous Children and Alienation: 53:54–64:14
- Loki’s Recent Rehabilitations: 64:43–69:51
- Why Keep Loki Around?: 69:51–71:44
- Loki’s Queerness and Modern Readings: 72:05–75:32
- Relevance Today & Closing Thoughts: 76:15–78:21
Conclusion
This episode provides a rich, engaging, and clear-eyed look at Thor and Loki—not as simple heroes or villains, but as enduring symbols of power, chaos, conflict, and wit. Prof. Larrington’s insights illuminate how these characters have shaped, and continue to shape, cultural narratives, adapting to each generation’s questions and values.
Team Thor or Team Loki? The answer is far from simple, which is precisely why these Norse gods captivate audiences a thousand years later.
Recommended for listeners interested in:
- Norse mythology beyond Hollywood
- How myths reflect cultural values over centuries
- The interplay of order (Thor) and chaos (Loki) in history and storytelling
Listen to more in this Norse mythology series to explore Odin, the creation of the world, and the Norse apocalypse—Ragnarok.