Loki is closely related to the gem of Freya (human higher intelligence), and to Gullveig (thirst for gold). The latter can represent either wisdom or plain greed for possessions.
With the giantess Angerboda (boding regret) Loki sired three offspring: the Midgard serpent (the equator) which is curled round the earth in the depths of the oceans and which also has larger astronomical applications; the wolf Fenris, which is to devour the sun at the end of its lifetime; and Hel, the queen of the realms of death. According to one tale Loki in the shape of a mare gave birth to Odin's eight-legged steed, Sleipnir (slider), and so provides the mount which enables Odin to enter all spheres of life. In another, Loki and Dvalin, the human "dwarf" (animal) nature, competed with the sons of the giant Ivaldi to produce valuable gifts for the Aesir (gods).
Loki is variously named the son of Lofo (leafy isle, the earth), because it is here that apply the various allegories concerning this at once sacred and naughty figures; the son of Nal (needle); and of Farbuti.
One of the most familiar stories of the Eddas is that in which the sun god Balder was killed by his blind brother Hoder through the machinations of Loki. This brought the golden age to an end and for this the bringer of mind and free will to man is condemned to remain in the underworld, "bound with his dead son's guts" until the end of this world cycle, when he will be released.

Loki is closely related to the gem of Freya (human higher intelligence), and to Gullveig (thirst for gold). The latter can represent either wisdom or plain greed for possessions.
With the giantess Angerboda (boding regret) Loki sired three offspring: the Midgard serpent (the equator) which is curled round the earth in the depths of the oceans and which also has larger astronomical applications; the wolf Fenris, which is to devour the sun at the end of its lifetime; and Hel, the queen of the realms of death. According to one tale Loki in the shape of a mare gave birth to Odin's eight-legged steed, Sleipnir (slider), and so provides the mount which enables Odin to enter all spheres of life. In another, Loki and Dvalin, the human "dwarf" (animal) nature, competed with the sons of the giant Ivaldi to produce valuable gifts for the Aesir (gods).
Loki is variously named the son of Lofo (leafy isle, the earth), because it is here that apply the various allegories concerning this at once sacred and naughty figures; the son of Nal (needle); and of Farbuti.
One of the most familiar stories of the Eddas is that in which the sun god Balder was killed by his blind brother Hoder through the machinations of Loki. This brought the golden age to an end and for this the bringer of mind and free will to man is condemned to remain in the underworld, "bound with his dead son's guts" until the end of this world cycle, when he will be released.