Classic Trickster Research Paper

Classic Trickster’s represent the traits of sly, cunning, quick thinking, mischievous, recognition. Trickster’s will try to repeatedly annoy the gods to make a name for themselves, or they will commit an act of great proportions that will be heard by their respective realms. Some trickster's can be born into a position of power and commit mischievous deeds, but others use those mischievous deeds to gain a position of power. Hermes, from Greek Mythology, used a mischievous act at a young age to gain notoriety and a position of power later in his life. Rather, from Norse Mythology, Loki, already in a position of power, did mischievous acts directed at the gods. The tricksters, Hermes and Loki, use their sly and deceptive behavior to obtain positions of power and authority.
Hermes uses his quick and sly thinking to bring authority and recognition to himself. On the day Hermes was born, he snuck out of his house when his mother was asleep and traveled down to Apollo’s property. When Hermes saw the land …show more content…
Both Trickster's didn’t have a clear motive of their actions. Hermes did his actions to be adventurous and mischievous, while Loki’s actions seemed to be out of anger or jealousy. Hermes wasn’t severely punished by the Gods and his culture, he did get in trouble but not to the extent of Loki. Loki was tortured for his actions and kept in a cave so there would be no contact with the outside world (Evans 47). Loki and Hermes both used their charismatic personalities to develop strong relations with the most powerful gods. Loki had befriended Odin in the early days of his youth, and was the reason for him moving to Asgard, where he also became closely connected to Thor. Hermes assumed a high position among the gods of Olympus as their messenger. Both gods, despite of their detrimental and mischievous behavior, were able to receive