The Loki Variations
The Man, the Myth, the Mischief
Will be published approx. on 19. November 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
112 pages
978-1-916637-27-6 (ISBN)
Description
Reconsider all you know about Loki, the iconic mercurial trickster god of Norse mythology and contemporary pop culture fame.
Loki, ever the shapeshifter, is constantly being remade and reinterpreted. A central character in Norse mythology, the trickster god is also a pop culture icon, appearing in countless offshoots and interpretations across media, now most evident as Tom Hiddleston in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films and TV shows. Each iteration offers a new layer to the character we've come to know so well.
By exploring contemporary variations of Loki from genderfluid Norse god to anti-hero trickster, Karl Johnson considers the continued role of myths in the twenty-first century-through fandom, ritual, queer theory, and popular culture. He invites readers to journey with him as he unpicks his own evolving relationship with Loki, and to ask: Who is your Loki? And what is their glorious purpose?
Loki, ever the shapeshifter, is constantly being remade and reinterpreted. A central character in Norse mythology, the trickster god is also a pop culture icon, appearing in countless offshoots and interpretations across media, now most evident as Tom Hiddleston in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films and TV shows. Each iteration offers a new layer to the character we've come to know so well.
By exploring contemporary variations of Loki from genderfluid Norse god to anti-hero trickster, Karl Johnson considers the continued role of myths in the twenty-first century-through fandom, ritual, queer theory, and popular culture. He invites readers to journey with him as he unpicks his own evolving relationship with Loki, and to ask: Who is your Loki? And what is their glorious purpose?
Reviews / Votes
'Written with a love for Loki and an appreciation for popular culture that I very much enjoyed.' -- The Bibliophan 'By exploring cultural, political and societal themes, Johnson takes an intensive dive into the myth with ancient and contemporary cross referencing throughout sure to please Loki fans of all backgrounds.' -- Historic Chronicles, Goodreads 'A short, well-written, and perfectly paced exploration of the infamous trickster ... a remarkable amount of insight ... a compelling read.' -- Oliver Snowden, GoodreadsMore details
Series
Edition
Paperback original
Language
English
Place of publication
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 178 mm
Width: 111 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-916637-27-6 (9781916637276)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Karl Johnson is a lecturer in sociology and a life-long geek. He researches and writes about widening access to higher education, social theory, and pop culture, and issues affecting the Scottish Islands-such as gendered exclusion in Shetland's Up Helly Aa festival.
Content
Introduction
1: God of Knots
2: God of Mischief
3: God of Outcasts
4: God of Stories
(Dis)honorable Mentions
Conclusion