Loki

"You must be truly desperate to come to me for help. What makes you think you can trust me?" "I don't. Mother did. You should know that when we fought each other in the past, I did so with a glimmer of hope that my brother is still in there somewhere. That hope no longer exists to protect you. You betray me and I will kill you." "When do we start?"

- Loki and Thor

Loki Laufeyson is the son of Laufey, the ruler of the Frost Giants of Jotunheim, but shortly after his birth, he was abandoned and left to die. Found by the Asgardian king Odin, Loki was raised by Odin and his wife Frigga as an Asgardian prince, along with their biological son Thor. When he grew up, he became known as the "God of Mischief".

When Loki learned the truth about his real father, he made a plan to force Odin to banish Thor so he could become next in line to the throne. The first part of his plan worked well, but Thor returned from his exile on Earth and ended Loki's reign of terror. Lost in the universe, Loki made a deal with The Other, a servant of Thanos, who gave him command over their army of the Chitauri to conquer Earth.

Once he came to Earth, Loki managed to take possession of the mystical Tesseract, but he was ultimately defeated by a group of superheroes called the Avengers. Thor returned him to Asgard, where Odin condemned him to spend the rest of his life in prison.

However, Loki was later freed by his brother in order to defeat the Dark Elves and their leader, Malekith. During the fight against the Dark Elves in Svartalfheim, Loki faked his death, and, unbeknownst to everyone, removed Odin from the throne of Asgard and took his place.

Early Life
"The Casket wasn't the only thing you took from Jotunheim that day, was it?" "No. In the aftermath of the battle I went into the temple and I found a baby. Small for a Giant's offspring, abandoned, suffering, left to die. Laufey's son."

- Loki and Odin

Loki was born on Jotunheim as the son of the Frost Giant King, Laufey. Small and weak for a Frost Giant, Loki was abandoned in a temple to die. In 965, not long after the war between the Giants and the Asgardians, Loki was found by Odin. Adopting Loki and using sorcery to alter his appearance to make him appear to be an Asgardian, Odin raised Loki and his biological son, Thor, with his wife Frigga.

As they grew up, Loki always felt like he was living in Thor's shadow, envious to the fact that Thor was meant to be king instead of him. Lacking interest in Asgardian warrior arts, Loki took an interest in sorcery. Frigga, who was a lot closer to Loki than Odin was, taught Loki everything she knew about sorcery, and he eventually became an expert in Asgardian magic.

Loki's jealousy of Thor and eagerness to win Odin's appreciation slowly altered Loki's personality for the worse. Where he was once aloof and carefree, Loki slowly became ambitious, going to great lengths to achieve greatness without any thought or care on the consequences.

Thor's Coronation and Banishment
"Really, how do I look?" "Like a king."

- Thor and Loki

Loki was present when Thor was supposed to ascend the throne. Before the ceremony, Loki and Thor joked together. Loki turned a glass of wine into snakes to show off his powers. Loki and Thor laughed about each others' armor, with Thor saying his brother was incapable of a sincere compliment. Loki said that while he was sometimes envious of Thor's place as first-born, there was no doubt that he loved him dearly. When Thor asked how he looked, Loki answered "Like a king". The ceremony was interrupted by Frost Giants that broke into Asgard and attempted to steal the Casket of Ancient Winters. Odin called the Destroyer, which killed the invading Frost Giants. Loki, Thor and Odin made their way to Odin's vault to investigate; when they arrived, they found the bodies of the Frost Giants and the Asgardian guards who had been murdered. Enraged, Thor demanded Odin march into Jotunheim and attack the Front Giants in retaliation. Odin refused, much to Thor's annoyance. Thor argued that as king of Asgard he should be able to decide these matters, but Odin told him he was not yet king, as he had not been yet crowned. Loki stayed silent during the argument, simply listening and working out his own plan. Afterwards, Thor unleashed his rage by throwing over a dinner table. Loki spoke to him and was able to manipulate him to disobey their father's orders and attack Jotunhiem. Loki followed the enraged Thor, along with Sif and the Warriors Three, to Jotunheim to seek answers; before they left Loki told a guard of their intention and ordered him to inform Odin. They went to Heimdall, keeper of the Bifrost Bridge, Loki confidently tried to confuse Heimdall, but the gatekeeper was already well aware of their intentions, but still gave them safe passage to Jotunheim; the others mocked Loki afterwards. When they arrived in Jotunheim, they found the king of the Frost Giants, Laufey. Thor demanded answers, but Loki, seeing they were vastly outnumbered, tried to persuade Thor to retreat; they began to leave until a Frost Giant insulted Thor. They then engaged in a battle against the Frost Giants, where Loki used his magic to attack and confuse them. When he was attacked by one Frost Giant, he discovered that he was unharmed by making physical contact with the Frost Giants, unlike Volstagg. As they became more outnumbered and Fandral was injured, Loki ordered the warriors to retreat; they ran from a Jotunheim Beast while Thor continued the battle. When they were cornered, Odin arrived and attempted to regain the peace between Asgard and Jotunheim; however, Laufey told him Thor had started a war. Odin accepted this and took the group back to Asgard. Back on Asgard, Odin remained furious at Thor, telling him he had just started a new great war between Asgard and Jotunheim, Thor argued aggressively, but Odin called him a vain, foolish and greedy boy. Loki mainly stayed quiet, when he did try to intervene Odin told him to remain silent. Odin took away Thor's armor and powers and banished him to Earth. Loki watched as Thor was thrown out of Asgard and Odin sent Thor's hammer after him with a spell meaning only one worthy of its power would be able to lift it.

Learning His True Heritage
"Loki, you must go to the All-Father and convince him to change his mind." "And if I do, then what? I love Thor more dearly than any of you, but you know what he is. He's arrogant, he's reckless, he's dangerous! You saw how he was today. Is that what Asgard needs from its King?"

- Sif and Loki

Loki later told the Warriors Three and Sif that he was the one who had informed the guard of their journey to Asgard, he showed little remorse, but the others began to suspect that Loki was involved with the Frost Giants' attack of Asgard. Later Loki made his way into Odin's Vault and picked up the Casket of Ancient Winters; upon touching it his skin turned blue, causing him to resemble a Frost Giant. Odin arrived in the room and Loki confronted Odin over his sudden change on Jotunheim. Loki demanded to know the truth and Odin relented, telling Loki of how he had discovered Loki as a baby and taken him in. Upon discovering his true heritage, Loki believed that Odin would have never put a Frost Giant on the throne of Asgard and became distraught. Loki berated Odin in denial, accusing him of using him as a tool for peace. Odin, overcome with stress over the recent dilemmas, fell into the deep Odinsleep. Seeing his father ill, Loki called for aid.

Revenge on Thor
"I never wanted the throne, I only ever wanted to be your equal!"

- Loki to Thor

With Odin temporarily rendered comatose, Loki sat by his beside with his mother Frigga, he asked her more questions about his heritage, wanting to know why the truth had been kept from him. Loki could not accept the truth however. During their talk, a guard arrived and presented Loki with Odin's staff Gungnir, and pronounced Loki King of Asgard. Loki gladly took the throne in his place. He was visited by the Warriors Three and Lady Sif, who were shocked by the disappearance of Odin and Loki's new position. They requested that he end Thor's banishment. Loki refused, claiming his first action as king could not be to undo his father's last. Before they could argue he ordered them to leave. Loki paid a visit to Thor on Earth when Thor had been captured by S.H.I.E.L.D. when trying to regain his Hammer. Thor asked Loki what had happened on Asgard, but Loki lied and told him that Odin had died, in order to keep him unmotivated. Loki informed him that he had taken on the burden of the throne and that the peace was dependant on Thor's banishment from Asgard. Thor sadly agreed and said goodbye to his brother. After leaving Loki attempted to lift Thor's hammer but failed.

Starting a War
"So you're the one who showed us the way into Asgard." "That was just a bit of fun, really. To ruin my brother's big day, and to protect the realm from his idiotic rule for a while longer."

- Laufey and Loki

He also visited Laufey, introducing himself as the one who had given them safe passage into Asgard. He struck a new deal with the kind of Jotunheim to allow him to go to Asgard to kill Odin and to take the Casket of Ancient Winters back, which Odin stole from the Frost Giants before, allowing Laufey to restore Jotunheim to all it's former glory. Loki told him he could not be seen killing the Allfather himself as the people of Asgard would never accept him as king if he did. Laufey accepted Loki's offer. After learning that the Warriors Three and Lady Sif went to Earth, Loki knew that Thor would soon learn of his lies so he first froze Heimdall with the Casket of Ancient Winters and then sent The Destroyer to pursue and destroy them. This caused a huge battle between the warriors and the Destroyer. When he saw no other end to the battle Thor sacrificed himself to save the town, Loki had the Destroyer punch Thor, breaking his bones and killing him. This however proved his worthiness and Thor got his powers back, easily defeating the Destroyer. Knowing he had to move his plans forward, Loki then welcomed Laufey to Asgard and showed him the way to Odin. Laufey came to Odin's bedroom, attacked Frigga, he stood over Odin's sleeping body and raised his knife. Just as Laufey was about to kill Odin, Loki betrayed and shot him in the back. As Laufey stared in shock and horror, Loki told him his death came from the son of Odin; Loki then killed his cold-hearted father.

Duel at the Bifrost Bridge
"Loki, this is madness!" "Is it madness? Is it? IS IT? I don't know what happened on Earth to make you so soft! Don't tell me it was that woman?... Oh, it was. Well, when we're done here, maybe I'll pay her a visit myself!"

- Thor and Loki

Thor survived the attack and returned to Asgard with all his powers restored. He arrived in Asgard just after Loki had killed Laufey. He told their mother Frigga all about Loki's attempt on his life, Loki instead of arguing fired a bolt of energy at Thor and shot him through a wall. He travelled to the Bifrost Bridge and aimed its power at Jotunheim, freezing it so the energy would continue to slowly destroy the planet. Thor arrived and tried to convince his brother not to massacre an entire race, but Loki refused and continued to mock and threaten Thor. Eventually he threatened to kill Jane Foster, after which Thor attacked him. The brothers fought a violent battle with Loki often using tricks to get the upper hand on his brother. They eventually threw each other out onto the rainbow bridge, and Loki was thrown over the edge. He begged his brother to help him, Thor, seeing his brother in need, bent down to help, only to learn that Loki had indeed tricked him and created an illution. Loki snuck up behind him and stabbed him in the side; as Thor lay wounded on the ground, Loki created multible versions of himself, all laughing at Thor. Thor, enraged slammed his hammer on the ground, causing Loki to fly backwards and land on his back. As Loki lay injured on his back, Thor calmly walked over to him and placed Mjølnir on his chest, trapping him on the floor, unable to move. Thor than began to consider how to stop the destruction of Jotunheim, as there was no way to stop the beam of energy. Loki mocked his brother and laughed at him. Thor, however, knew one way to stop the deaths of millions of Frost Giants. He retook his hammer and began to destroy the Bridge, Loki choose the moment and leap at his brother to fatally stab him in the back, but before he could, the bridge was destroyed and the brothers were thrown into the air. Thor destroyed the Bifrost Bridge, and the pair began to fall into the abyss, only for both of them to be saved at the last minute by Odin, who had awoken from his Odinsleep. They both hung before a black hole and Loki tried to convince Odin that he had done it all for them, Odin rejected Loki's pleas with a simple "no". Loki, devastated by Odin's repudiation of his actions, let go of Thor on purpose and fell into the abyss made by the destruction of the Bifrost Bridge, seemingly killing him.

New Alliance
"I was a king! The rightful king of Asgard. Betrayed." "Your ambition is little, born of childish need. We look beyond the Earth to greater worlds the Tesseract will unveil." "You don't have the Tesseract yet. I don't threaten, but until I open the doors, until your force is mine to command, you are but words."

- Loki and The Other

After falling through the Wormhole, Loki arrived in a part of the universe unknown to both Asgardians and Humans called Sanctuary and came into contact with The Other, a servant of Thanos, who offered a pact that would allow him to become ruler of the Earth while Thanos and the Chitauri would take the Tesseract which was left on Earth and being studied by S.H.I.E.L.D., so Thanos gave Loki ancient knowledge through the powers of the Tesseract, providing him with a golden bladed Scepter with a blue gem that was similar to the cube itself, but with different abilities. It acted as a very powerful weapon, and also as a mind control device, bending those who were touched by the gem's power to its will. Unbeknownst to Loki, while he could use it to puppeteer the minds of others, he himself was also being influenced by the Tesseract's will, the staff's power turning his green eyes crystal blue as long as he wielded it. He was still able to keep his mind and not become a mere puppet, but the grip it had on him fueled his hatred and desire to bring harm to humanity and his brother, Thor, beyond what they were. Thanos showed Loki how to temporarily control someone while still on the planet. Erik Selvig was taken to S.H.I.E.L.D. facility, where Nick Fury showed him a source of "unlimited power" and asked if he wanted to study it. Loki influenced Selvig to ensure that he agreed.

One year later still on Thanos' planet, Frigga, Loki's adoptive mother, learned that he survived and tried to make contact with him, but Loki told her it was not the time to talk.

Arrival on Earth
"We have no quarrel with your people." "An ant has no quarrel with a boot."

- Nick Fury and Loki

Accepting the deal without fear of failure, Loki turned his focus back to Earth in search of a suitable agent, someone close to the Tesseract. He found Erik Selvig, a friend of Thor's and a renowned astrophysicist, who had been summoned to the task of unlocking the secrets of the mysterious cube. In time, Selvig came to understand some of the Tesseract's capabilities, and through Loki's influence he developed equipment that would focus some of that power. When the time was right, Loki activated the Tesseract, forming a temporary portal that pulled him through to its location on Earth, the main facility of Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S.. He was immediately confronted by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents who fired guns at him only to learn that bullets bounced off his body. Nick Fury attempted to keep him away from the Tesseract, but Loki managed to use the Scepter to subjugate and control Hawkeye and Selvig, as well as a number of other agents by placing the tip of the scepter at their chest near their heart and allowing the power of the gem to overtake them. He explained to Nick Fury that he wanted the Tesseract as part of his 'glorious purpose' which was to free the Earth and humanity from 'freedom... life's great lie' as their one supreme king. Fury tried to flee with the Tesseract, but then decided to stay and allow himself to die with the cube if it meant stopping Loki as well. Selvig and Hawkeye informed Loki of Fury's intent, prompting Loki to gather the turned agents and leave with the Tesseract after attempting to kill Fury, avoiding Maria Hill's attempt to stop them. The energy it had unleashed consumed the area and the entire S.H.I.E.L.D. compound with it. As they drove away, Nick Fury, who had survived the gunshot due to a bulletproof vest, flew over them in a helicopter. Fury fired his gun at Loki, so Loki fired a single blot of energy from his Scepter, shooting the helicopter out of the sky, Fury survived the crash and continued to fire as Barton drove them to safety.

Getting the Last Part to the Portal
"The Tesseract is showing me so much. It’s…it’s more than knowledge, it’s truth." "I know. What did it show you, Agent Barton?" "My next target."

- Erik Selvig, Loki and Clint Barton

After securing an area to determine the next course of action for the cube, Loki noted the Scepter's gem glowing and calling out to him. He allowed himself to enter a trance where he could appear to the Other and his Chitauri army in a metaphysical form.

The Other warned Loki that if he failed at his pursuit of Earth and the Tesseract did not fall into their hands to be given to Thanos, that there would be no place for him to hide from the overlord's wrath and that he would beg for something as sweet as pain. Now unsettled about potential failure and more determined than ever, Loki went to Stuttgart, Germany with Hawkeye and other turned agents in order to retrieve Iridium, necessary to stabilize the portal.

Skirmish in Germany
"You know, the last time I was in Germany and saw a man standing above everybody else, we ended up disagreeing." "The soldier. A man out of time." "I'm not the one who's out of time."

- Captain America and Loki

Here he disrupted a gala at a large museum while Barton raided a secure installation for Iridium. Loki struck terror into the hearts of patrons and guests by securing the one thing needed for Hawkeye to breach the iridium lock's security measures: Dr. Heinrich Schafer's eyeball. Loki arrived in Germany, disguised in a suit, and attacked Schafer. He grabbed the man and flipped him onto a bench, then he took a special device which sawed into Schafer's eyeball, allowing Barton to steal the Ididium. He the crowd screamed and fled, Loki let out a cruel smile. Loki strode out after the screaming crowd into the streets where he made several copies of himself, trapping the people and demanding that they kneel before him. Loki bragged that this was man's purpose to be ruled, but a single man challenged him and his intentions. The man said he would not kneel before a man like him, Loki arrogantly argued that there were no men like him. When Loki prepared to kill the old man, Captain America appeared and challenged him, deflecting the bolt of energy back at Loki. Seconds later, the Quinjet carrying Black Widow also challenged him from the sky. Loki fired a bolt of energy at the Quinjet, missing, and Captain America threw his shield at him. After a brief but brutal battle with the super-soldier, during which Loki gained the upper hand, Loki stood above the Captain and demanded he should kneel before him, Rogers refused and continued fighting Loki. During the fight Iron Man arrived, shot Loki in the chest and threatened to fire all his weapons upon Loki, daring him to make a move. Realizing that the Avengers had been assembled and he was outmatched, he allowed himself to be captured, secretly plotting to use this to his advantage.

Captured
"I've seen worlds you've never known about! I have grown, Odin's Son, in my exile! I have seen the true power of the Tesseract, and when I wield it..." "Who showed you this power?"

- Loki and Thor

As they journeyed to the Helicarrier, Thor arrived and extracted Loki from the jet. Thor attempted to reason with Loki, imploring him to remember that they were brothers (even if not by blood) and to return home to Asgard and surrender the Tesseract. Loki, however, still resented his brother, and refused to cooperate. Thor was tackled by Iron Man before he could say any more, and Loki remained on his perch as he watched them battle before agreeing to ally themselves. They took him into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody aboard the Helicarrier, as Loki was marched before Bruce Banner, Loki smiled at the scientist, making Banner uneasy and raising suspicion all-round. Loki was placed in a confinement capsule designed to hold the Hulk. Loki taunted Nick Fury about his attempts to control the Tesseract and his gathering of misfits to defend Earth, however Fury remained confident and told the God of Mischief that he had made him very desperate and he might live to regret this. Loki went on to tell Fury that he had finally seen what really power was and Fury took this as a queue to leave. Loki's mere presence was enough to provide a disruptive element that would fragment the only group of heroes that had any hope of stopping him.

Attack on the Helicarrier
"I won’t touch Barton! Not until I make him kill you. Slowly, intimately, in every way he knows you fear. And then he’ll wake just long enough to see his good work, and when he screams I’ll split his skull! This is my bargain, you mewling quim!" "You’re a monster." "Oh, no. You brought the monster."

- Loki and Natasha Romanoff

When Black Widow arrived to speak with him, apparently to offer a deal in exchange for Hawkeye's freedom, he subjected her to a play of wits where he ferreted out her deeper misgivings, but was completely caught off guard when the spy tricked the trickster into revealing that there was already a monster among them and that it was not him. From this, she concluded that the monster was Banner and that he had planned to use the Hulk to destroy the ship and the heroes as well. However Loki's plan to use the Hulk, only one aspect of his real intentions, did follow through as another jet carrying Hawkeye and the rogue agents came to his aide, following a signal from the Scepter. The wounded Banner transformed into the Hulk, destroying much of the Helicarrier, while one of Loki's controlled agents freed him from the cell. Loki then used illusions of himself to trick Thor into entering the cell, becoming trapped. Before Loki could drop the cell from the Helicarrier, he was threatened by Agent Phil Coulson, who was carrying the Destroyer Armor Prototype Gun. Loki used his illusions to get behind Coulson and stabbed him through the heart, and he then ejected Thor's cell from the Helicarrier. As Coulson lay dying, Loki mocked him, only for Coulson to fire the Destroyer Gun at him, sending him flying through a wall.

Though he retrieved his scepter, Hawkeye was released from the mind control, and Loki headed to New York City, where Selvig waited with the Tesseract at Stark Tower.

Battle of New York
"Please tell me you’re going to appeal to my humanity." "Uh…actually, I’m planning to threaten you." "You should have left your armor on for that."

- Loki and Tony Stark

Loki prepared to welcome his army and begin his glorious, but brief, war on the Earth. Iron Man, still alive after the raid and having figured out his plan, caught up with him at Stark Tower and abandoned his wrecked Iron Man suit to threaten him. When Loki grew weary of the threats he tried to subjugate Stark with the scepter, only to be physically blocked by the Arc Reactor in Stark's chest. Annoyed, he threw the inventor out of a window, and was surprised when a freshly built Iron Man armor rocketed out after the man. Loki found himself briefly under attack when the fully suited Iron Man rocketed back up to retaliate and knocked him back. Before they could continue the fight, the Tesseract opened the portal, allowing Loki's Chitauri army to come pouring through, Iron Man left Loki to begin battling the oncoming army. With his triumph near at hand, Loki stepped out of Stark Tower and watched as New York City burned. He was confronted by his brother, Thor, who demanded that he at once deactivate the Tesseract or the thunder god would destroy it. Loki refused, claiming that nothing could stop his war. The brothers fought a second time, Loki's Scepter matching Thor's hammer. Blasts from the gem almost completely destroyed the Stark Tower logo on the side of the balcony, blasting the giant letters and debris off the side. When the confrontation came to stalemate with them grappling each others' necks, Thor urged Loki to look around him at the destruction he caused and asked if he truly believed it would all end with his rule.While Loki was unsure of himself, his eyes reverted to their normal green state temporarily as he claimed it was too late to stop the madness, but briefly considered Thor's appeal to work together to end it all and redeem himself. The will of the Tesseract over his mind was stronger than his guilt, however, and he instead stabbed Thor with a throwing knife, preparing to strike him down with the scepter as he knelt before him and laughing in amusement at the sentiment. This did little more than enrage the thunder god, who disarmed his adoptive brother of his staff and picked him up before slamming him down hard on the ruined balcony. Loki threw himself off the building as he was defeated in combat by Thor and managed to land on one of the Chitauri's small flying craft. From there, he led an attack on the city, shooting down at the humans, destroying many cars and killing innocent people. When the first of the Chitauri's massive Leviathans was destroyed by Hulk, he commanded the Chitauri on the other side of the still-open portal to send the rest of their massive armada, releasing dozens of Leviathans and hundreds more Chitauri soldiers, overwhelming the city's defenses. An aerial chase after Black Widow left his craft destroyed by one of Hawkeye's arrows and Loki landed back on Stark Tower, where the Hulk confronted him. Loki's frustrated rant goaded the Hulk into simply picking him up and repeatedly slamming him into the ground. Loki was too stunned to fight or threaten any longer, more wounded physically than he had ever been before. When he eventually summoned the strength to crawl, he found himself face to face with the Avengers, having defeated the Chitauri army and closing the portal, he quietly requested the drink that Stark had offered before. After the Tesseract was relinquished to Thor, Loki was bound and placed in a metal muzzle (likely to prevent his pleading, threatening, or perhaps use of magic). Despite the World Security Council wanting to imprison Loki on earth to pay for his crimes, Nick Fury agreed to let Thor take him back to Asgard. Loki was led to an open area in Central Park with his brother. From there, Thor said goodbye to the Avengers and used the power of the Tesseract to transport both of them home to Asgard.

Imprisoned
"I intended to rule Earth with the same firm hand with which you rule all the Nine Realms. To show humanity the same mercy you've granted your opponents. And if given the chance, I might have stolen a mortal infant and raised it as my own."

- Loki to Odin

After Thor brought him back to Asgard, Loki had to face Odin's justice. Though Loki tried to justify his actions on Earth, Odin openly told him that he will spare his life only because of Frigga's love for him. Odin then condemned Loki to eternal imprisonment, and for the first time called him by his true name―Loki Laufeyson. After that, Loki was put into a crystal prison deep beneath the Asgardian Royal Palace.

War of the Realms
"All because Loki desires a throne." "It is my birthright!" "Your birthright was to die as a child! If I had not taken you in, you would not be here now to hate me." "If I'm for the axe, then for mercy's sake just swing it. It's not that I don't love our little talks, it's just...I don't love them." "Frigga is the only reason you are still alive and you will never see her again. You will spend the rest of your days in the dungeon."

- Odin and Loki

After being condemned to eternal imprisonment, Loki was locked in a cell deep beneath the Asgardian Royal Palace. A year later, he was still there. Frigga alone continued to communicate with him, and did so via a projection of herself to his cell. She also supplied him with books to help him pass away the hours.

Unknown to Loki, a war was raging across the Nine Realms. A group of space pirates called the Marauders was attacking Vanaheim. After their defeat, they were locked in cells next to Loki's.

However, shortly after, one of the Marauders magically transformed and broke out of his cell, revealing himself as a Dark Elf turned into the monstrous Kursed warrior. Grasping an opportunity to harass his foster father, Loki advised the Dark Elf where to find the exit. Not long after the sounds of battle had died away, Loki learned that Frigga was killed by the Dark Elves who attacked Asgard at the same time when the prison riot started. This knowledge sent Loki into a fit of rage.

Liberation
"Thor, after all this time now you come to visit me. Why? Have you come to gloat? To mock?" "Loki, enough. No more illusions." "Now you see me, brother. Did she suffer?" "I do not come here to share in our grief. Instead I offer you the chance of a far richer sacrament."

- Loki and Thor

The same day, Thor decided to escape from Asgard and take Jane Foster, whose body contained the Aether, to Svartalfheim, the homeworld of the Dark Elves. However, he needed Loki's help because he was the only person who could help him to sneak out. Thor promised Loki that they would have their revenge for Frigga's death, and after that, he'd be released from his cell. Thor also told Loki that his feelings to protect him were gone and if Loki betrayed him Thor would kill him. Loki seemingly agreed with Thor's proposal. While they walked through the corridors of the palace, Loki made fun with Thor, magically giving him the appearance of Sif, and transforming himself first into an Asgardian warrior and then into Captain America. When Loki gave them back their true appearances, Thor shackled him, because he didn't trust him completely. While they were approaching the abandoned shuttle of the Dark Elves, both Sif and Volstagg threatened to kill Loki if he even thought about betraying Thor. When they reached Jane, she punched Loki in the face, telling him the punch was for what he did to New York. Loki commented to Thor that he likes Jane. After boarding the crashed Dark Elf Harrow, Thor, Foster and Loki flew out of the palace, chased by the Einherjar. Loki continued to mock and annoy Thor by commenting on his poor flying skills. When Jane Foster fainted due to the Aether in her veins, Loki casually asked if she was dead before berating Thor about his poor plan. Loki was then pushed onto a Asgardian Skiff flown by Fandral. As Fandral helped the trio make their way out by attacked the Einherjar, Loki was able to fly the Skiff to a secret location where he was able to transport them out of Asgard and onto the Dark Elves' home world of Svartalfheim.

Second Battle of Svartalfheim
"Malekith, I am Loki of Jotunheim and I bring you a gift! I ask only one thing in return, a good seat from which to watch Asgard burn."

- Loki to Malekith

When the three arrived in Svartalfheim, Loki continued to drive the Asgardian Skiff while Thor cared for Jane Foster. Loki began to mock Thor's love for a human woman and antagonised his brother. He managed to annoy his brother so much that Thor tried to punch him in the face, Thor stopped himself as he believed Frigga would not want them to fight, Loki argued that she would not be surprised. When Thor said he wished he could trust Loki, Loki told him to trust his rage. After arriving in Svartalfheim, Thor uncuffed Loki and they planned to defeat Malekith. After reaching the Dark Elves, Loki pretended to betray Thor and made an illusion of cutting off his right hand. Then he threw Jane Foster before the Dark Elves, claiming his allegiance with them to spite Asgard.

As Malekith started absorbing the Aether from Foster, Thor and Loki revealed their ruse. Loki removed the illusion he had cast and jumped on top of Foster to shield her while Thor used Mjølnir to shoot lightning at the Aether, dispersing it in an explosion. However, Malekith was still able to absorb the fragments. As the Dark Elves retreated to their giant ship, Malekith's lieutenant Algrim stayed behind to keep Thor and Loki busy.

"Death"
"I will tell Father you died with honour." "I didn't do it for him."

- Thor and Loki

When Algrim threw one of his Black Hole Grenades in the air, Loki pushed Foster away from it. Though he himself was nearly sucked in it, he was saved at the last moment by Thor. While Thor fought Algrim, Loki was attacked by another group of Dark Elves. Armed only with his dagger, Loki easily defeated them all. Thor was unable to defeat Algrim, but Loki stabbed Algrim from behind. The Kursed warrior then grabbed Loki and pulled him onto the blade. Loki then activated one of Algrim's vortex grenades which sucked the Dark Elf, destroying him. A moment later, Thor told to a dying Loki that he would tell Odin about his noble deed, Loki replied that he didn't do it for Odin. As it appeared Loki was dead, Thor and Jane left him behind, but that was just another of Loki's illusions. Perfectly healthy, Loki waited until an Einherjar Guard came to check the battlefield, took his place, and returned to Asgard. Disguised as the Einherjar Guard, Loki informed Odin that a body was found. Odin responds, now believing Loki to be dead.

King of Asgard
Loki managed to take Odin's place and usurped the throne of Asgard. When Thor defeated Malekith, he returned to Asgard to give his report to Odin. Disguised as Odin, Loki offered him the throne, but Thor declined while honoring Loki's sacrifice. Thor then offered him Mjølnir, but Loki told him it belongs to him if he be worthy of it. Thor thanked him and left the room, and Loki reverted to his true form and quietly answered, "No. Thank you." before smiling in triumph at reclaiming the throne of Asgard at last.

Some time after Loki took the throne, Lorelei escaped to Earth using one of the secret passageways between worlds. "Odin", who presumably was still Loki in disguise, ordered Sif to find and capture Lorelei and bring her back to Asgard alive.

During his observation of Earth, Heimdall saw a Kree land on the planet. Due to the enmity between Kree and Asgardians, Loki, in his guise as Odin, was informed; he sent Sif to investigate.

Thor's Vision
During Thor's vision, Loki appeared behind Heimdall.

Personality
"So you take the world I love as recompense for your imagined slights? No, the Earth is under my protection, Loki." "Ha ha ha! And you're doing a marvelous job with that. The humans slaughter each other in droves, while you ideally threat. I mean to rule them! And why should I not?" "You think yourself above them?" "Well, yes." "Then you miss the truth of ruling, brother. A throne would suit you ill."

- Thor and Loki

Loki is the son of Laufey and the God of Mischief. He is especially sly, cunning, cruel, intelligent, manipulative, thoroughly power-hungry and conniving individual. Loki displayed sociopathic tendencies and was a pathological liar; he was easily able to manipulate conversations to his advantage. For example, he was able to trick his brother Thor into confronting the Frost Giant King Laufey on his home planet Jotunheim. However given Thor's arrogance at the time, this wasn't entirely his doing.

Loki was a megalomaniac and sociopath. He had a deep resentment for his adopted brother and adopted father as he felt that he was always living in Thor's shadow and that Odin favored him above Loki. Part of his bitterness stems from the fact that he is a Frost Giant and was intended as a political tool to bring peace between Asgardians and Frost Giants. As such, Loki felt alienated and ashamed since he is a member of a race Asgardians are taught to fear and hate and was lied to about it all his life. Growing up, Loki believed he was an actual prince of Asgard and so genuinely thought he could be king. Loki competed with Thor for Odin's favor, yet once his real parentage was revealed, Loki felt betrayed as he felt a Frost Giant as king was never a feasible possibility. Furthermore, Loki also felt that he was viewed as nothing more than a trophy and tool instead of an actual son by Odin despite all evidence to the contrary. Despite his hatred and contempt, all Loki wants is his brother and father's respect; however, in a twist of irony, Loki's quest for power has antagonized them even further. By the time of the Avengers Initiative, Loki has deluded himself into believing that becoming king has always been his birthright and seeing as how he'll never become the King of Asgard, he sought the conquest of Midgard, which could just be another way to spite his older brother.

While he would rather manipulate a situation to his advantage, Loki was also a capable fighter, and could even hold his own against Thor (however, it is implied that his brother was holding back, as Thor would later admit that he fought Loki hoping that "[his] brother was still in there somewhere"). Loki was also not above underhanded tactics, such as when Thor offered a hand of peace, Loki deceptively stabbed him in his side. Loki would create feints and appear like running away or surrendering if a fight turned to his disadvantage. For example, when he was at the mercy of Thor on top of the Bifrost Bridge, Loki pathetically begged for his life, yet revealed the act to be just another one of his illusion manipulations and a feint to ambush his brother.

Loki seems to revel in the enormous amount of animosity he has gained from his former comrades and everyone around him.

Loki was arrogant and somewhat narcissistic. While being confronted by the Hulk on top of Avengers Tower, he chastises him in a condescending way and described Banner as a "dull creature" which caused him to be brutally tossed around. He also views Thor as an incompetent who is unworthy of being king of Asgard. When called to the domain of Thanos, unlike the second herald- Ronan the Accuser- Loki showed no fear in the presence of the Titan and even questioned The Other and his master. Loki apparently looks down on humans and believes that their only purpose in life is to be ruled and conquered. He exhibited traits of attention seeking, going to horrifying lengths like genocide or subjugation of a species just to be adored either by his family or his subjects whom he believes will view him as a benevolent dictator.

Evidently, Loki had no respect for his heritage. After discovering that Laufey was his true birth father, he assisted the latter into entering Asgard but then betrayed and killed him to make himself look like a hero. Loki was somewhat genocidal, as he attempted to destroy Jotunheim and all of its living inhabitants, though part of his motivation for this is to impress his father Odin by annihilating his enemies. He described the Frost Giants as nothing more than a race of monsters, despite being one of them by birth himself.

By the time of the Avengers Initiative, Loki had come into the possession of a mind control Scepter, and has become notably more ruthless. Like numerous clinically-diagnosed psychopaths, Loki had an utter disregard for human life. He killed nearly ninety people in only two days and has turned S.H.I.E.L.D. soldiers such as Hawkeye and astronomer Erik Selvig into his personal "flying monkeys". However despite all of his wicked deeds, Loki has still earned the pity of his adopted brother. Loki is jealous of Thor and considers the latter's newfound compassion for the humans of Midgard a weakness.

During Malekith's pursuit for the Aether, Loki's condition has only worsened after having spent nearly a year in the Asgardian Dungeons. He is now heavily sardonic and much more sarcastic. Despite his underlying hatred of Odin and Thor, Loki still loved his adopted mother Frigga and was left devastated once he heard about her death. This also led to a grudging partnership with his rival Thor in a quest to kill Malekith, the Dark Elf. In the process, Loki also proved to be a talented actor, such as when he pretended to betray his brother, convincing both Malekith and Algrim. He even shows a side of uncharacteristic selflessness, sacrificing himself for Jane Foster and saving his hated brother from Algrim, before seemingly being killed himself. After which, Thor even comments that Loki died with honor. However this proved to be a sham, since Loki was later discovered to have been using his illusion manipulation to fake his death and impersonate Odin, in order to finally rule from the throne of Asgard.

Powers and Abilities
As a Frost Giant, Loki possesses superhuman attributes such as strength, speed, agility, durability, stamina and reflexes and has been shown to be a powerful combatant. He learned to use Asgardian sorcery from Frigga, which, in addition to his cunning, manipulative and strategic mind makes Loki one of the most dangerous foes a person could ever face in battle.

Powers
Loki, as a Frost Giant, has many superhuman attributes common among the Jotuns. "Puny god!"

- Hulk

"Are you ever not going to fall for that?"
 * Frost Giant Physiology: Since Loki had been enchanted to look like an Asgardian, Loki's Frost Giant features only come out when he was in contact with Frost Giant magic, such as when he utilizes the Casket of Ancient Winters or when he was inflicted with the Frost Giants' frost burn touch. As a Frost Giant, Loki has superhuman abilities including:
 * Superhuman Strength: Loki possesses considerable superhuman strength, and thus he has overpowered humans and the peak human Captain America with little effort, has easily defeated multiple Frost Giants and Dark Elves, and has even held his own in combat against Asgardians. However, Loki's strength is still not quite on the same level as that of Hulk or his adopted brother Thor.
 * Superhuman Speed: Loki is fast enough to catch Hawkeye's arrow in mid-flight, inches away from his neck. He also used his speed in his fight against Captain America, during which he easily gained the upper hand, at one point even smashing Captain America's Shield to the ground.
 * Superhuman Agility: Loki has shown immense agility and reflexes, defeating several Dark Elves at once by using swift and agile movements.
 * Superhuman Durability: Loki has shown himself to be extremely durable to injuries, further augmented by his armor. Hence, Loki only flinched after getting shot in the face with a pistol, and was not at all affected by assault rifle rounds to his torso. Loki also barely reacted to a jab to the face from Captain America, and even a full force kick to the face from the latter that made Loki stumble back, only hurt him slightly. However, sufficiently powerful weapons, such as Iron Man's repulsors, Hawkeye's explosive arrows, and a deflected shot from his own scepter, are at least able to cause Loki pain and leave minor marks. Loki's durability is implied to be far greater than that of a normal Frost Giant, as he is able to take multiple mighty blows from even Hulk and Thor without any fatal damage. In addition, as a Frost Giant, Loki is immune to the extreme cold of Jotunheim.
 * Superhuman Stamina: Loki possesses superhuman stamina that allows him to fight prolonged battles, such as the Battle of New York. His muscles produce practically no fatigue toxins during physical activity compared to those of humans. His incredible stamina enables him to exert himself at peak capacity for an undefined period of time without tiring at all.
 * Regenerative Healing Factor: Despite his astounding resistance to injury, it is still possible to injure or even kill Loki. However, due to his Frost Giant physiology, Loki heals at a rate much faster than that of humans. Hence, Loki was quickly back on his feet even after being brutally smashed multiple times against the ground by Hulk.
 * Longevity: Loki has the capacity to live for thousands of years. Loki was a baby at the end of the last great war between the Asgardians and the Jotuns, over a thousand years ago.
 * Cold Manipulation: As a Frost Giant, Loki is able to manipulate and generate ice. During his attack in the Joint Dark Energy Mission Facility, he appeared to have created ice crystals which he used as throwing projectiles against S.H.I.E.L.D. guards.
 * Cold Immunity: Due to his Frost Giant physiology, Loki is immune to the otherwise damaging touch of Frost Giants.
 * Sorcery: Loki learned how to wield magic while growing up in Asgard, thanks to his adoptive mother Frigga. He eventually became a highly skilled and formidable sorcerer, with it being his main asset in battle. The magical abilities he demonstrated were:

- Loki


 * Illusion Manipulation: Loki was particularly noted to fool enemies who try to attack him with an illusion of himself. Thor was noted to fall for this ability numerous times. Loki even made multiple illusory image of himself appear simultaneously during his first duel with Thor, before the latter blasted them away with lightning. Loki could also alter his attire, his voice and his physical aspect in order to resemble another person. He used this power to change his clothing from his usual armor, to a human suit, and to his battle armor. He was also capable of imitating Thor, Captain America, Odin, and an anonymous Asgardian guard. He could also use his power to alter the appearance of Thor (making him look like Lady Sif or without a hand) and of his cell in the Asgardian Dungeons. However, Loki most notably conjured up the extremely convincing illusion of him seemingly dying from a wound inflicted by Algrim.
 * Hypnosis: Loki can subtly influence the minds of others, such as when he manipulated Erik Selvig into researching the Tesseract.
 * Invisibility: Loki was able to render himself and others unseen to whomever he wants. Instead of letting light waves pass through himself, it was simply a trick of the mind. He was able to use his magic to mask his presence from even Heimdall himself while he was in Jotunheim, and used the same ability to sneak several Frost Giants into Asgard without Heimdall's detection. He also presumably used this ability to hide himself from S.H.I.E.L.D. agents when he briefly visited Thor and attempted to lift Mjølnir himself.
 * Telekinesis: Loki was able to mentally move objects with his mind, akin to generating immense concussive force, which appears as a blast of mystical green aura. During Loki, Thor, Sif, and the Warriors Three's skirmish with the Frost Giants, Loki utilized his green telekinesis aura to launch projectiles at their foes, with one projectile having enough force to shatter an ice shield of a Frost Giant. Upon hearing about Frigga's death, Loki, in a fury, unleashed a seismic blast of his mystical aura, which blasted everything around the cell through the air, with it crashing into the walls of his cell at great speed. It also shook the cell violently, causing the light in it to flicker, much like an electromagnetic pulse.

Abilities
"You're always so perceptive about everyone but yourself."

- Frigga

As the God of Lies and Deceit, Loki is able to trick and manipulate his enemies into doing what he wants. However, he was tricked and outsmarted by Black Widow. "You lied to me; I'm impressed."
 * Arcane Lore: Loki possesses great skill in wielding mystical artifacts and arcane lore, notably Gungnir, the Casket of Ancient Winters, and the Tesseract. Loki uses his knowledge primarily to conjure illusions and manipulate others to do his will. He has demonstrated the ability to cause the Casket of Ancient Winters to seemingly disappear into thin air, although it is not immediately clear if this was entirely Loki's doing or, in some way, bound to an inherent property of the item. He also claims to know of secret pathways between worlds that even Heimdall himself is unaware of, which allow Loki to travel without using more common transportation methods (such as the Bifrost). As ruler of Asgard, he also gained control of the Destroyer for a time.
 * Gifted Intelligence: While not a scientific genius, Loki is extremely intelligent nonetheless. He is able to understand and eventually utilize alien technologies with great proficiency, such as when he used the eye remover on Heinrich Schafer, learned to use the control console that controls the cage, and flew a Chitauri airship.

- Loki to Thor


 * Master Manipulator: Loki successfully manipulated Thor, Sif, and the Warriors Three to attack the Frost Giants, pretending to be sympathetic to Thor's feelings of disrespect, while meanwhile, setting up his own agenda. When Loki needed Thor to stay away from Asgard, he lied to his brother about Odin's death, though the king was in Odinsleep.
 * Expert Tactician: Loki maneuvered events to cause the demise of Laufey. He later helped Thor in the latter's attempt to destroy the Aether by pretending to betray him in full view of Malekith and Algrim.
 * Expert Combatant: while Loki was far more interested in sorcery than Asgardian warrior arts, he still has combat training that is extensive enough for him to defeat and kill several S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives in mere seconds, kill several Frost Giants in Jotunheim, slay multiple Dark Elves at once, using only a dagger, overpower the highly skilled Captain America (the latter even commenting on Loki's fighting skills) in a duel, and even hold his own against Thor for a time.

Equipment

 * Daggers: In battle, Loki often uses knives or daggers to injure and/or kill his enemies, though he is also proficient with a spear.
 * Gungnir: When taking over the throne, Loki was seen wielding Odin's spear, which can fire beams of energy that can kill mortals or Frost Giants, and injure Asgardians.
 * Casket of Ancient Winters: For a short while, Loki used the casket to freeze Heimdall.
 * Scepter: When arriving at Earth for the second time, Loki wielded a scepter (given to him by Thanos) that was capable of firing destructive energy bolts, as it contained the Mind Stone. By touching the scepter to the chest of a person, Loki was capable of twisting the person's loyalties towards him while retaining their normal personality, notably doing so to both Hawkeye and Erik Selvig.

Family

 * Frost Giants - Biological Family
 * Laufey † - Biological Father, Enemy and Victim
 * Adoptive Family
 * Odin - Adoptive Father and Ally (former) turned Enemy
 * Frigga † - Adoptive Mother
 * Thor - Adoptive Brother and Ally (former) turned Enemy

Allies

 * Thanos
 * The Other †
 * Chitauri
 * Leviathan

Video Game Only

 * Ymir
 * Ulik

Enemies

 * Asgardians
 * Sif - Ally turned Enemy
 * Warriors Three - Allies turned Enemies
 * Fandral
 * Volstagg
 * Hogun
 * Frost Giants
 * Hailstrum †
 * Grundroth †
 * Raze †
 * Dark Elves
 * Malekith †
 * Algrim †
 * Erik Selvig - Former Thrall
 * S.H.I.E.L.D.
 * Nick Fury
 * Maria Hill
 * Phil Coulson - Victim
 * Jasper Sitwell †
 * Avengers
 * Tony Stark/Iron Man
 * Steve Rogers/Captain America
 * Thor - Adoptive Brother
 * Bruce Banner/Hulk
 * Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow
 * Clint Barton/Hawkeye - Former Thrall

Video Game Only

 * Mangog
 * Fire Demons

Appearances
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" ! Appearances for Loki In chronological order:
 * Thor, The Mighty Avenger
 * The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week
 * Thor (concurrent events)
 * The Avengers
 * Thor: The Dark World Prelude (concurrent events)
 * Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
 * Season One
 * Pilot (mentioned)
 * 0-8-4 (mentioned)
 * Thor: The Dark World
 * Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
 * Season One
 * Yes Men (mentioned)
 * Avengers: Age of Ultron Prelude - This Scepter'd Isle
 * Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
 * Season Two
 * The Dirty Half Dozen (mentioned)
 * Avengers: Age of Ultron (mentioned)
 * Thor: Ragnarok (unreleased)
 * Avengers: Infinity War (unreleased)

Non-canon Appearances

 * Captain America & Thor: Avengers!
 * Thor: God of Thunder
 * Thor: The Dark World - The Official Game
 * Lego Marvel's Avengers
 * }

Trivia

 * In the non-canon comic Captain America & Thor: Avengers!, Loki helps his friends to free Fandral who is captured by the Dark Elves led by Queen Alflyse.
 * Despite being a Jotun (Frost Giant), Loki is almost always referred to as an Asgardian. This may stem from having lived the majority of his life on Asgard.

Behind the Scenes

 * Tom Hiddleston, the actor who portrays Loki, originally auditioned for the role of Thor.
 * Loki is the first Marvel Cinematic Universe villain to appear in multiple films in the series, not counting appearances through photographs and archive footage. In addition, he is also the only one to serve as the main antagonist of multiple films.