Loki (Norse mythology)

   Loki was the troublemaker among the gods of Norse mythology. Although born into a family of giants who warred with the gods, he became Odin's foster brother and was accepted among the gods. He was handsome, but cunning and wicked. Loki appears often in Norse legends. He helped the gods with their problems, but he also troubled and taunted them,

   His worst deed was to cause the death of Balder the Beautiful. As punishment, he was chained to a rock with a snake hung over him. The snake dripped poison which Loki's wife caught in a cup. But, when she left to empty the cup, the poison dripped on Loki's head.

   Norse legend says Loki must remain chained there until the end of the world, when he will break loose and fight with the giants against the gods.

Loki chained