The Loki Model: Transcending the Trickster

• Other Authors: Howard, Arianne Marie (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Germanic literature; Icelandic literature; Scandinavian literature; Folklore
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_2016SP_Howard_fsu_0071N_13298

The trickster is a well-known and thoroughly studied mythological figure. Therefore, this thesis will not seek to further define the trickster figure, but rather take the trickster figure of Norse mythology, Loki, and uncover his unique qualities which can then be translated into abstract features used in what I call, the "Loki model." The Loki model provides a means of interpretation through which one can analyze a text or other work. In the case of this thesis, I will analyze three German texts and one American film to demonstrate the Loki model. The abstractions of the Loki model include: chaos, abstemiousness, cunning, and destruction. These qualities are ways of abolishing an order or breaking the status quo to undermine systems and create new worlds. The structures that are reshaped through chaos and language destruction are those of human nature and society. === A Thesis submitted to the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts. === Spring Semester 2016. === April 8, 2016. === Loki, Model, Semantics, The Dark Knight, Trickster, Wagner === Includes bibliographical references. === Alina Dana Weber, Professor Directing Thesis; Birgit Maier-Katkin, Committee Member; Christian Weber, Committee Member.