Article Overview
In the finale of Loki season 2, the ex-God of Mischief embraces his transformation into a hero by selflessly sacrificing his own liberty and assuming the role of the guardian of the multiverse. This act of selflessness attains him the same level of worthiness as his brother Thor.
Loki, as the God of Time and Stories, saves and safeguards every timeline, putting others' well-being before his own and ensuring the preservation of everyone's journey throughout time and space.
However, Loki's bittersweet happy ending forces him to relinquish everything he holds dear, such as his newfound life at the TVA and his friendships, in order to fulfill his ultimate mission of safeguarding reality and empowering others to shape their own destinies.
Warning! The following article contains spoilers for the season 2 finale of Loki, titled "Glorious Purpose." In this episode, Tom Hiddleston's character undergoes a significant transformation, evolving from the mischievous God of Mischief to a noble hero deserving of Thor's powers. Initially known for causing chaos, Loki's encounter with the TVA in season 1 and subsequent mission to save the multiverse in season 2 have led him down a path of heroism. He not only sheds his title as the God of Mischief but also surpasses Thor in his worthiness by the end of the season. In a remarkable act of sacrifice, Loki chooses to give up his freedom to protect the timelines of the multiverse. He holds the fate of reality in his hands, unable to return to his own individual timeline. By doing so, Loki safeguards the free will of every other character in the multiverse, a monumental act that places him among the most powerful and selfless heroes in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. As a result, he earns a new title to commemorate his extraordinary achievement.
Loki Is Confirmed As The God Of Stories
By safeguarding and organizing every existing timeline, Loki has ascended to the position of the God of Time, an elevated entity responsible for safeguarding the past, present, and future of every universe against external threats of annihilation. Furthermore, Loki has also assumed the mantle of the God of Stories, prioritizing the personal journeys of individuals above his own. Recognizing that his own narrative cannot persist within a specific timeline or at the TVA, Loki dedicates what may encompass an eternity to defend reality, thereby ensuring the preservation of everyone else's chronicle across the expanse of time and space.
Loki's Sacrifice Makes Him Worthy
Ever since Odin banished Thor to Earth due to his unworthiness of the throne, worthiness has remained a crucial aspect for the Asgardians. In the 2011 film Thor, Odin imposed a condition that Thor could only regain his Asgardian power if he proved himself deserving of it, leading the God of Thunder to prioritize his moral integrity from that point forward. In contrast, Loki has always yearned to be worthy of Thor's power and admiration since their childhood. However, despite spending countless centuries attempting to establish his own worthiness through mischief and malevolence, Loki has finally come to realize that the true path to becoming worthy lies in prioritizing the well-being of others over his own.
Before being captured by the TVA, Loki's sole focus was on attaining the throne, whether it be the physical throne of Asgard or establishing himself as the dominant ruler of a lesser realm such as Earth. He lacked a true understanding of Thor's path to self-actualization, one paved with immense hardships and self-sacrifice. Although the intentions of the original Loki within the MCU were ultimately redeemed, albeit too late, the variant Loki received a fortuitous opportunity to transform his own journey and make the ultimate sacrifice. In doing so, he ascended to become the God of Stories, assumed the role of protector over time and the multiverse, and even proved himself worthy of wielding his brother's weapon, Mjolnir, had he ever been given the chance.
Loki's Happy Ending Is Deeply Heartbreaking
Becoming a hero requires more than a fleeting endeavor. Thor, for instance, had to relinquish not only the throne, but also his home, family, and Jane Foster. Similarly, Loki must bid farewell to numerous cherished desires. The TVA, Sylvie, Mobius, and his other companions provided Loki with a sense of genuine purpose, an unprecedented feeling. Nonetheless, if Loki truly values these connections, he must depart from all whom he holds dear.
Loki understands that even if he could prolong the Time Loom's existence or use his Time-Slipping abilities indefinitely, staying with his friends at the TVA would mean neglecting his duty to prevent the multiverse from collapsing. In the finale of Loki season 2, after discussing with Mobius, Sylvie, and He Who Remains, Loki comes to terms with his inevitable isolation. However, he finds solace in the knowledge that his efforts to preserve reality allow his friends to forge their own destinies. This realization of his glorious purpose is what ultimately earns him a throne he never sought.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about Loki's new MCU title. On the one hand, I am glad that Loki is finally getting the recognition he deserves for his role in saving the multiverse. He has always been a complex and misunderstood character, and it is good to see him finally get a chance to be a hero. On the other hand, I am sad to see Loki give up his freedom and his newfound life at the TVA. He has been through so much, and I wish he could have had a chance to enjoy his life for a while longer.
Overall, I think Loki's new title is a fitting tribute to his character. He has proven himself to be a powerful and selfless hero, and he is worthy of the title of God of Stories. I am excited to see what the future holds for Loki, and I hope that he will continue to play an important role in the MCU.