Summary
The villainous nature of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) can be traced back to the revelation of his true heritage as the offspring of a Frost Giant. This discovery instilled in him a sense of resentment towards Odin, as he believed his adoptive father favored Thor over him. Consequently, Loki rebelled against his own kin and embraced a villainous path.
Loki's villainous acts in season 1 were actually intricate deceptions designed to mask his feelings of inadequacy and lack of power. These feelings originated from his childhood and the belief that Odin didn't truly care for him. Although Odin's concealment of Loki's true parentage and Thor's condescension may have played a small role in shaping Loki's behavior, he ultimately bears responsibility for his actions as they were driven by his own struggles with self-acceptance and distorted interpretation of his upbringing. The Loki TV show, along with his journey towards redemption as an MCU hero, has extensively explored this aspect of his character since 2013.
Loki, the God of Mischief, has made a significant shift in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) from being a villain in Phase 1 to becoming a hero. However, his initial role as a villain is often forgotten due to his fan-favorite status and his more lovable side. As Loki season 2 will continue to solidify his hero status, it is important to delve into his origins as a villain in the franchise. Remembering Loki's original story and understanding why he turned to villainy is crucial not only to his overall MCU story, but also to enhance the impact of his transformation into a key hero in the Multiverse Saga.
Loki's MCU Origin Explains His Villainy
In Thor, Loki's first appearance in the MCU, the God of Mischief learns that he is the son of a Frost Giant, who was found and raised by Odin as his own. This revelation sparks an existential crisis in Loki, as he believes that Odin's favoritism towards Thor stemmed from Loki's Frost Giant lineage. As a result, Loki turns against Odin, Thor, and Asgard, gradually embracing his role as a villain, as seen in Thor and later in The Avengers.
Moreover, in the first episode of Loki season 1 titled "Glorious Purpose," the origins of Loki's villainy are explored further. Loki reveals that he doesn't derive pleasure from causing harm to others. Rather, his villainous actions in Thor and The Avengers were elaborate acts meant to intimidate and create an illusion of power for someone like him, who feels inherently weak. This perception of weakness is rooted in Loki's childhood and the revelation of his heritage, which led him to doubt Odin's love. However, in Thor: Ragnarok, Loki finally comes to terms with being Odin's son and undergoes a transformation, becoming a hero in the MCU.
Who Is Really To Blame For Loki Turning Evil?
The familial factors of Loki's villainous backstory in the MCU prompt the question of who should shoulder the blame for his transformation into an evil dictator in The Avengers. Whether it was Odin's concealment of Loki's true parentage or Thor's continual belittlement of him, one could argue that either of them was responsible for Loki's descent. However, the truth is that Loki himself is at fault for his malicious actions. The Thor films clearly portray how Odin treated both Thor and Loki equally, dispelling any notion that Loki was treated differently due to his Frost Giant lineage. It was Loki's preconceived notions that led him to believe he was treated unfairly by Asgard, a belief that is repeatedly proven false as he discovers that his family loved him unconditionally, regardless of his origins. Therefore, it was Loki's own struggle with self-acceptance, rooted in his upbringing, that caused him to misinterpret his past, erroneously assume differential treatment, and embrace villainy in the MCU. In the current portrayal of the character in Loki, he realizes this early on in the series, paving the way for season 2 to delve further into his redemption as a hero in the MCU.
