Essential Differences between Prometheus and Loki - Essay Example

The myths about the Greek gods have presented many similarities between the gods Prometheus and Loki, most especially in the manner of their being committed to suffering, for obviously disagreeing with the rest of the gods in some aspects (Lamberton, 38). However, the major difference between the gods Prometheus and Loki is in the manner of use of their intellects. Thus, while Prometheus uses his intellect in a manner reminiscent of benevolence, Loki’s use of his intellect was suggestive of pure malice. Prometheus was benevolent because he sought to go against the rest of the gods’ will for the sake of benefitting others, moist especially humanity. On the other hand, Loki was malevolent since his intentions were purely to cause suffering to others (Schnurbein, 112).
Prometheus was a god of fire, who stole fire and gave it to mankind, an aspect that then brought civilization that was against the will of his family gods because the god Zeus wanted to obliterate the human race but his plans were destroyed by Prometheus. Therefore, Prometheus was subjected to eternal punishment where the eagle would feed on his liver daily, “not only for stealing fire but also for destroying Zeus's plan (Peretti, 194). Loki however applied his intellect in a totally different way. His mischievous intellect even enabled him to sneak his way up to becoming a god when he was not even deserving, and through his malice, he became “responsible, though indirectly, for the death of deaths of other gods” (Schnurbein, 117). There is little evidence to suggest even that Loki ever stole fire, but there is much evidence to the effect that his malicious ways brought a stir amongst the gods, and he was finally sentenced to punishment which he really deserved.
The other essential difference between Prometheus and Loki is in relation to the overall effects of their actions. Prometheus's overall consequences were beneficial, but Loki’s overall consequences were destructive (Lamberton, 41). This is because; Loki was a selfish and egocentric god, who did not stop at anything to ensure that he succeed in his mischievous ways. Loki sided with his family against the other gods, and he set himself on a path of causing destruction to the other gods, even though little evidence exists to suggest that he deserved to be a god. He pursued his mischievous plans to the end and saw the destruction that he intended to happen accomplished. Thus, even after being sentenced to imprisonment, his mischief did not end there. He was supported by his wife throughout his punishment and he eventually became responsible for further destruction, because “he caused the earthquake that destroyed the universe” (Schnurbein, 117). Read More