The dichotomy created between Baldr and Loki might have led Loki to murder Baldr. Loki could have been acting out of jealousy. Everyone loves Baldr, while the other gods dislike Loki despite his utility to them. Loki has also given gifts to the gods. He gifts Odin his child, Sleipnir and gives Thor an enemy, the Midgard Serpant (39, 52). The gods’ distrust of Loki prevents them from seeing Loki’s contributions. Baldr does not give any gifts, yet receives the Frigg’s protection (65). Loki could be reacting out of envy when he kills Baldr. Frigg works to give Baldr invincibility because of his dream of his murder (65). However, the text does not say Baldr can see into the future, so his dream should not have any affect on his safety. This gift …show more content…
First, Frigg knows “all fates of men,” yet she does not reveal any of her prophecies (30). Another example is the Valkyries, as they have the power to choose a soldier’s fate of death or victory in battle (45). Finally, the Norn decides the fates of men (26). Women have the power of determining fate, so Loki’s shape shifting into a feminine character allows him to alter fate. For example, he turns into a woman when he wishes to learn more about Baldr’s invulnerability and he turns into a giantess when he decides to change Baldr’s fate (65, 69). Loki utilizes his anima whenever he needs to extract information or wishes to conceal his identity. First, he transforms himself into a woman to find out from Frigg why Baldr could not be hurt, a giantess to prevent Baldr from returning, and a mare to mate with Svadilfari (65, 69, 52). He uses his femininity personas to play the role of a woman in society, so he does not perform any task as a male that could be considered a feminine role. He does not bend the rules and utilize his gifts out of context. On the contrary, Odin can “see into the future.”(146). No other man in the novel has the ability to see into the future; therefore, Odin has a feminine skill. Using the double archetype, Odin acts as Loki’s competitor. Baldr’s murder could have resulted from Loki’s animalistic, competitor side, which has categorized Odin as a rival. Walker describes the purpose of the competitor to confront oneself with limitations (Walker: Frankenstein 4). Odin is the only character with the power to control Loki. None of the other gods try unless following Odin’s orders. Loki could have murdered Baldr in order to try to gain some control over his competitor. Odin’s control illustrates that Loki’s powers have a limit. Odin does not put up with