Trickster Archetype

The Mythology of the Trickster

For each tale, 1) state the “trickster,” 2) the “trick,” 3) the “outcome” of the trick, 4) the characteristics of the trickster, and 5) the theme of the story.

He/she is clever wise, yet egotistical and, therefore, sometimes foolish. He/she is the epitome of the “wise fool.”
He/she crosses physical and social boundaries, yet sometimes creates them.He/she appears when there is a need for change. The trickster introduces chaos to the static, tests the boundaries of the world order.
He/she is witty yet devious, a first rate prankster who often gets his or herself into trouble. He/she possesses “cunning intelligence” and often unmasks flaws within the gods themselves.
He/she is a jokester and prankster but can, at times, be heroic.
The trickster is both a creator and a destroyer.

Tricksters often show up flaws in the “big gods.” Why? (If tricksters threaten order, authority, and hierarchy, then why do you think they appear in stories?) In what ways is the intelligence of the top gods like or unlike that of the tricksters? (Think of Metis.)
In what ways do tricksters mediate between gods and men? Why do you think tricksters take the side of humans? (Do they always? In Norse Myths 3 and 10, Loki helps the gods build the wall and gain valuable treasures. Think also of Hermes and Hephaistos.)
What do you think these trickster stories say about the uses and character of cunning intelligence? (Can intelligence be both evil and good? When and why?)
Tricksters can be both creators and destroyers. When and why?
When do tricksters cause trouble and why