Thor and Loki stuff

[shapinglight]

In happier fandom news (well, for me), I found myself thinking while watching Thor: the Dark World for the second time the other night (yes, I know it's not that great a movie, but when you're fannish about something, you just are, okay?) that....

Spoilers for the movie behind cut



...if this had been a TV series, not a movie, or if it had been a better movie (or a longer movie with more character development and fewer explosions), more would have been made of the fact that in the first Thor movie, Thor told Loki he couldn't kill an entire race (the Jotuns) because it would be wrong, but then it turns out in Thor: the Dark World that the Asgardians actually have done such a thing (ie. killed all the Dark Elves, as they believe) and whatever Thor might think, Odin doesn't seem too fussed about it. In the climactic scene in the first movie when Loki is saying he could have done it (ie. destroyed all the Jotuns), and Odin says, "No, Loki," I admit I assumed at the time Odin said that because he, too, felt it was wrong to kill them all (after all, he himself had spared Loki's life), but maybe he just meant he didn't think Loki was up to the job.

Hmm. Not that important, I suppose. Anyway, I think Loki really does hate Odin a lot now, and I don't think Odin cares about him, and it's probably a vain hope that Odin might actually have invited Loki to replace him as king of Asgard because he fancied a holiday. The third Thor movie probably will feature Thor and Loki as adversaries again, which is a shame, because I prefer them when they're bickering rather than outright trying to kill each other. .

We'll see, I suppose - though not for many years.

Which is the trouble with this fandom. Not enough material in the Movie Verse to tide you over. Anyone have any fanfic recommendations? I'm sure someone gave me some once, (was it you, avidrosette?) but I've lost the link. In the meantime, to fill the gap, I've started catching up with Comics!Loki's adventures. Have to say, Kid!Loki is delightful.

Comments

[chase820.livejournal.com]

Any Thor/Loki by Astolat is pretty great. Here is my personal favorite, but you can follow the tags to all her stories. She's written lots!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/440514

[shapinglight]

Ooh, thanks so much!

I'm in fact a bit leery of Thor/Loki as a romantic pairing because they're brothers, but it's not impossible I could get over that with the right writer.

[chase820.livejournal.com]

Well, Astolat hits the adoption thing pretty hard, and emphasizes the fact that Loki isn't even Asgardian. It helps.

[shapinglight]

I will definitely give her fics a try. I'm fairly sure I could cope with Thor/Loki if it's not too porny.

I did find a Thor/Loki story I liked being posted to a Thor fics LJ comm. I did have to skip the sex scene, though.

Seems I can only cope with incest when both parties are vampires. ;)

[reginaspina.livejournal.com]

Trust me, I am SO not a Thorki fan, but Astolat sold me on it, at least in HER fics (the really plotty ones I recommend. Still not that into the PWP ones :D) Her writing is so good!!

[shapinglight]

I'm five chapters into one of the fics you recommended already. Thank you.

[esmerelda-t.livejournal.com]

Well to be fair to Odin on the whole committing genocide issue, the dark elves seems to have happened on his dad's watch. It's reasonable to assume I think that while he might not be loosing any sleep about something he wasn't responsible for he still didn't want to see the same thing happen to the Jotuns.

I watched the DVD at the weekend and this time round thought that Odin realises straight away that the guard has come to see him is Loki. That Odin has willingly given him a shot on the throne is something I've considered. Partly out of the belief I think Odin does genuinely love Loki, he's just not a hug it out sort of guy, and for the more practical reason that Marvel are aware how popular the character and actor are and an ambiguous Loki is one they can do more with.

[shapinglight]

Well to be fair to Odin on the whole committing genocide issue, the dark elves seems to have happened on his dad's watch.

This is quite true, though he doesn't sound too cut up about it when he tells Thor, "We killed them all." But I agree. Odin of Thor 1 doesn't seem like the genocidal type.

I also agree with what you say about Odin guessing the guard was Loki. I also think Loki knew that Odin knew it was him. Odin saying Loki's name, then the guard getting this slightly sneery look said as much, IMO. I'm not convinced that Odin still has any love for Loki, though.

Marvel are aware how popular the character and actor are and an ambiguous Loki is one they can do more with.

I hope they've realised this. I know they know how popular Loki is - the fact that they filmed more Loki stuff for the movie is proof, though from what I hear, they didn't actually seem to really get it until after Hiddleston did his turn in-character at SDCC. That really strikes me as bizarre.

[esmerelda-t.livejournal.com]

I love Loki as much as the next fan girl, but I don't have a problem at all with how Odin reacts in The Dark World given Loki's antics and don't think it means he no longer loves him. Mileage obviously can and does vary though!

I've no fic to rec as I too have struggled to find good stuff but I'm looking forward to checking out what others have suggested here.

[shapinglight]

I'm sort of unclear as to how Loki's antics on earth affected Asgard (and the other nine realms). I don't think they explained it very well.

There's also probably the fact that I tend to blank out what happened in Avengers because the don't like the film that much (except for Iron Man).

[kikimay]

I can recommend some things. You can see them in my AO3 page: http://archiveofourown.org/users/Kikimay/bookmarks?page=2
Here's a series that I'm enjoying a lot: http://archiveofourown.org/series/28127 It features Loki and Thor in an established relationship ... wait, do you even ship them or you feel it's weird? Because I can suggest only shipper fics. I'm sorry! I'll try to find something general for you, if you want.

I had the same thoughts about Loki and Odin in this one. In the first movie I thought that Odin loved his son but he didn't expressed it in a proper way/in the way that could have been useful to save Loki. In this movie he's kind of a jerk and Loki hates him a lot.

Also agree about kid!Loki. Isn't he the cutest?

[shapinglight]

Also agree about kid!Loki. Isn't he the cutest?

He is! I'm quite upset about what happens to him.

Thanks for the link. Have to admit I'm a bit iffy about Thor/Loki because they're brothers (I know only step brothers, but still...). It's possible I might overcome that eventually but I don't think it's likely I'll ever write 'shipper fic about them myself.

[kikimay]

It's a matter of taste and I understand perfectly (Since I also think that they ARE brothers) If I find something gen I can link it to you. Here a non shippy beautiful ficlet: http://archiveofourown.org/works/420524

[shapinglight]

Thank you. :)

[reginaspina.livejournal.com]

OK, I have some recs for you (based entirely on "stuff that I like")

Bargaining (http://archiveofourown.org/works/1108212/chapters/2230369) by Proantagonist. "Faced with an eternity without his brother, Loki strikes a bargain to change the past. Post TDW." (It's ongoing, and it's got a great Loki voice and she seems to update frequently!) Although the central relationship is between Thor and Loki, it's not a slashfic, and it's not porny :D

Three by Astolat, who is AMAZING.

Learning to Fly (http://archiveofourown.org/works/423613), which is a pretty dark Loki-in-prison story, though not explicitly "Thorki."

Chaos War (http://archiveofourown.org/works/243244) - basically my favorite Loki fanfic EVER, in which he's actually incredibly smart (not just people saying that he is) and also crazy. It is Thorki, which is not my favorite, but somehow she is such a great writer that it just works for me.

Revelations (http://archiveofourown.org/works/398023) - another "Loki brings Thor back from the dead" story (but very different from "Bargaining" I mentioned above.) Also Thorki, but also Astolat makes it work. (Her other stuff is a lot more straight up porny, but Chaos War and Revelations are extremely long, complicated, her plotting, pacing, characterization are all STELLAR and I just love them both to bits!! (I cried reading Revelations, though, just as a warning!!)

This story, Yggdrassil Dreaming (http://archiveofourown.org/works/259357/chapters/405262) made me fall in love with the Loki/Sif pairing and it is still my favorite for that pairing. It's gorgeous, blending myth and comics mythos, and it's a quest narrative with a female hero and I love it.

Also Loki/Sif is What Grows Beneath the Nettle (http://archiveofourown.org/works/1091261), which has a really interesting post-TDW premise. The author, Lizardbeth, also has a really fascinating VERY long series called Understanding the Storm (http://archiveofourown.org/series/21294), which apparently she's posting the next part of soon. It's heavily focused on the relationship between Loki and Frigga (totally non-sexual, don't worry!) and uses some of the canon from myths (so I think Loki and Sigyn are going to be a thing :D)

And this is a much shorter more atmospheric one, but I just really like how she writes: This Rare Rich Night (http://archiveofourown.org/works/1124987).

[shapinglight]

Thank you so much. Two of you have recommended Astolat now so I'll definitely give her a try.

I haven't really thought about Loki/Sif as a pairing, partly because I don't think much of Jaimie Alexander as an actress (not to mention I find Sif's ridiculous metal mini-armour...well, ridiculous). I'm happy to give it a go, though. It's not, unfortunately, as if there is an f/m pairing in the 'verse for Loki where the woman involved isn't in love with Thor (well, I suppose there's Darcy, but I'm not sure she's Loki's type).

Was it you who recced me a really good Loki/Jane story once? I thought it was but I can't find the link and also can't remember the name of the writer. :sigh:

[reginaspina.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't have thought of Loki/Sif either, but then I read THAT story and it was so beautiful that I just fell in love :D

I've got a friend who's sent me links for a bunch of Darcy/Loki stories (and I trust her because she and I feel the same way about Loki!) but I haven't read them yet.

[shapinglight]

Well, if you like them, do let me know.

So it wasn't you who recced that Loki/Jane fic? Aargh! It was so good. Why didn't I bookmark it?

[avidrosette.livejournal.com]

So cool that you're enjoying this fandom! Yes, it was me with the story recs. Here's the link: http://avidrosette.livejournal.com/26970.html. (Many are Thor/Loki, however.) I should post another list because I've read so much more since then. Interestingly, I don't really care who Loki is paired with (or if a story is gen). I just really enjoy the character (and actor), like Spike, whom I could read in any pairing or none.

One of the pairings that I enjoy most is completely non-canonical: Loki/Steve Rogers. I feel like there's real redemptive possibility within that pairing, for both characters. I enjoy Steve's man-out-of-time storyline, and the way we haven't gotten much of a payoff for it in canon leaves a lovely opening for fic. I think Loki would be drawn to fair-haired, fair-minded Steve, who seems a mirror of Thor in some ways, but perhaps more emotionally available (and you know, not his brother, though I don't think Loki would care about that. Canonically, in the Norse myths, Loki slept with half of Asgard, numerous mortals, and a horse). Here are a couple of recs in that pairing if you feel moved to give it a try:

the_helenables/Tell me the story of how you ended up here (Loki/Steve) & sequel, They’re the ones that make it all worthwhile Steve is ill and Loki is the only one who can help. Moving and lovely.
the_helenables/Volition (loki/steve) Loki is revolted by Doom's latest terror attack and decides enough is enough. A perfect redemption story, with understated, believable emotions and motivations.
startekfanwriter/The Texture of His Skin (loki/steve) Short, but powerfully written. From author's notes: "I thought someone growing up homosexual in the early part of last century and someone who is 'the monster parents tell their children" about at night might have a bit in common.'"

Here are a few other recs, in various pairings and gen:

Mikkenekko/Hospitality (loki & thor, gen) Moving and skillful retelling of the Norse myth of Geirrod. Lovely interweaving of the mythology with the characterizations from the movie. I had tears in my eyes during parts of the story.
Mikkeneko/An Eye for an Eye (loki/clint) Beautiful psychological exploration of Clint's feelings about his tesseract possession.
galaxysoup/Amateur Theatrics (Loki & Clint, Loki & Thor, gen) One of Loki's magic attacks goes wrong. So good.
RC_McLachlan/Theorems (loki/tony) Post-Avengers, Loki is sentenced to live as a mortal with the Avengers. Tony draws him out of his cell and into the human world. Appealing, adult, complex characterizations. Sexy and emotional, the story really conveys WHY these two characters like each other.
cerebel/Cryptonomicon in Practical Application (Loki/Tony, AU) WWII setting, different and really good. Great translation of the characters' issues into this context.
Mikkeneko/A Villain State of Mind (loki & Charles Xavier, x-over with X-Men First Class) Awesome character interactions between an imprisoned Loki and a mind-reading Charles who has been sent to interrogate him.

I hope you find a few you like!

Also, regarding the comics, the author of Journey into Mystery, Kieron Gillen, is on Tumblr and fairly active: http://kierongillen.tumblr.com/

Here is someone who posts thoughtful meta on Loki: http://icy-mischief.tumblr.com/

And here is the AO3 feed for Thor-related fics: http://ao3feed-thor.tumblr.com/. It gives a quick, automated note of each new story posted to the AO3 that is tagged "Thor," with pairings and summary.

[shapinglight]

Thanks so much for linking to that old post of yours. I don't know why I didn't put it in my memories before. I'll give all the stories a look (though admit Loki/Steve isn't a pairing I'd considered. I'd heard that Loki/Tony was popular).

Don't suppose you read Loki/Jane at all, do you?.

[avidrosette.livejournal.com]

Cool that you're planning to give some of these stories a try! I haven't read Loki/Jane, but I would. I just haven't heard of any recommended stories in that pairing. (Not sure if it's a rare pair or if I just happen to move more in slash circles.) If you come across some good ones or if someone leaves some recs in this thread, I'll be happy to give them a try.

[shapinglight]

I was just hoping I would find this Loki/Jane story again, but no luck. I'm still racking my brains trying to think who recced it to me. ;(

[chasingdemons.livejournal.com]

I finally saw The Dark World! I loved every minute of Loki, but there just weren't enough of them. And so few real character moments. At least in a TV series, you get to see the characters in a day to day setting. But this was nonstop action/explosions. Beautiful special effects. Nothing overly compelling on a character development level. I have no idea why Thor and ... the female lead are in love with each other. And Odin. Man, you do one little thing wrong and you're cast out! Were they going to keep Loki in prison forever? Seems awfully harsh. So I didn't feel like I got the amount of Loki that I should have. (I was cheated) I guess I warmed up to the other characters, but I still don't really care about that universe enough to spend a lot of time in it.

[shapinglight]

finally saw The Dark World! I loved every minute of Loki, but there just weren't enough of them. And so few real character moments.

Sadly true. Far too much time was wasted on explosions. And there is definitely not enough Loki, though (apparently) a lot more than there was originally. More Loki scenes were shot at a very late date (due, it seems, to Marvel finally cottoning on to how popular Loki is after Tom Hiddleston's in-character appearance at SDCC). Otherwise he'd hardly be in it at all. I think the extra scenes are probably most of the ones of Loki in prison and parts of the fight scene just before he 'dies.'

I have no idea why Thor and ... the female lead are in love with each other.

Oh, I dunno. I can definitely see it. But then I've been a fan of that pairing for many, many years through the comics and am just thrilled that Jane has been turned into a kooky maverick physicist, who is clearly way more intelligent than Thor. I do think that the fish-out-of-water scenes work better when it's Thor on earth rather than Jane in Asgard, though.

Were they going to keep Loki in prison forever? Seems awfully harsh.

I think so, yes. I think it's hard to bear in mind what havok Loki is supposed to have caused because all the damage in Avengers was comic-book style damage which is never the same.

[lonelybrit]

Ah, Odin :) I think he has become my new Roger Wynham-Pryce in that if I could I would love to write him as someone who genuinely does care for his son but frankly hasn't a clue how to be a parent for Loki at the same time as being a good king for Asgard. (For one thing, in my mind, when Odin's mind is made up, even Frigga cannot sway it - there was a deleted scene for Thor where she argues with him, asking for Thor to be brought home, and he stands absolutely firm. For Thor 2, yes I can see her petitioning him for clemency, but I like to think that Odin wouldn't have granted it if it genuinely wasn't something he wanted as well. And he and Loki are both far too similar when they are arguing face to face, they both know exactly what to say to make the other hurt).

Good luck with the kid!Loki!

As for fanfic. I have to admit I struggle in that the majority of good, long fics tend to be Thor/Loki, which just really isn't my thing. (Although having said, that, give me an AU where they are not brothers and were not raised as brothers, and then I'm interested :) ) However some various ones that have entertained me are:

Locked - ficlet that was intended as crack but wound up being rather wistful. Set during Avengers, an offer of a haircut sparks some remembrance on Thor's part about him and Loki's childhood.
Loki makes a fantastic politician - crack!fic - post-Avengers, Loki is on Earth, mortal, and bored. The Avengers are monitoring him and realise he's getting into politics.
In Her Garden... - Thor 2 fic, at the time written as speculation given the first trailer. All about Frigga's relationship with her 2 sons.
No Such Liberty - post-Avengers. Thor takes Loki back to Asgard. Then the threat of Thanos once more looms on the horizon. Of course the question is which side is Loki playing.
Off The Record - Tony/Loki - the fic started before Avengers was released, but uses the Avengers crew. Loki appears at Stark Tower, as always trouble is not too far behind, and as ever the side Loki's on is never clear.
Short Thor 2 ficlet - "How many times do you have to die before the universe decides that you mean it?" Call it a missing scene from the film :)

[shapinglight]

Ah, Odin :) I think he has become my new Roger Wynham-Pryce in that if I could I would love to write him as someone who genuinely does care for his son but frankly hasn't a clue how to be a parent for Loki at the same time as being a good king for Asgard.

He was more like that in the first movie. He was way harsher in every way in this one. Very capricious, in fact, which is how he is in the comics too. And I agree. I don't think he would have let anyone sway him from his view that Loki should remain in prison until he died.

Good luck with the kid!Loki!

I'm enjoying him enormously so far, but I have to keep reminding myself that these stories are pretty much never ending. If someone comes along with a good idea for a story that needs completely villainous Loki back, back he will come.

Thanks so much for the fic recs.

[reginaspina.livejournal.com]

Ok, another fic rec for you (it's totally gen, but the focus is on the two brothers and their relationship) - it's enormously long but so addictive I basically read it in one 12-hour stretch.

http://archiveofourown.org/works/461963?view_full_work=true

[shapinglight]

Hello. Sorry not to have answered before. This has been my first chance to get online for about 10 days.

Thanks so much for another rec. I really hope I'm going to get the chance to read some of these some time.