Loki is the first character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to go through a complete character arc not once, but twice. In both cases, he begins as a villain, but he finally discovers that the events of the world are far larger than his selfish wants. As a result, he takes on a more heroic position, and while he isn’t an obvious hero, he deliberately chooses to think of others before himself more frequently than not. But, when the original Loki and his version are pitted against each other, who is the more heroic?
Original Loki Was a Villian Out of Need
The original Loki’s path from Odin’s son to Thor’s foe is sorrowful rather than malevolent. He is made to believe that he has a chance to govern throughout his life, but when the time comes, his brother is the selected candidate. To make matters worse, Loki discovers that he isn’t even an Asgardian; he is a Jotun prince. When he realizes his existence has been a deception, he acts rashly and chooses to destroy his birth world, eventually returning to rule Earth. His nefarious deeds stem from a desperate urge to survive and a sense that he has no other alternatives. He adopts his adopted father’s visage and controls Asgard for years in a kingdom that scorns him. He does it because he needs to protect himself, not because he wants to. This Loki is a survivor who stabs people in the back in order to protect himself.
Loki’s Clone is Far More Self-serving
The God of Mischief in the Loki Disney+ series goes through all the original accomplishments until the Avengers vanquish him. As a result, when this variant’s path diverges from the original, he is at his most malevolent. He does everything by himself since he has nowhere to call home. Even after he is apprehended by the Time Variance Authority, he thinks that taking it over is the best option. Loki believes he is entitled to a rule that he has never earned, and his every behavior demonstrates this, as he lies and plans against Agent Mobius at every turn. This Loki has the sharpest silver tongue, and he is the most hazardous form to be left alone with, since he may leave the other person for dead only to catch a breath of fresh air.
Original Loki’s Gallant Confront Turn Is Out of Adore
The original Loki suffers several defeats, first against Thor, then against the Avengers, and eventually against his mother, Frigga, the one person who loved him unconditionally. This leaves him with no one to depend on, forcing him to behave out because he has already pushed away everyone who cares even a little. Even yet, Thor never loses faith in him, and Loki finally observes and warms up to him. When Thanos attacks what’s left of their people, Loki utilizes his manipulating skills to help Thor while also attempting to destroy Thanos. While it ends in his death, this is the point at which he returns the love that was provided to him and becomes a hero.
Variant Loki’s Courageous Confront Turn Is for Magnanimous Reasons
In the Loki TV series, Loki isn’t granted the same length of time to atone for his mistakes. Instead, while imprisoned in the TVA, he sees a repeat of his life. As a result, he realizes that he can grow and be loved, and he begins to make the right decisions for the right reasons rather than out of love. Loki uncovers a broader conspiracy, finds friendship and love in surprising places and does everything he can to avert a multiverse disaster in the process. However, this form differs from the original in that he does not do this for his own benefit, as other varieties might.
Variant Loki Demonstrates More Gallant Based on His Activities
Finally, the Loki variation is the most heroic since his activities are motivated by the well-being of the people closest to him. Rather than betraying his supporters, he spends more time attempting to convince them that he is sincere. Then, when the time comes for him to get his way and control the TVA, he does so not to lord over reality, but to safeguard it from far greater threats. Even if he fails, he’s suddenly an unlikely hero on the frontlines of what may be the MCU’s most deadly threat since Thanos, and he’ll likely have to prove to others that he’s more of a hero than a villain once more.
