"...what the world fails to realize is a villain is just a victim whose story hasn't been told"

-The Land of Stories


Purest character arc? Yeah it definitely is!

We have to agree, the last two MCU movies have done Loki's character justice. When Ragnarok begins, Loki is still running Asguard in Odin-disguise, and very obviously playing his hand by staging elaborate theatrical tributes to honor his own sacrifices. (A/n : Loved that scene?) Despite his ego, Loki has managed to run a very peaceful Asgard from the shadows. Until now. While Ragnarokis absolutely Thor's story first, the small flashes of Loki storyline show one of the biggest changes of a character in the MCU.

Thor Ragnarok is about the development of the relationship between Thor and Loki as brothers. Thor has evolved, matured, and grown and Loki, in a way, is still stuck in his challenges of the past. Hiddeleston in one of his press tour had said this about Loki, that, let me quote, "the opposite of love is not hate but indifference." So the idea that Thor might be indifferent to Loki is troubling for him, because that's a defining feature of who his character is. I don't belong in the family; my brother doesn't love me; I hate my brother. The idea that his brother's like, "Yeah, whatever," it's an interesting development. This insecurity of Loki is actually the proof that Loki actually is desperate to be a part of that family, to be Thor's equal, to be loved and not pitied. And because of past incidents and Odin's differentiation between his sons, Loki is convinced that its not possible unless he is related to them by blood.

This is all perfectly encapsulated in a mid-movie scene when Thor suggests Loki should simply follow his own self-serving darkness. Thor knows Loki has good in him, but time and time again Loki has turned against his brother. Thor, in no way offering a challenge or redemption, suggests they both know Loki will ALWAYS BE EVIL UNTIL HE FINDS A REASON TO CHANGE FROM WITHIN.

The idea of fixing Loki has been replaced by a dismissive gesture that Loki should just attempt to find something, anything, that will make him happy. It also represents Thor washing his hands off his brother and responsibility he feels for Loki's choices, but simultaneously EXTENDING THE KIND OF LOVE FOR LOKI THAT NO LONGER ASKS FOR ANYTHING IN RETURN.

In an interview, Hiddleston explained that Loki understands he can't just be the mischievous prankster and hope to get by.

"He has to deal with the consequences of, like, 'Oh shit – I started something here,'" Hiddleston said. (A/n : See? I have done a lot of research for this!)

As Hiddleston said, Loki is still battling his past. Thor's version of adulthood is moving forward, and Loki has to grow up — one way or another. Thor's refusal to weigh in on Loki's future is far more painful than getting slammed into the ground repeatedly by a furious Hulk.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has finally reached a point where Loki has run several different realms at various points in his professional mischief career, but has also experienced the defeat of a villain and the sacrifice of a hero. As a character, he's experienced each type of win and loss, but keeps winding up in exactly the same place. There's a real nihilism in trying to be a trickster god in this world, and Loki is finally at a breaking point.

The end of Thor : Ragnarok though gives Loki the chance to live the life, have the brother he deserves. Quickly reminding you all, the scene where Thor says "I would have hugged you if you were here." and throws something at him while Loki catches it and says with a smile (which I think is the purest smile in the entire of the nine realms) "I'm here." That scene showed that Loki had finally found out the reason to change. He had Thor, as the brother he deserved and he was to help him rule Asguard.

Destiny though, had dire plans for him.

(A/n : MCU has decided that they won't let my boys be happy! *cries in the corner*)

Thanos attacks.

I know there are soooooo many theories going around that Loki actually didn't die, he had a disguise etc etc. But, as much as painful it is, I'ld like to stick to the idea that Loki actually died in Infinity War. Now don't come and hit me! But think about it, Loki has already died and returned so many times. I think its going to be really cheesy to bring him back ones again. But the fact that MCU killed Loki, one of my damn favs, within the first five minutes hurts me. And the fact is, Loki was actually choked to death, Thanos snapped his neck and he bled through his mouth, while Loki tried to attack one of the most powerful beings of the universe with what, a butter knife? That's what pissed me off! Russo brothers, Loki definitely deserved a better death, Loki should have got a chance to team up with the avengers, he should have died knowing that people respect him for the sacrifice he did to save the universe. But, then again, here's a consolation, Loki did it because he knew he had no other choice. Half of the Asguardians were deported in another ship and the remaining half to which they belongs, as Thanos believed, were destined to die. Loki attacked Thanos, even though he knew he might not be able to walk out of it alive, as the last attempt to save his brother Thor. Did you notice his expression when Thanos was torturing Thor? Not to mention, the moment where he calls himself 'Odinson', was the stage where Loki had completely changed. Loki Laufyson Odinson, loves Thor and would die for him. And that's exactly what he did! That's kind of the last stage of maturity of his character arc. And of course I had guessed the next stage would be death (only wish it wasn't that early). Other hints that Loki had truely transformed into a hero is when Loki says Thanos that, "You'll never be a GOD." which kindof suggests that Loki has gained a status of the true GOD, which he definitely is, and is NO more a villain. Another such hint is when he quotes Tony by saying "We have a hulk." Why else would he quote an avenger? (Loki is an avenger. Chant with me. Loki is an AVENGER!)

PS : Here's something that is going to haunt you the coming few days. The last thing that Thor ever said to Loki is, "You are the worst brother ever."

PPS : Don't forget that Loki has got a "More than a hero" poster for himself with marvel officially confirming that he definitely is a hero!


Here's the update. I know it took long. Sorry. I had been busy with my other fics. But here I am, back. Tell me what you think about this chapter. DO YOU AGREE WITH ME THAT LOKI HAS DIED? I'D LOVE TO LISTEN TO YOUR POINT OF VIEWS AND ARGUMENTS.

Comment and heart!

ImaginationsUnleashed