Book Review-Loki: An Illustrated Guide to the Trickster God by L. Dean Lee, Illustrated by The Saxon Storyteller

Book Review

Loki: An Illustrated Guide to the Trickster God

By L. Dean Lee, Illustrated by The Saxon Storyteller

Publisher: Red Wheel

128 Page Full-Color, Fully Illustrated Hardcover

Release Date: April 7th, 2025

Loki: An Illustrated Guide to the Trickster God is the one introductory book to Loki I wish I’d had when I embarked on my journey to know the (in)famous trickster deity. I myself am a Lokean, having devoted my more adventurous, mischievous habits and tendencies (I can be a real screwball, I won’t lie about it) to him, finding peace in the clown, that jester, part of myself. Loki is more than just chaos; sure, he can bring that if he decides to misbehave, but usually a good offering will nullify any of that. Personal practice aside, this is an excellent book for anyone looking to know more about Loki and his various facets, myths, symbols and associations. The book starts with giving the reader a much-needed baseline understanding of the Norse mythic world and its cosmology, and then goes on to discuss Loki-in name, appearance, story, and anything else commonly known of him. To be clear, Loki isn’t always the easiest deity to “nail down”, or identify, as he often shape-shifts into whatever form he deems most necessary for the occasion.

This book explores Loki through the documented myths and stories of Scandinavia, but also sheds light on the more modern understandings of not only Loki, but the Norse gods, and Pagan Gods in general. Understanding Loki throughout history, and his perception, can greatly liberate the all-too common American view of Loki as being below the status of a god, or one who shouldn’t be called upon; this is also discussed in this book, and its’ roots. Modern Norse Paganism and Heathenry, especially in the US, face a difficult challenge as hate groups appropriate what is rightfully that of anyone who believes in the true values of Norse Paganism. I really appreciate that the author discussed these nuances, as it shed light on the more common negative perceptions I’ve heard of Loki here in the States. These issues are gracefully handled by the author, and Loki is given his full due with this beautifully illustrated 128 page book.

Speaking of the illustrations, I just cannot give enough praise to the beautiful illustrations that grace the pages of this book, as they add that “story-book” feeling to them, as if you’re being taken away to another time and another place, perhaps even another world, which adds an inherent value to the book itself. This is an excellent primer for those who are looking to develop a relationship with, or research Loki from a Modern Pagan perspective, and even those in the Heathen or Ásatrú communities who don’t really vibe with him. Understanding the “story-mover” that is Loki can bring a new insight into the lessons that the various collections of Norse mythology present, and how he is an essential part of that worldview and belief. I have no critiques and only praise for Loki; 5/5 Pentagrams!

L. Dean Lee is a practicing Norse Heathen with a love for knowledge and a background in teaching. He runs the website Skald’s Keep (www.skaldskeep.com) and has been deeply involved in the pagan and Heathen community since 2017.

The Saxon Storyteller (Matt Greenway) is the illustrator of the Norse Gods series. He is known for his ability to capture the character of artifacts and historical figures. His interests in Anglo Saxon, Celtic and Norse Mythologies and history have inspired his work for many years. He shares his passion for drawing mythology on instagram @thesaxonstoryteller and illustrates content for the Nordic Mythology Podcast.

 

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Author Bio:

The Modern Merlin is a Polytheist, Pagan, Animist, Witch, Sorcerer, Necromancer and Occultist. He embarked on his spiritual and magickal journey over 15 years ago! As such, he has extensive knowledge of The Occult, Ceremonial Magick, Witchcraft, Sorcery, and both modern and ancient world religions and folklore. He is a practicing Sorcerer, blending ceremonial high magick and witchcraft, as well as plant medicine, poisonous plants and entheogens, shamanic techniques, and mysticism. He believes that magick can be as simple or as complex as one needs it to be, and rejects dogma, instead trusting his intuition, and encourages other magickal and spiritual folks to do the same! He venerates and casts magick with a wide array of spirits and deities, and works with both the Left and Right Hand Paths, having experience in both. He is an Astrologer and Tarot reader with 15 years’ experience in both, and actively studies and practices many other forms of divination including Runes, Ogham, Palmistry and Scrying. An animal lover, he sees divinity in nature-the trees, plants, animals and sky.  Also an avid reader, you’re hard pressed to not find him nose deep in a book, most likely on an occult, mystical, religious or magickal subject. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and the author of multiple columns, including The Modern Merlin’s Corner, Entheogens for the New Gen, Stellium, and Scary, Strange and Mythical Encounters. He gives readings and other spiritual services through his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see! You can reach him on Facebook, or e-mail him at [email protected]