Loki of Asgard is one of the most complex characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As the god of mischief, he lives up to his name. It’s almost impossible to track what side he’s ever on, since he plays all sides, all the time, in order to increase the odds of winning. He’s snarky, flippant, and can never be trusted. And that’s what makes him so fun.
But he’s also more than a snide villain destined for failure. Loki yearns for approval, for belonging. And while he’s a master of using illusions and trickery to hide his vulnerabilities, the depth of his emotion bleeds through his words and actions. It makes him an antagonist you just can’t help but like, even when you shouldn’t. Here are 12 of the most unforgettable Loki quotes from his movie appearances and his stunning run through the Time Variance Authority in Loki.
“Trust my rage.” – Thor: The Dark World
If there’s one quote that summarizes Loki succinctly, it’s this one. Loki tends to speak in loaded sentences that double in meaning. And while this sentence encapsulates his emotions bluntly, it’s still packed with nuance.
Thor wants to trust Loki, but trust is too black and white for Thor. Loki simply doesn’t see the world in the stark division of right or wrong. He’s telling Thor all of this in three words, and offering him the truth as starkly as he can. Trust his rage, because it aligns the two brothers in their desire for vengeance.
"We die with the dying. We're born with the dead." – Loki Season 2, Episode 6: “Glorious Purpose”
This quote from the finale of Loki actually comes from a T.S. Eliot poem called “Four Quartets 4: Little Gidding.” You can read the full poem here, but Loki's version shortens the original lines, which read:
"We die with the dying:
"See, they depart, and we go with them.
"We are born with the dead:
“See, they return, and bring us with them.”
This reflects the cyclical nature of Loki's existence since joining the Time Variance Authority, the aims of Loki's arc throughout the show, and even Tom Hiddleston's time in the role. In a recent interview on The Tonight Show, Hiddleston describes how everything comes full circle with the end of Season 2. You can watch the clip below.
Photo Credit: Marvel Studios“Hurts, doesn’t it. Being lied to. Being told you’re one thing and then learning it’s all a fiction.” – Thor: Ragnarok
This is one of the rare moments where we see Thor at his low. He’s been defeated, and rather than rubbing it in his face, Loki offers him the empathy he’s been seeking from Thor his entire life. Of course, Thor can’t accept it, but like many moments between the two brothers, Loki shows that for all his tricks, the truth is always there. If only Thor would look.
“Your ledger is dripping, it's gushing red, and you think saving a man no more virtuous than yourself will change anything? This is the basest sentimentality. This is a child at prayer... pathetic! You lie and kill in the service of liars and killers. You pretend to be separate, to have your own code. Something that makes up for the horrors. But they are a part of you, and they will never go away!” – The Avengers
On the surface, it sounds like Loki is lashing out at Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow. But if we look at the truth beneath each word, what we really see is Loki struggling with his own choices. He also has a ledger dripping red, but unlike Natasha, Loki doesn’t believe he can be redeemed. His choices are driven by this belief, and the vehemence of this attack shows how terrified Loki is that perhaps he didn’t have to make those choices, after all.
“I am the monster parents tell their children about at night.” – Thor
This quote on its own can feel downright ominous. But the devastation Loki feels when finding out his true heritage is absolutely heartbreaking. Even more devastating, all the years of feeling overlooked by his father, as never being good enough all come through in this revelation.
This sparks a tragic descent, as Loki turns what was a desperate question of belonging into a self-fulfilling prophecy as he looks in all the wrong places for acceptance and approval.
“You’ll kill me? Evidently, there will be a line.” – Thor: The Dark World
Only Loki can ignore multiple death threats and brush them off with a joke. It’s not that he doesn’t take death seriously, it’s just, well he doesn’t take anything seriously. Loki has long accepted that he’s made choices that put him at odds with almost everyone, but rather than try to convince anyone of his sincerity, he trivializes their concerns. He is the god of mischief after all.
"Lets assume I don't know much. But I'm a fast learner, and I'm a god." – Loki Season 2, Episode 6: “Glorious Purpose”
This quote is a perfect reflection of the god of mischief. Viewers have seen just how much Loki's character has changed and grown since his debut in Thor. But at the same time, there are some things that never truly change (and shouldn't change). Loki will always be known for his cunning, his quick wit, and powerful intellect.
He'll also always be known for that charming smugness that's essential to his character and shines through here.
“I am Loki of Asgard, and I am burdened with glorious purpose.” – The Avengers
Loki does love to make an entrance. But there’s more than dramatic flair behind his words. He’s asserting his dominance and letting everyone in that moment understand that he won’t take no for an answer. He’s on earth to fulfill that purpose, relying on the legend behind his name to invoke fear and submission. Loki is very much the villain in this moment, and he doesn’t care who knows it.
Photo Credit: Marvel Studios“I never wanted the throne, I only ever wanted to be your equal!” – Thor
After finding out his true heritage, Loki still yearns for his father’s approval and to be seen as an equal by his brother. Of course, that’s a bit difficult after he sent a Destroyer to kill Thor.
What makes this quote memorable is that it’s one of the only times Loki isn’t quite being honest with himself. He does want the throne, and while he does want to be seen as Thor’s equal, he also wants to be chosen over Thor.
“I guess I’ll have to go it alone. Like I’ve always done.” – Thor: Ragnarok
Since Loki arrived at their prison planet faster, he’s had time to adjust. We can see Loki’s affection for Thor here, in how he tries to cheer him up and rally him into action. But the double meaning is clear: Loki has always felt like he’s been alone, and that he will always be alone.
“Satisfaction isn’t in my nature.” – Thor: The Dark World
Boy, is this a complicated admission. In some ways, Loki is just repeating the sentiment Odin expressed throughout his life. Loki always felt he came in second, like nothing he did was ever good enough. In that sense, he can’t find satisfaction until he achieves being seen as worthy in his father’s eyes.
But there’s also a sliver of compassion for Thor in his words. Thor asks if Jane dying will bring Loki satisfaction, and by saying it isn’t in his nature, Loki’s also telling his brother that her death is not something he wishes.
“You will never be a god.” – Avengers: Infinity War
Loki’s final moment of redemption is one that should last a long time. After pledging loyalty to Thanos, he betrays him, because of course he does. Except, he didn’t betray Thanos for his own ends. This time he did it for his brother. But he’s also bringing Odin’s admonishments for Loki’s past behavior full circle, showing that he has finally listened and learned, accepting that he isn’t a god either.
It’s in this final moment that Loki tragically finds his redemption.
