Loki’s Asgardian Insult Makes Odin’s 9 Realms Rule More Confusing

WARNING: This article contains major spoilers for Loki episode 2.

The God of Mischief takes a shot at the Asgardians in Loki episode 2, and it makes Odin’s lengthy rule over the Nine Realms a bit confusing. In Loki, Tom Hiddleston’s character is brought on by the Time Variance Authority to stop Sophia Di Martino’s rogue Loki variant from messing with the Sacred Timeline. However, the God of Mischief has plans of his own, secretly trying to take over the TVA for himself. While trying to pull off one of his schemes, Loki also gives Asgard a low blow.

The Nine Realms, which include Asgard, Midgard, Jotunheim, Svartalfheim, Vanaheim, Nidavellir, Niflheim, Muspelheim, and Alfheim, are distant worlds all connected in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by a cosmic phenomenon known as Yggdrasil. Due to a bloody campaign with daughter Hela (Cate Blanchett), Odin (Anthony Hopkins) extends Asgard’s rule over the other realms thousands of years before the major events of the MCU. Despite rebellions over the years, Asgard largely remains the protector and ruler of the realms. Putting aside the past bloodshed, the Allfather ultimately decides a path of peace is the best way to keep order. Odin even banishes Hela for having too much ambition when it comes to conquering.

Related: Loki Has Already Made Odin’s TWO Biggest Lies More Painful

While out on a mission with the TVA, Loki has one comment that seems to undermine Asgardian intelligence and puts Odin’s rule over the Nine Realms in question. Trying to trick the TVA into thinking Di Martino’s evil Loki is attempting to ambush them, Hiddleston’s Loki recalls a saying in Asgard: “Where there are wolf’s ears, wolf’s teeth are near.” He says the phrase is to make one aware of their surroundings, adding, “Which is absurd because my people are, by nature, gullible fools, a trait that I, the God of Mischief, exploited time and time again.” He continues, comparing the TVA to the Asgardians by saying both are “one and the same,” underestimating enemies that will ultimately devour them. Of course, the evil Loki wasn’t planning an ambush, and Hiddleston’s Loki was just trying to waste time and get more assurances with the TVA. But if what Loki said about the Asgardians being gullible is true, how did they rule over the Nine Realms for so long? Did Loki just reveal an MCU plot hole?

Yes, there’s a lot of truth in Loki’s statement about Asgardians being gullible. Just look at Thor. Time and time again, Chris Hemsworth’s character falls for Loki’s trickery in the MCU like he’s got the memory of a goldfish. And it’s not anything new. In Thor: Ragnarok, Thor even says Loki’s been trying to kill him since they were at least eight. Furthermore, Loki secretly replaces Odin on the throne in Thor: The Dark World, taking on his likeness. In Ragnarok, it’s shown the Asgardians are mostly oblivious to it, despite Odin’s sudden affinity for Loki-focused theater productions starring Matt Damon. 

Though he makes good points, there are some flaws with Loki’s reasoning. While the Asgardians are clearly gullible, Odin isn’t. The Allfather’s wisdom is constantly on display in the MCU, with Odin even coming to Thor in a vision in Ragnarok to inspire him to defeat Hela. Hiddleston’s Loki in the new Disney+ show is the same Loki from 2012 that was defeated in The Avengers and stopped from taking over the throne of Asgard in Thor. It makes sense that he’s lashing out. Also, the TVA doesn’t buy Loki’s trick in episode 2. If they are “one and the same” with the Asgardians, it makes sense that the residents of Asgard didn’t fall for all his mischief either.

Loki releases new episodes every Wednesday on Disney+.

More: Loki: Every MCU Easter Egg In Episode 2

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