10 Iconic Scenes That Define Loki’s Epic Journey in the MCU

Loki, portrayed by Tom Hiddleston, has been a central character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since his debut in 2011’s Thor. Over the course of Phases 1, 2, 3, and 4, Loki’s character has evolved from a primary villain to one of the franchise’s greatest heroes. Here are ten scenes that encapsulate Loki’s epic journey in the MCU.

1. Loki Learning The Truth Of His Heritage (Thor, 2011)

Loki’s descent from the prince of Asgard to the villain of The Avengers begins in Thor. After an excursion to Jotunheim, Loki touches the Casket of Ancient Winters in Odin’s vault, transforming into a Frost Giant. Odin reveals that Loki is the son of Laufey, leader of Jotunheim, not his biological son. This revelation traumatizes Loki, setting him on a path of villainy.

2. Loki Losing Asgard & Joining The Service Of Thanos (The Avengers, 2012)

In The Avengers, Loki steals the Tesseract and attempts to conquer Earth under Thanos’ orders. The defining moment here is Loki’s conversation with the Other, Thanos’ servant, which sets him up as the primary villain of the film and solidifies his quest for power and revenge against Thor.

3. Loki Being Defeated By The Avengers & Imprisoned By Odin (The Avengers, 2012)

After being defeated by the newly-formed Avengers, Loki is taken back to Asgard to face justice. This moment is crucial as it marks the beginning of Loki’s redemption arc, which continues in Thor: The Dark World.

4. Loki Finding Out Frigga Was Dead (Thor: The Dark World, 2013)

Loki’s emotional response to his mother Frigga’s death is a pivotal moment in Thor: The Dark World. His grief and anger catalyze his alliance with Thor, hinting at his potential for goodness and furthering his redemption arc.

5. Loki Faking His Death & Ruling Asgard (Thor: The Dark World, 2013)

The end of Thor: The Dark World reveals Loki masquerading as King Odin after faking his death. While initially seen as another act of villainy, this scene sets the stage for Loki’s more nuanced role in Thor: Ragnarok.

6. Loki Teaming Up With Thor To Defeat Hela (Thor: Ragnarok, 2017)

In Thor: Ragnarok, Loki teams up with Thor to defeat Hela, marking his full transition from villain to hero. His arrival with Sakaar’s warriors to save Asgard’s people and his role in awakening Surtur to defeat Hela solidify his redemption.

7. Loki Stealing The Tesseract (Thor: Ragnarok, 2017)

A brief moment in Thor: Ragnarok where Loki steals the Tesseract has significant repercussions. This act, though seemingly minor, leads directly to the events of Avengers: Infinity War and showcases that some of Loki’s power-hungry traits remain.

8. Loki’s Death At The Hands Of Thanos (Avengers: Infinity War, 2018)

In the opening of Avengers: Infinity War, Thanos kills Loki while taking the Tesseract. This tragic scene marks the end of Loki’s primary MCU journey and is a defining moment in his character arc.

9. Alternate Loki Stealing The Tesseract & Joining The TVA (Loki Season 1, 2021)

Avengers: Endgame introduces an alternate version of Loki who escapes with the Tesseract. This act leads to Loki being captured by the Time Variance Authority (TVA) and joining them, giving him a new lease on life and another chance at redemption.

10. Alternate Loki Becoming God Loki At The End Of Time (Loki Season 2, 2023)

In Loki Season 2, Loki sacrifices himself to save the multiverse, creating a multiversal Yggdrasil tree with him at its center. This emotional conclusion ties Loki to every MCU story, making him the guardian of the multiverse and concluding his journey as one of the franchise’s greatest heroes.

These ten scenes capture the essence of Loki’s journey in the MCU, showcasing his transformation from a power-hungry villain to a selfless hero. Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal of the God of Mischief has left an indelible mark on the MCU, and these moments will be remembered as defining points in his epic journey.