A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - Across ancient cultures worldwide, the trickster often appears as a divine being, a mortal, a spirit, or a creature caught between animal and human. Dwelling between the mortal and supernatural realms, this captivating, unpredictable figure is in the myths and folktales of most traditional societies.
The trickster is defined by his ambiguous nature, but what truly defines a trickster is his lack of, or very limited respect for, society's rules, the laws of nature, fair play, or sometimes even honor itself. At times, he is motivated by pure hatred, as with Loki in Norse mythology. He may also act for amusement only, or, like Prometheus, for the benefit of others.
Extremely selfish, stubborn, and often mocking others, he can deceive or be deceived, disturb, act bravely and cowardly, be devoid of principles and morals, or fascinate, give or receive something he wants as his whim dictates.
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See also:
Chaneques: Mischievous Legendary Tricksters In Mexican Folklore
Iktomi – Native American Spider-Trickster Spirit Whose Stories Teach Moral Values
Nurikabe: Trickster That Manifests Itself As Invisible, Impassable Wall In Japanese Old Beliefs
