Fic summary: “I imagine you’re wondering how I survived my fall into the Void to eventually arrive on Earth, looking like death warmed over (but a very stylishly attired death, I might add). It’s a fairly interesting story, if not a pleasant one, so I’m perfectly willing to tell you. I do, after all, have rather a lot of time to kill.” After his fall, Loki finds his way into the criminal underworld of the Andromeda Galaxy, where he makes a name for himself with his unusual skills and attracts the attention of Thanos.
Chapter summary: Loki is brought as a prisoner to the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier… and begins to have serious doubts about his mission.
(…or do I merely exist?)
This is by far my longest hiatus between updates: it’s been 13 and a half months since I posted the previous chapter. I’m really sorry, guys. I’ve had a lot going on in the year since my last update: I finished and defended my dissertation; I applied for a crap ton of jobs (more than 60); I finally(!!) got a job… a 1-year postdoc, which means I’m already on the job market again; I moved to Canada for this 1-year job, which has presented a variety of administrative hassles; and now I’m teaching my own class for the first time (not just TAing for a professor).
I’m also sorry that, in addition to being a year late, this chapter is shorter than usual and not much happens. Well, not much happens externally… most of the action is going on in Loki’s head. And while, as you all know, I was not on the whole pleased with Ragnarok, it did provide me with an interesting mechanism for introducing some of Loki’s doubts.
Guys, if you ever speculate what Loki experienced after falling, how he ended up with Thanos, what happened to him when imprisoned by Thanos, and what Loki’s thoughts were during Avengers, I’d highly recommend this fic. @philosopherking1887 builds off of the hints we’re given in the movie and creates something very compelling.
Reblogging with kind blurb… which does a better job of explaining this sprawling mess of a fic than my non-summary does.
Coming across @philosopherking1887’s masterful writing— and then getting into some incredibly interesting, long conversations in her AO3 comments— was what prompted me to finally join Tumblr fandom close to a year ago. Just sayin. Big ups to Phil.
The Abyss Gazes Also is seriously SO much fun— sometimes the opposite of fun for Loki, but well, you know…
Like @foundlingmother said, if you want a truly fantastic, incredibly unique and introspective read through Loki’s eyes of his misadventures after the end of Thor— with sharp, clever writing that makes you go OOOHHHH every chapter with a brilliant missing piece that just snaps everything unexplained by canon right into place— you’ve come to the right fic.
Seriously, can’t recommend enough.
I’m going to keep reblogging this with the rave reviews. Tacky? Maybe. Not as tacky as that big ugly… building in the middle of New York.
Fic summary: “I imagine you’re wondering how I survived my fall into the Void to eventually arrive on Earth, looking like death warmed over (but a very stylishly attired death, I might add). It’s a fairly interesting story, if not a pleasant one, so I’m perfectly willing to tell you. I do, after all, have rather a lot of time to kill.” After his fall, Loki finds his way into the criminal underworld of the Andromeda Galaxy, where he makes a name for himself with his unusual skills and attracts the attention of Thanos.
Chapter summary: Loki is brought as a prisoner to the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier… and begins to have serious doubts about his mission.
(…or do I merely exist?)
This is by far my longest hiatus between updates: it’s been 13 and a half months since I posted the previous chapter. I’m really sorry, guys. I’ve had a lot going on in the year since my last update: I finished and defended my dissertation; I applied for a crap ton of jobs (more than 60); I finally(!!) got a job… a 1-year postdoc, which means I’m already on the job market again; I moved to Canada for this 1-year job, which has presented a variety of administrative hassles; and now I’m teaching my own class for the first time (not just TAing for a professor).
I’m also sorry that, in addition to being a year late, this chapter is shorter than usual and not much happens. Well, not much happens externally… most of the action is going on in Loki’s head. And while, as you all know, I was not on the whole pleased with Ragnarok, it did provide me with an interesting mechanism for introducing some of Loki’s doubts.
Guys, if you ever speculate what Loki experienced after falling, how he ended up with Thanos, what happened to him when imprisoned by Thanos, and what Loki’s thoughts were during Avengers, I’d highly recommend this fic. @philosopherking1887 builds off of the hints we’re given in the movie and creates something very compelling.
Reblogging with kind blurb… which does a better job of explaining this sprawling mess of a fic than my non-summary does.
Coming across @philosopherking1887’s masterful writing— and then getting into some incredibly interesting, long conversations in her AO3 comments— was what prompted me to finally join Tumblr fandom close to a year ago. Just sayin. Big ups to Phil.
The Abyss Gazes Also is seriously SO much fun— sometimes the opposite of fun for Loki, but well, you know…
Like @foundlingmother said, if you want a truly fantastic, incredibly unique and introspective read through Loki’s eyes of his misadventures after the end of Thor— with sharp, clever writing that makes you go OOOHHHH every chapter with a brilliant missing piece that just snaps everything unexplained by canon right into place— you’ve come to the right fic.
Seriously, can’t recommend enough.
I’m going to keep reblogging this with the rave reviews. Tacky? Maybe. Not as tacky as that big ugly… building in the middle of New York.
Fic summary: “I imagine you’re wondering how I survived my fall into the Void to eventually arrive on Earth, looking like death warmed over (but a very stylishly attired death, I might add). It’s a fairly interesting story, if not a pleasant one, so I’m perfectly willing to tell you. I do, after all, have rather a lot of time to kill.” After his fall, Loki finds his way into the criminal underworld of the Andromeda Galaxy, where he makes a name for himself with his unusual skills and attracts the attention of Thanos.
Chapter summary: Loki is brought as a prisoner to the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier… and begins to have serious doubts about his mission.
(…or do I merely exist?)
This is by far my longest hiatus between updates: it’s been 13 and a half months since I posted the previous chapter. I’m really sorry, guys. I’ve had a lot going on in the year since my last update: I finished and defended my dissertation; I applied for a crap ton of jobs (more than 60); I finally(!!) got a job… a 1-year postdoc, which means I’m already on the job market again; I moved to Canada for this 1-year job, which has presented a variety of administrative hassles; and now I’m teaching my own class for the first time (not just TAing for a professor).
I’m also sorry that, in addition to being a year late, this chapter is shorter than usual and not much happens. Well, not much happens externally… most of the action is going on in Loki’s head. And while, as you all know, I was not on the whole pleased with Ragnarok, it did provide me with an interesting mechanism for introducing some of Loki’s doubts.
Guys, if you ever speculate what Loki experienced after falling, how he ended up with Thanos, what happened to him when imprisoned by Thanos, and what Loki’s thoughts were during Avengers, I’d highly recommend this fic. @philosopherking1887 builds off of the hints we’re given in the movie and creates something very compelling.
Reblogging with kind blurb… which does a better job of explaining this sprawling mess of a fic than my non-summary does.
Coming across @philosopherking1887’s masterful writing— and then getting into some incredibly interesting, long conversations in her AO3 comments— was what prompted me to finally join Tumblr fandom close to a year ago. Just sayin. Big ups to Phil.
The Abyss Gazes Also is seriously SO much fun— sometimes the opposite of fun for Loki, but well, you know…
Like @foundlingmother said, if you want a truly fantastic, incredibly unique and introspective read through Loki’s eyes of his misadventures after the end of Thor— with sharp, clever writing that makes you go OOOHHHH every chapter with a brilliant missing piece that just snaps everything unexplained by canon right into place— you’ve come to the right fic.
Seriously, can’t recommend enough.
I’m going to keep reblogging this with the rave reviews. Tacky? Maybe. Not as tacky as that big ugly… building in the middle of New York.
Fic summary: “I imagine you’re wondering how I survived my fall into the Void to eventually arrive on Earth, looking like death warmed over (but a very stylishly attired death, I might add). It’s a fairly interesting story, if not a pleasant one, so I’m perfectly willing to tell you. I do, after all, have rather a lot of time to kill.” After his fall, Loki finds his way into the criminal underworld of the Andromeda Galaxy, where he makes a name for himself with his unusual skills and attracts the attention of Thanos.
Chapter summary: Loki is brought as a prisoner to the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier… and begins to have serious doubts about his mission.
(…or do I merely exist?)
This is by far my longest hiatus between updates: it’s been 13 and a half months since I posted the previous chapter. I’m really sorry, guys. I’ve had a lot going on in the year since my last update: I finished and defended my dissertation; I applied for a crap ton of jobs (more than 60); I finally(!!) got a job… a 1-year postdoc, which means I’m already on the job market again; I moved to Canada for this 1-year job, which has presented a variety of administrative hassles; and now I’m teaching my own class for the first time (not just TAing for a professor).
I’m also sorry that, in addition to being a year late, this chapter is shorter than usual and not much happens. Well, not much happens externally… most of the action is going on in Loki’s head. And while, as you all know, I was not on the whole pleased with Ragnarok, it did provide me with an interesting mechanism for introducing some of Loki’s doubts.
Guys, if you ever speculate what Loki experienced after falling, how he ended up with Thanos, what happened to him when imprisoned by Thanos, and what Loki’s thoughts were during Avengers, I’d highly recommend this fic. @philosopherking1887 builds off of the hints we’re given in the movie and creates something very compelling.
Reblogging with kind blurb… which does a better job of explaining this sprawling mess of a fic than my non-summary does.
Fic summary: “I imagine you’re wondering how I survived my fall into the Void to eventually arrive on Earth, looking like death warmed over (but a very stylishly attired death, I might add). It’s a fairly interesting story, if not a pleasant one, so I’m perfectly willing to tell you. I do, after all, have rather a lot of time to kill.” After his fall, Loki finds his way into the criminal underworld of the Andromeda Galaxy, where he makes a name for himself with his unusual skills and attracts the attention of Thanos.
Chapter summary: Loki is brought as a prisoner to the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier… and begins to have serious doubts about his mission.
(…or do I merely exist?)
This is by far my longest hiatus between updates: it’s been 13 and a half months since I posted the previous chapter. I’m really sorry, guys. I’ve had a lot going on in the year since my last update: I finished and defended my dissertation; I applied for a crap ton of jobs (more than 60); I finally(!!) got a job… a 1-year postdoc, which means I’m already on the job market again; I moved to Canada for this 1-year job, which has presented a variety of administrative hassles; and now I’m teaching my own class for the first time (not just TAing for a professor).
I’m also sorry that, in addition to being a year late, this chapter is shorter than usual and not much happens. Well, not much happens externally… most of the action is going on in Loki’s head. And while, as you all know, I was not on the whole pleased with Ragnarok, it did provide me with an interesting mechanism for introducing some of Loki’s doubts.
The first words Thor speaks to him are “Where is the Tesseract?”
A growled demand. The brash, entitled tone Thor took when addressing Laufey on Jotunheim.
Loki bristles and gathers his own words to go to war.
He huffs out an dismissive laugh. “Oh, I missed you, too.”
“Do I look to be in a gaming mood?” Thor’s eyes are a storm and his hammer is raised in a fist that looks like it wants to punch.
How can Thor would even think to say ‘game’? Fury licks up through Loki like an igniting flame and he is punching. Before his mind even reacts his fist cracks against Thor’s jaw and the shockwave travels back down his arm.
He curses himself for reacting before he can craft a strategy.
Thor grabs him by the neck in a choking grip.
“Where is the Tesseract, Loki? What have you done?” He shouts in Loki’s face, so close his breath is tangible in hot gusts.
“What have I done! And there you are, Thor!” Loki hisses. “There is the truth of you. Not, ‘Where were you, Brother? How did you survive?’ but ‘What have you done?’ I am only ever of use to the court of Asgard when I serve your purpose. Well I have found new purpose, Odin’s son.”
Thor looks chastened, eyes wet.
“I thought you dead.” Thor’s grasp on his neck gentles, old gesture Loki knows like his own reflection. He pushes the affection away.
“You thought,” Loki echoes, flatly. He turns head away, the hand on his neck burning him with its mockery of concern.
“Loki, what has happened to you? Where have you been?” He drops Mjolnir, and the short musical hum grates Loki’s ears.
“It matters not. I have been given purpose. I have seen true power, and I—”
“Who showed you this power? Who controls the would-be king?” Thor grabs him by the shoulders now.
“Controls? No one c-controls me,” Loki says, and twists out of Thor’s grip. He’s starting to shake, so he stalks the craggy ground in a circle. “I was and should be king!”
“Not here, Loki. Not like this.” Thor’s voice is soft, conciliatory.
Loki can’t stand it, this gentleness. He’s coming apart. Flashes of the empty rock world come to him. Thin dusty air never refreshing his lungs, sunlight never brightening his eyes, his stomach a churning hollow. Poison his only water and razor whips lashing his back.
He doesn’t realize he’s weeping until the tears grow cooler than his skin.
“Loki, tell me what happened,” Thor pleads from far away.
“No!” Loki says. He turns on the spot and isn’t even seeing Thor as he seeks out the seam in his armor and sinks the knife in.
Thor grunts heavily but doesn’t counter attack. He presses a hand against the wound and reaches out for Loki again. “Brother, please, tell me.”
“Now?” Loki sobs, inching away. “Now you offer solace? In the midst of battle? Where were you then Thor?”
He screams, his hands twisted into claws. “Where were you then!”
Thor catches up to him, and pulls Loki against him, and the fight falls out of him. He slumps against his brother, crying in gulping, heavy sobs. “I needed you. I needed you Thor, and you weren’t there.”
Their shared tears rock them together and eventually they sink to the rocky ground, bloodied hands grasping each other’s necks.
So, let me tell you my feelings on Captain Marvel. In general, I appreciate that they are finally giving a woman her own movie – definitely late in the game, but better late than never, I guess. And from what I know of Captain Marvel (which, admittedly, isn’t much at all), she’s a cool character who is very powerful. Also, it’s taking place in the 90s, which – um, yes, please. All of my 90s feels. So I don’t necessarily have a problem with Captain Marvel herself.
However. The way that she is being shoe-horned into the current phase of the MCU feels very, very out of place. I mean, there has not been a single mention of her in 18 movies, and now suddenly, we see that Fury has her on speed-beeper for an emergency? Why haven’t we seen this before? It seems to me that when aliens were attacking New York for the first time ever would have been a good time to call in an emergency. Why didn’t Fury recruit her for the Avengers Initiative? Why wasn’t she alluded to or foreshadowed?
Maybe these things will be explained in her movie, I don’t know. But essentially we’re getting this character whom no one’s ever heard of (in-universe, I mean) swooping in at the eleventh hour with all of her extraordinary powers to save the day because the Avengers – the heroes we’ve grown to care about deeply – couldn’t. And that’s how they want to conclude this MCU phase? With a big old dues ex machina? What is the goal here, exactly? Because if the goal is good storytelling, then Marvel, you’re doing it wrong.
It would have been fabulous to truly see Loki’s journey come full circle with Thanos and the Infinity stones. It would have been immensely rewarding and fitting to end this MCU phase with the first villain being the latest hero. Fighting side by side with Thor. Saving the planet he once tried to invade. I mean, it’s poetic. Unfortunately, Marvel seems to operate under the assumption that once a person flimsily recovers from their depression/mental health issues and makes a flimsy peace with their brother, then that person literally has no reason left to live anymore and can be killed off. Marvel seems to operate under the assumption that death is the only way to find redemption – like, if you don’t die for it, it doesn’t mean anything, I suppose? I don’t know what the logic is, but either way, we deserved Loki and there’s no need, at this point in the game, for a completely brand new character to come in and be the savior.
But that’s just, like, my opinion, man.
I still think Whedon would have given a satisfying payoff for the Loki-Thanos connection he established. The MCU is a prime example of a horse designed by committee, and boy, is it a narrative mess.
Loki’s wounds should Look Familiar he experienced Thanos’s torutre firsthand when he fell into the void and was found by him and that’s why he looks so sad. He knew exactly what that pain felt like and what Thor was experiencing and he wanted to stop it.
Those injuries may well be the result of torture of some kind, but not the same that Thor experiences. Thanos didn’t have the Power Stone in 2011. It was still on the planet where Quill goes to retrieve it in 2014.
There’s some things about Loki in the Avengers that don’t add up.
In first photo he looks like he was falling through a space dumpster – but he was relatively OK.
In second picture, a year (or so) after he fell through abyss, he looks like a drug addict in desperate need of a dose. He is all sweaty, shaky, his eyes are hollow, he is pale, and stumbles when he walks.
Why would Loki exchange unlimited power (he knew exactly what the Tesseract was since it was once held in Odin’s treasury) that he could have used to get ALL the realms if he wanted to for just Midgard? It doesn’t make sense.
And in the end- when he said “I’ll have that drink now" after getting Hulk smashed, didn’t he seem different? Like he had snapped out of something?
What the hell happened to him?
Thanos, that’s what. I believe after Loki got a glimpse of the Tesseract, Thanos somehow learned about it and abducted Loki. Tortured, threatened, put put him on a “drug” of some sort- maybe the scepter or some other sort of energy, poisoned Loki’s mind.
Thanos’s influence brought out features Loki already had and made them grotesque- all his anger, pain, jealousy, thirst for attention, taste for mass destruction. Once done, Loki became a tool for Thanos.
The way Loki kept talking about freedom- wasn’t it suspicious? Wasn’t it like a subconsciousness cry for help?
(To those who think this theory is an attempt to vindicate Loki’s actions and make him “innocent”- it’s not.) The scepter’s control was not breaking a man’s personality and creating something new- no- it was bringing up characteristics of the man and making them extreme.
also
the bit mentioned, “The scepter’s control was not “breaking man’s personality and creating something new”- no- it was bringing up the strongest characteristics of the man and making them extreme.”
Remember when Bruce was getting kind of worked up
and he grabbed that fucking scepter?
ALL OF IT. You’re brilliant and I love you, beautiful individual that wrote this.
Headcanon accepted and filed in the official library under the letter B for Brilliant.
THIS
(PLEASE NOTE: I’ve made changes to this post to cut back on length and improve the organization of the argument)
The Scepter is basically the One Ring of Power. And this is 100% my take on Loki’s time between “Thor" and “Avengers", jsyk.
This is much more painful to read after Infinity War.
Lokiwanted to get away from Thanos as far as possible. But in the end he didn’t run. He faced Thanos head on. Did he really feel like he had nothing more to lose?
This is truly bizarre and…creepy? Parts of the delivery make this almost sound improvised? (Would that be normal for test footage?) Either that, or at one point, Thanos’ motive for killing Loki was written a little differently? I don’t even know.
Anyway I’m so tired of his dumbass face, they wasted Josh Brolin on such a poorly written villain. Just gonna rewatch Deadpool 2 and think about his sweet lovely crush on Ryan Reynolds. (Tbh I kinda wish Ryan Reynolds got to be in charge of the MCU, he seems to actually get it. Anyway, tangent over.)
This sounds like they may have been toying with a different characterization of Thanos – when they weren’t making a bullshit attempt to make him sympathetic, and he was just an evil nutjob with a weird sense of humor (which was how I wrote him). Not that the way he killed Loki in the movie was particularly sympathetic, but they sort of made it a “Greedo shot first” situation with Loki siccing the Hulk on him and then making that unbelievably stupid attempt to stab him. At that point, Thanos could be construed as killing him to avenge personal betrayal in addition to the breach of their previous agreement. But in this video, Thanos seems to be saying that he has to kill Loki simply because he has no more use for him – which is what I would expect from a straight-up psychopath-in-love-with-Death Thanos rather than that asinine “humanitarian” version they ended up pushing on us.
Loki is the Philosopher King 