Trickster
History
Pad of Definitions: Trickster
Demigod-like immortal creatures that thrive on creating mischief and mayhem. With the power to make objects materialize out of thin air, the Trickster accomplishes its destructive feats via unusual and oftern humorous means, its intent to humble the self-important. The Tricker's metabolism is such that it craves sugary treats and consumes calories voraciously. To kill a Trickster one must obtain a stake dipped in the blood of its victim and plunge it into the creature's heart. Famous Tricksters include Loki of Scandinavian myth and Anansi of West Africa.
During their first encounters (in 2.15 Tall Tales and 3.11 Mystery Spot) with Gabriel, the Winchester brothers thought he was a Trickster because that was the role he was playing. Reputedly a Trickster described by Bobby as a type of demi-god that could be killed by a stake dipped in the blood of one of its victims.
Tricksters in Myth and Folklore
There are a number of divine, semi-divine, or mortal beings in world mythology and folklore that fall under the broad category "trickster." Depending on the mythology in question, these characters serve a variety of functions. Some (especially the mortals) limit themselves to pranks, but most play crucial roles in the creation, destruction, or functioning of the universe; a defining characteristic of trickster figures is their ability to cross boundaries, any boundaries. Several First Nations myth cycles attribute the creation of the universe itself to the trickster Raven (Inuit) or Coyote (Chinook). Loki, in Norse myth, will lead the forces of chaos at Ragnorak (the Norse end times). The best-known (and probably the most benevolent) trickster figure in world myth is the Greek god Hermes, who serves not just as a messenger, but also as a guide for the newly dead, getting their souls safely to the Underworld. (Interestingly, Hermes was often given gifts and offerings of honey and other sweet foods, and is often depicted in Greek comedy as having a sweet tooth.) It is difficult or impossible to kill tricksters -- even the mortal ones, like Sisyphus or Reynard the Fox, have a talent for cheating death -- and certainly no consistent method of doing so. In the case of those who are full-blown gods, it is inadvisable to even try.
Notes
- See also : Anansi and Loki, both of whom are well known Trickster figures.
- The trickster figure Anansi, under the name Mr Nancy, features in the book American Gods by Neil Gaiman. A subsequent book, Anansi Boys, dealt with the sons of Anansi.
Trickster in Fandom/External Links
- @TricksterAngel - the Trickster on Twitter
