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Trickster myth)
In the study of mythology, folklore and religion, a trickster is a god, goddess, spirit or human hero who breaks the rules of the gods or nature, sometimes maliciously (for example, Loki) but usually with ultimately positive effects. Often, the rule-breaking takes the form of tricks (eg. Eris) or thievery. Tricksters can be cunning or foolish or both; they are often very funny even when they are considered sacred and are performing important cultural tasks.
In many cultures, such as Slavic folktales and American Indian lore, the trickster and the culture hero are combined. To illustrate, Prometheus, in Greek mythology, stole fire from the gods to give it to humans. He is more of a culture hero than a trickster. In many North American Indian mythologies, the coyote spirit stole fire from the gods (or stars or sun) and is more of a trickster than a culture hero. This is primarily because of other stories involving the coyote spirit; Prometheus was an Titan, whereas a coyote is usually seen as a jokester and prankster.
Among the First Nations of North America, the trickster figures often exhibit gender variability, changing gender roles and engaging in same-sex practices. These personages are said to have a two-spirit nature.
The Trickster is an example of a Jungian Archetype. The Fool survives in modern playing cards as the Joker.
Tricksters
Last updated: 08-09-2005 10:48:20
