As a mythology and comic book scholar, I have a deep understanding of the complex character of Loki and his relationship with Odin across different narratives. In Norse mythology, Loki is a figure of great intrigue, often depicted as a trickster and shapeshifter. His parentage is a subject of debate and varies across different sources. According to the Prose Edda, a 13th-century Icelandic manuscript, Loki is the son of the giant Fárbauti and the giantess Laufey, not Odin. However, in the Poetic Edda, another important source of Norse mythology, Loki's lineage is not mentioned.

In the Marvel Comics universe, the relationship between Loki and Odin is portrayed differently. The comics have acknowledged that Loki is one of Odin's progeny, but this is not a fact that is frequently emphasized. It's important to note that the Marvel version of Norse mythology is a reinterpretation and not a direct translation of the original myths. In the comics, after Odin finds Loki as a baby and kills his giant father, he does not adopt Loki. Instead, Loki grows up alongside Thor and, despite not being blood brothers in the traditional sense, they consider each other as such due to their upbringing and shared experiences.

The distinction between the Norse mythological Loki and the Marvel Comics version is crucial. While both are complex characters with a penchant for mischief and trickery, their origins and relationships with Odin are not the same. The Marvel Comics take creative liberties with these characters, blending elements of Norse mythology with their own unique storytelling to create a rich and engaging narrative.

In conclusion, the answer to whether Loki is a son of Odin depends on the context. In traditional Norse mythology, Loki is not Odin's son but a giant. In the Marvel Comics universe, there is an acknowledgment of Loki being one of Odin's progeny, yet the nature of their relationship is more nuanced and less straightforward than a simple father-son bond. The comics present a version of Loki that, while influenced by the original myths, is distinct in its portrayal and development.

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While the Marvel comics have acknowledged that these are Odin's progeny, they try not to mention it too often. Most importantly, while the Norse version of Odin did find Loki as a baby -- after killing his giant father -- Odin never adopted him-- although the --real-- Thor and Loki did consider themselves blood brothers.Nov 5, 2013read more >>