Loki's hatred for Thor stems primarily from his feelings of inferiority and betrayal after learning he was adopted and not of Asgardian blood, believing Odin never intended for him to be king and always favored Thor.
Here's a breakdown of the reasons:
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Inferiority Complex: Loki always lived in Thor's shadow. Thor was the golden child, strong, brave, and destined for the throne. Loki, though intelligent and cunning, felt overlooked and unappreciated, leading to resentment.
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Betrayal by Odin: Discovering he was adopted, a Frost Giant taken from Jotunheim after a war, shook Loki to his core. He felt Odin lied to him his entire life, raising him as a political tool or a "spare," further fueling his belief that he was never truly loved or considered equal to Thor. He interpreted Odin's actions as evidence that he was viewed as a monster.
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Jealousy of Thor's Position: Thor was the heir apparent to the throne of Asgard. Loki desired power and recognition, and Thor's seemingly effortless path to kingship intensified his jealousy. He saw Thor as undeserving, relying on brute strength rather than intelligence or strategy.
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Perceived Lack of Recognition: Loki often felt his accomplishments were dismissed or downplayed while Thor's were celebrated. This constant comparison exacerbated his feelings of inadequacy and fueled his desire to prove himself worthy, often through destructive means.
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Odin's Favoritism (Perceived or Real): While Odin claimed to love both his sons equally, Loki often interpreted Odin's actions as showing favoritism towards Thor. This perception, even if not entirely accurate, contributed to his resentment and sense of injustice.
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Example: In several instances, Loki attempts to prove his worth and competence, only to be overshadowed by Thor's more direct and forceful actions. This pattern solidified his belief that he was forever destined to be second best.
In short, Loki's hatred for Thor is a complex mix of jealousy, feelings of inadequacy, and the deep-seated belief that he was never truly loved or accepted by Odin and Asgard because of his Frost Giant origins. This created a potent cocktail of resentment that fueled his actions throughout their lives.
