Loki was not part of the Aesir until Odin had sworn him in as a blood brother. Before that, the two had met in Midgard. This tells the story of the first meeting between Odin and Loki, and also is an important stepping-stone in Loki's acceptance into the Aesir.

One day, while Odin and Hoenir were travelling Midgard in disguise observing the ways of men, they were approached by a half giant who came up to them and called the disguised Aesir by their names. He was in fact a cousin of Odin. He implored them to give him a chance, to prove himself worthy to be a part of the Aesir, and so they travelled together.

They had been wandering over mountains and valleys where food was scarce, and finally came to a herd of oxen grazing. Thus, they killed one of the oxen and tried to cook it, but however hot the fire was, they never seemed to be able to cook the ox. A great eagle suddenly made its presence known nearby. It gave them the choice, that if he were to help them cook the ox, he would be able to have his fill before the gods. They agreed to the eagle's proposition thinking it would not eat much.

After cooking the meat the eagle proceeded to eat his portion, but it did not show any signs of stopping even after it had finished much of the ox. Enraged, Loki shouted out at the eagle, who ignored him. Left with no other choice, Loki struck the eagle with a stick, which got stuck in the eagle's feathers. At this, the eagle took off, dragging along Loki who was holding on to the stick.

The eagle flew over mountains and valleys, and Loki was terrified. He begged the eagle to let him down, and the eagle, who revealed himself to be Thiassi, the storm giant, gave him the condition of luring Iduna out with her golden apples. Loki promised he would try his best to do so, and with that the eagle returned him to his company.

Lying to Odin and Hoenir, Loki told them that the eagle was just trying to punish him. Convinced, they proceeded home, with Loki living in Midgard near the Bifrost Bridge. His promise unfulfilled, the storm giant would later cause the kidnap of Iduna.

Next: Iduna's Apples >>