In Paradise Lost Lucifer states that it would be better to rule in Hell than serve in Heaven. Perhaps it is precisely this type of motto that pushes trickster figures to behave in a devious and unscrupulous way. Rather than conforming to the dictates of their societies and their rulers, these characters seem perfectly content to forge their own destiny (at least as far as their creators allow) and don't care if they and everyone else are destroyed in the process. Two characters in particular, Loki of the Prose Edda and Ravana of the Ramayana, demonstrate the characteristics of diabolical but charismatic losers. They have less power than gods in the conventional sense. However, they maintain small, wonderful, convenient protections that prevent the gods from inflicting any harm on them. In this way, Loki and Ravana command the grudging respect of their superiors and serve to advance the plot in their respective myths (if in their own proud and selfish way). Just like the biblical antagonist, Satan, Loki and Ravana are prophesied. to face their possible unpleasant destruction. However, they (much like Satan) are given free rein until the fateful moment arrives, and they take full advantage of that freedom: Ravana, kidnapping an attractive mortal who happens to be married to the same mortal who will ultimately defeat him. and Loki, causing all sorts of trouble and general chaos. Either way, both characters cause considerable harm to others through their evil and spiteful actions. However, the duration of the fun of these characters is limited. Ultimately, Ragnarok will consume Loki (along with everyone else), and Rama will strike Ravana and his many heads with a deadly vengeance. Oddly enough, nor… half of the paper… the most memorable disguise that Ravana incorporates to deceive Sita is the simple but highly effective illusion of a simple hermit. Oddly enough, the disguise of the evil stepmother in the famous Snow White fairy tale is very reminiscent of Ravana's. Most likely, this connection indicates that a common motif includes mythological tales in which evil characters attempt to lull unfortunate souls into a false sense of security. In fact, this idea applies not only to the myths of the Prose Edda and the Ramayana, but also in Ovid's Metamorphoses in tales such as that of Arachne, in which the goddess Minerva disguises herself as an old hag, and even to the biblical tales of Lucifer, who is often described as the father of lies and disguises himself as a serpent (strange choice) to gain Eve's trust and trick her into consuming the forbidden fruit.