In Norse mythology Loki was the spirit of strife and envy. The son of a giant, he lived among the gods at ASGARD, where he continually caused them trouble but aided them with his cunning. After he contrived the death of BALDER, however, the gods chained him to a rock below a serpent whose mouth dripped venom. Loki's wife, Siguna, caught the drops in a cup, but when she turned away to empty it the venom fell on Loki's face and he writhed in anguish, causing earthquakes. Loki was to remain bound until the final battle of RAGNAROK, in which he would lead the forces of evil against the gods.