BTW, in some ways the Norse god Loki sounds like the West African/Caribbean/South American trickster god Esu {Elegba; Eleggua; Papa Legba} who originated among the Yoruba peoples of Nigeria.

See this information on Esu:

"Eleggua

The owner of the roads and opportunities. He is the messenger between human beings and the other orishas. He is always the first one to be honored during any ceremony because without his approval, nothing can be accomplished. Also a healer and master magician, he can be extremely generous as well as cruel. That's why he is associated with the devil in the Brazilian Candomble tradition. However, in the Yoruba tradition he is not seen as evil. His tricks are simply opportunities to learn lessons. He is the trickster. In Santeria, Eleggua is the one who protects the home against dangers. Most santeros keep him in the house close to the front door. They give him offerings every Monday and on the third day of the month. His favorite gifts are candies, candles, toys, rum and cigars."

-snip-

Source: http://www.afrikaworld.net/afrel/sevenorishas.htm