In Paradise Lost, Lucifer states that it would be better to rule in Hell than to serve in Heaven. Perhaps it is this type of motto that inspires rogue characters to behave unscrupulously and in a devious manner. Rather than conforming to the dictations of their societies and leaders, these characters seem perfectly content to forge their own destinies (at least as far as their creators allow) and don't care if they and everyone else is destroyed in the process. Two characters in particular, Loki from Prose Edda and Ravana from Ramayana, demonstrate the characteristics of evil but charismatic underdogs. They have less power than the gods in the conventional sense. However, they retain wonderful and practical little protections that prevent the gods from inflicting the slightest damage on them. In this way, Loki and Ravana command the grudging respect of their superiors and serve the advancement of the plot in their respective myths (even if it is in their own proud and selfish ways). Just like the biblical antagonist, Satan, Loki and Ravana are prophesied. to face their possible unpleasant destruction. However, (just like Satan), they have free rein until that fateful moment comes, and they take full advantage of that freedom: Ravana, by kidnapping an attractive mortal who happens to be married to the very mortal who will ultimately defeat him . , and Loki, causing all sorts of mischief and general chaos. In both cases, both characters cause significant damage to others through their naughty and mischievous actions. However, the duration of these characters' enjoyment is limited. Ultimately, Ragnarok will consume Loki (along with everyone else) and Rama will strike down Ravana and his many heads with deadly vengeance. Strangely, neither... middle of paper ...... the most memorable disguise that Ravana incorporates to deceive Sita is the simple but very effective illusion of a simple hermit. Oddly enough, the disguise of the wicked stepmother in the famous Snow White fairy tale strongly echoes that of Ravana. Most likely, this connection indicates that a common motif encompasses mythological tales in which nefarious 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 to Ovid's Metamorphoses in tales like Arachne, in which the goddess Minerva disguises herself as an old crone, and even to the biblical stories of Lucifer. , who is often described as the father of lies and pretends to be a snake (strange choice) to gain Eve's trust in order to trick her into eating the forbidden fruit..