The Trickster

Mephistopheles or Mephi

Mephi’s catchphrase: “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

Mephistopheles Offering His Help to Faust,

illustration for Goethe's Faust,

lithograph by Eugène Delacroix.

The Trickster is a complicated and usually relatable character found in mythology and folklore. This character represents disruption, mischief, and sometimes humor. They are cunning and usually possess secret knowledge that they use to disobey and defy the normal order of things. There are so many great ones from all over the planet. There are Trickster characters that act as teachers like Loki from Norse mythology, Eris from Greek mythology, Anansi from African and Caribbean mythology, and the Monkey King from Chinese mythology.