File:Journey into Mystery Vol 1 113 026.jpg

Description
A ten-year old Thor watches a tournament with Loki when Thor predicts the winner. This incenses Loki as Thor is always right. Loki purposely wagers on the poorer fighter and then casts a spell he learned from the Norn witch women to make the more skillful combatant's quarterstaff shatter when Loki's behind Thor's back. The fighters realize they've been hexed and accost young Loki. Thor demands why do they only address themselves to his brother and they answer that they know Thor would never stoop to such a deed. Nevertheless, Thor insists, I was at Loki's side during the tourney and any punishment meted out ought to be shared by the two of us. Impressed by Thor's nobility, the fighters let the youths go on their way, although with ill forebodings about the destiny of Loki. When they're alone, Thor reveals that he was aware of Loki's trickery and admonishes him that it was foolish of him to interfere in the tournament. But the matter is quickly forgotten by Thor as the two of them take up riding practice and Thor offers to race Loki to the bridge. "Why should I?" Loki responds, "You've got the faster horse." To which Thor replies "The speed of the horse is not the only factor, but also the skill of the rider." Thor stays close to his brother to give him an even chance, but Loki broods darkly over the day's events. He wants the power that will force others to bow and scrape before him as they do before his "beloved" brother, Thor, and he realizes that some day Thor will have to be destroyed.