The abundance of versions of Loki being a variant is really questionable especially with a person's own kind from various timelines. Throughout the series, we have already seen several Lokis from the files shown by the Time Variance Authority while they were in pursuit of Sylvie who is another Loki variant, from the shocking post-credits scene in Episode 4. Really, how many Loki variants are there?
How Many Loki Variants Are There Explained
Of course, the OG Loki is counted as one which we all treat as the main variant. But from Episode 2, we already saw various Loki variants such as Frost Giant Loki proudly flaunting his heritage, Cyclist Loki or the Tour de France Loki, Troll Loki or the one that looks like Hulk, Pan Loki who is the bearded one with natural horns and cloven hooves, Viking Loki who is really close to the Norse myths, and definitely, the female version of Loki, Sylvie.
Come Episode 4, another batch of Lokis arrived and they are a lot different than those who already appeared: Classic Loki who wears the comic book accurate classic costume of Loki, Kid Loki who is straight out of the pages where Loki died and was reborn, Boastful Loki or Prahlerischer Loki who carries what seems to be similar hammer like the Mjolnir, and the last being the Crocodile Loki who seems to be stuck in shapeshifting into the animal, yes, he got the horns.
In total, there are already 11 Loki variants that have been introduced in the series, all were taken by the TVA for crimes against the sacred timeline. It is expected that there is more coming in the last remaining episodes. But why is it that there are so many versions of Loki that are variants?
Reason Why There Are Many Loki Variants
To date, the canon series hasn't explained yet why it seems that versions of Loki are more often than not variants. Sure, Loki is the God of Mischief and throughout the MCU, he has been known for his tricks and schemes. It is in his very nature. But we have a hunch that this may boil down to the secrets of the TVA in connection with the abilities of Loki.
Chaos follows him wherever he goes, despite almost always being defeated, he continues to plot his schemes to carry out his plans. He has a lot of skills and tricks to do what he wants.
His abilities, however, are a threat to the TVA, and here is why: he can tap into others telepathically and into their memories – one which the TVA wouldn't want to happen given the recent revelation that the Time-Keepers are mindless androids and that their employees are variants before having their minds wiped.
Aside from being a formidable fighter physically, Loki can challenge you through the mind when he uses telepathy. With the TVA being really secretive, a telepath could botch their plans and reveal it all. This is one of the most logical reasons why Loki and his versions are always considered as variants one way or another. Had there been X-Men in the MCU, Charles Xavier and other telepaths could be variants as well.
All episodes of Loki Season 1 are available to stream on Disney+.