We Have Loki To Thank For Modern Competitive Eating Events
The world of competitive eating is as anatomically mysterious as it is mind-blowing. Those who possess the superhuman ability to push their stomach's capacity to the absolute limit are a true wonder, fascinating spectators with their abilities since ancient times. In America, competitive pie-eating contests at state fairs in the late 19th century planted the seed that would eventually become a legitimate sport.
One of the world's most well-known eating competitions was initially held on July 4, 1916, when four immigrants competed at Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island. This event remains an annual tradition, which has seen the likes of face-stuffing world champions like Joey Chestnut, Matt Stonie, and Sonya Thomas.
Long before these contestants were beating records and winning prizes under the ruling of the International Federation of Competitive Eating, the Norse gods had already beaten them to it. The first recorded eating competition is found in an Icelandic book of myths dating back to the 13th century called the Prose Edda. It tells the tale of Loki, the wily trickster god, and Thor, the god of thunder. Despite what the Marvel Cinematic Universe tells us, the pair were not brothers according to mythology. Instead, they were bickering traveling companions that embarked on many adventures together. One such journey led them to the home of the giant king, Utgard-Loki, where Loki challenged the king's servant to an eating duel.
The legend of the first eating competition
Before we get into the legendary food challenge, it's important to note that three variations of the name "Loki" are in this tale: the giant Utgard-Loki, his servant, Logi, and our favorite trickster god, Loki. The story says that, upon sneaking past the towering walls of the giant's keep, Thor and Loki met the king in his halls and were questioned about their identities. After the king's party hurled insults at the pair, belittling and mocking their stature, Loki's pride took over. He boasted that he would surely win an eating contest against a worthy opponent. Utgard-Loki put forth his servant, Logi, and the two took their positions at opposite ends of a trough overflowing with meat. The contest winner would be determined by whoever reached the center first.
Like modern culinary eating competitions, Loki and Logi devoured the meat as spectators watched in awe. After meeting in the middle, both competitors had eaten all the meat. But Logi had won the contest, to Loki's dismay. As it turns out, Logi had gobbled up even the bones and entire wooden trough along with the meat, securing victory. We're guessing anyone could win anyone a medal with a stomach like that. While you can't watch this event play out in person, you can watch a Danish cartoon from the 80s that shows how the whole thing went down (via YouTube). Thankfully, table eating didn't make it into modern organized competitive eating rulebooks.