Dream Team indeed. <3 I want to examine this image because I’m a nerd and we never see a full zoom out of them in the (final cut) “Thor” film when they are in Jotunheim. But their placement is a good demonstration of the psychology both of their group dynamic and of their battle strategy.
Who flanks (is on the outside of) everyone? Hogun and Sif. Hogun is the most determined. He wins all the tests of endurance. You cannot get through him to his comrades. Same goes for Sif.
Who brings up the vanguard? Thor, Fandral, and Sif. Sif is not only on the outside but the front. There is obviously no one Thor thinks braver or more battle-competent than his childhood friend and betrothed. I love this. It shows how progressive Thor is among feudal warriors. It’s even commented upon in the film how he holds Sif in such high regard. Fandral is in the vanguard too, because for all his faults, such as vanity, he’s also incredibly fearless and loyal (and in a way more reasonable than his compatriots, who jump to conclusions and behave more recklessly–which makes him an ideal front man, because he won’t charge unless it’s absolutely prudent).
Who brings up the rear? Volstagg and Loki. Volstagg is not only on the outer rim but in the back. He is slower than everyone else but also trustier, more methodical and plodding. He’ll turn around and pick off people that the others missed and he can be expected to call out any sneak assaults at Thor’s back. Same with Loki. Do you know what that also means? Those are the people Thor TRUSTS the most. And with Loki there’s something more poignant still: Loki is in the center rear. He is the most PROTECTED. Thor wants Loki shielded. Protective big brother alert <3. A lot of people would say that alternately this makes Loki, though safer, easier to disregard. That’s true too and sadly it’s probably the only way Loki interpreted it: that they think he’s of little value because he’s smaller and physically weaker than the rest and “can only play tricks” (Thor’s own words). Actually, though, this position provides them all with the advantage of Loki’s tactical foresight. Thus shielded, he has the luxury of extensively examining the enemy’s strategy, anticipating it, informing the others of it, and using magic to foil it from behind the haven of a group of burly warriors armed to the teeth.
Interestingly in the film they branched off significantly from this formation, with Thor charging ahead, Sif doing most of the successful vanquishing, the Warriors 3 in about equal strength to the sides and rear, and Loki infiltrating multiple battles at once to help everyone who was struggling (at different points, Sif, Hogun, and Fandral), taking note of the chessboard, and rejoining Sif in telling Thor when to retreat.
