The trickster's function is to break taboos, create mischief, stir things up. In the end, the trickster gives people what they really want, some sort of freedom.

Tom Robbins’ quote, "The trickster's function is to break taboos, create mischief, stir things up. In the end, the trickster gives people what they really want, some sort of freedom," reflects the traditional role of the trickster figure in mythology, literature, and culture. The trickster is often portrayed as a figure who challenges societal norms, exposes hypocrisy, and causes chaos in order to bring about deeper truths or changes. Robbins emphasizes that the trickster plays a vital role in breaking down taboos, which are the rules or conventions that limit personal and societal freedom.

The mischief created by the trickster is not simply for the sake of causing harm, but rather for the purpose of disrupting the status quo. Through these disruptions, the trickster forces individuals and society to confront their own rigid beliefs and assumptions. This stirring up of the established order ultimately leads to a sense of freedom, where people are freed from outdated conventions and allowed to see the world through a more open and creative lens. The trickster, by breaking down these barriers, facilitates a more liberated state of being.

Robbins also touches on the paradoxical nature of the trickster. While their actions often cause turmoil or confusion, their ultimate goal is to give people a freedom that they might not have realized they desired. This freedom could be intellectual, emotional, or societal—an expanded sense of possibility and autonomy that arises from questioning authority and embracing the unknown. In this way, the trickster’s actions are seen as a catalyst for growth and transformation.

Ultimately, Robbins’ quote highlights the role of the trickster as a figure of change and liberation. By defying conventions and causing mischief, the trickster challenges people to rethink their limitations and embrace new forms of freedom. This role is vital to societal evolution, as it encourages individuals to break free from conformity and explore new ways of thinking, living, and being.