Jutun

Jutun is a term that commonly refers to the jötunn, the giants of Norse mythology. The form is an anglicized variant of the Old Norse jǫtunn, from which the modern English word “giant” ultimately derives. In myth, jötnar constitute a broad category of beings of great size and magical power who inhabit Jötunheimr, a realm distinct from the gods’ realm, Asgard. They are described in various sources as adversaries, as well as kin to other beings; relationships between jötnar and the Æsir (the principal Norse gods) are varied, ranging from hostility to occasional alliance and even marriage.

In modern popular culture, Jotun or Jutun is used as a name or descriptor in Norse-inspired fantasy. Marvel Comics’ Thor canon features frost giants, known as Jotnar or Jötunn, as a race from Jötunheim who oppose Asgard. The indie video game Jotun (2015) draws on Norse mythology to place a human warrior’s trials before the giants. The spelling Jutun appears as a variant transliteration in some works and, less commonly, as a surname in limited contexts, though jötunn and jotun are the more frequent forms in English-language references.

Overall, Jutun is best understood as a variant of the mythological category of giants in Norse tradition, with ongoing usage in contemporary fantasy and media.