jotning

Jotning is the term used for a member of the Jötunn, a race of giants in Norse mythology. Jötnar inhabit the realm of Jötunheimr and interact with the gods of Asgard, the Æsir and the Vanir, in mythic narratives. They are portrayed as powerful beings who can be hostile, neutral, or occasionally helpful.

Etymology: The name derives from Old Norse jǫtunn, meaning "giant" or "giant being," and is cognate with related terms in other Germanic languages. In Norse sources, jottnar are a distinct race from the divine Æsir and Vanir, though some gods have jötunn ancestry, and certain figures are born of jötunn parents, such as Loki.

In myth: Jötnar play a central role in cosmogony and eschatology. Ymir, the primordial jötunn, is slain to fashion the world, and his body becomes the earth and sky. The frost giant Thrym abducts Thor’s hammer in the Thrymskvida tale. Jötnar repeatedly oppose the gods in the events leading to Ragnarok, the end-times battle, though intermarriage and alliances between some gods and giants occur in some stories.

Cultural significance: The figure of the jotning has persisted through medieval Norse literature and continues to influence modern fantasy and popular culture, where jotnar or jotuns are depicted as ancient giants with magical powers.

See also: Jötunn; Loki; Ymir; Thrym; Ragnarok.