joutun

Jötnar, often anglicized as giants, are a race of beings in Norse mythology. They are primarily depicted as monstrous, powerful, and often antagonistic figures who reside in Jotunheim, one of the Nine Worlds. Jötnar are frequently portrayed as adversaries of the Æsir, the principal pantheon of gods in Norse mythology. Their physical descriptions vary, but they are typically characterized by immense size and brute strength.

Despite their adversarial role, relationships between Jötnar and the Æsir are complex and sometimes involve alliances, marriages, and offspring. For instance, the god Thor frequently battles Jötnar, but figures like Odin and Freya also have connections to this race, and some gods themselves are of Jotun descent. This suggests a more nuanced relationship than simple enmity.

Jötnar are associated with the forces of chaos and nature, representing the untamed and often destructive aspects of the world. Their domain, Jotunheim, is described as a harsh and wild land. Their mythological function often serves to highlight the power and order represented by the Æsir, or to provide challenges that forge the strength and bravery of the gods, particularly Thor. The concept of the Jötnar also reflects the ancient Germanic peoples' relationship with the formidable and unpredictable forces of their natural environment.