kæmir

Kæmir is a term derived from Old Norse, often translated as "giants" or "trolls." In Norse mythology, kæmir are a primordial race, frequently depicted as formidable and often hostile beings. They are distinct from the Æsir and Vanir, the gods, and their origins are usually associated with the chaotic forces of creation, such as the primeval giant Ymir, from whose body the world was said to have been formed.

The nature of kæmir varies across different myths and sagas. Some are depicted as monstrous, embodying elemental forces like ice and fire, while others possess intelligence and even a degree of civilization, living in their own realm, Jötunheimr. Their interactions with the gods are often characterized by conflict, as they represent a threat to the ordered cosmos maintained by the Æsir. However, there are also instances of intermarriage and complex relationships between gods and giants.

Notable kæmir include Loki, who is half-giant, and figures like Þrymr, who famously stole Thor's hammer. The myths often portray the kæmir as a force of destruction and chaos, existing in opposition to the gods who represent order and civilization. Their presence in Norse cosmology highlights the constant struggle between creation and destruction, order and chaos, that is central to the mythology.