Jotnar

Jotnar are giants, a race of nature spirits with superhuman strength, standing in opposition to the races of Æsir and Vanir, although they frequently mingled with or were even married to these. Their otherworldly homeland is Jotunheim, one of The Nine Worlds. The first living being formed in the primeval chaos known as Ginnungagap was a giant of monumental size, called Ymir. As a collective, giants are often attributed a hideous appearance – claws, fangs, and deformed features, apart from a generally hideous size. Some of them may even have many heads.

Summary

The giants represent the forces of the primeval chaos and of the untamed, destructive nature. Their defeats by the hands of the gods represent the triumph of culture over nature, albeit at the cost of eternal vigilance.

Related Locations

• Jotunheim
• The Nine Worlds