Jötnar Facts for Kids

An illustration of Odin and the jötunn Baugi who bores through the mountain with a drill, from an Icelandic 18th century manuscript

A Jotun (say: YOH-toon) is a type of giant in Norse mythology. They are a race of powerful beings. Even though they have superhuman strength, they often mix with the gods. Sometimes, they even marry them!

The Jotuns live in a place called Jötunheimr. This is one of the nine worlds in Norse stories. It is separated from Midgard, the world of humans, by tall mountains and thick forests. When Jotuns are not in their own world, they often like to stay in caves or dark places.

The word Jötunn originally meant "glutton" or "man-eater." Today, the word "jotun" is still used in modern Norwegian to mean giant. However, they are more commonly called trolls there.

Jotuns: Giants of Norse Mythology
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Jotuns: Giants of Norse Mythology

Who are the Jotuns?

Jotuns are often described as being very strong. They are sometimes seen as opponents to the gods. But, as mentioned, they also interact with them a lot. They are a key part of many Norse myths and stories.

Where do Jotuns Live?

Their main home is called Utgard. It is found in Jötunheimr, which is a separate world. This world is far away from the human world, Midgard. High mountains and dense forests make it hard to reach.

Famous Jotuns in Norse Myths

The King of the Frost-Giants. Loki comes flying to Jötunheimr where King Þrymr sits and tends to his dogs

Thor's duel with Hrungnir

Many Jotuns appear in Norse myths. Some are well-known figures. Here are a few examples:

Ægir
Baugi
Bestla
Hrungnir
Loki (who is part Jotun and part god)
Skaði
Þrymr
Ymir (the very first being in Norse mythology, from whom the world was made)

Jotuns in Pop Culture

Jotuns were six feet, orange-haired, trolls in "The Sea of Trolls"

Jotuns often appear in books, games, and comics today.

In the game HeroScape, there is a giant named Jotun.
A Swedish band called In Flames has a song named "Jotun."
In the Monster in My Pocket series, there is a nine-headed Jotun Troll. He is usually a funny character.
The name "Jotun" is used for a type of monster in the game Final Fantasy XI.
In Nancy Farmer's book "The Sea of Trolls," Jotuns are described as six-foot-tall, orange-haired trolls.
Jotunheim is a playable area in the Dominions I, Dominions II and Dominions III game series.
In Marvel Comics, Frost Giants and Fire Giants are enemies of Thor. These characters are inspired by Jotuns.
In the Discworld novels by Terry Pratchett, the gods have an old rivalry with Ice Giants.

Images for kids

A 10th-century stone carving believed to show Hyrrokkin, a giantess, riding a wolf.
The word eotenas in the old manuscript of Beowulf. This word is related to Jotun.
This stone carving is thought to show Odin as an eagle, Gunnlöð with the mead of poetry, and Suttungr.
Figures of Grýla and her husband Leppalúði in Akureyri, Iceland. They are also giant-like figures in folklore.

Jötnar facts for kids

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