Jötunn

Jötunn ( an. iötunn, OHG efficiency, Aeng. Eoton, Danish. Jätte, sv. Jätte ) is a term for giants in Norse mythology. The name is derived from the verb eat ( OHG Ezzan ), thus the name would translate as the Gluttonous. The term is used for both female and male giant. For the majority can be found in German the spelling Joten.

The Jötunen live in Jotunheim, that is beyond the inhabited earth of people. The Lord of this realm, which coincides with the realm of the dead, is Utgardloki.

They are the descendants of the primeval giant Ymir and lived before the birth of the gods.

The Aesir and people against it are some (such as Aegir and Mimir ) kindly disposed. Other Jötunen are the Aesir (and people ) hostile ( Thursen, see Rune Thurisaz ). Thor is why they fought constantly. This struggle will continue until Ragnarök.