Giants, or Jötnar, represent chaotic and primordial forces of nature. Originating from Ymir, the first giant, they often clash with the gods but also form alliances. Some Jötnar marry gods, such as Skaði, who wed Njord. Loki, the trickster, also has Jötunn ancestry. Giants live in Jötunheimr, a realm of wild nature beyond the gods’ ordered world. In Asatru, the Jötnar symbolize untamed forces like storms, earthquakes, and winter. They remind people of life’s challenges and the balance between creation and destruction.
Bestla, sometimes spelled Besla or Bestlá, plays a crucial role in the divine lineage of the gods. She is a frost giantess, the daughter of the ancient giant Bölthorn. Bestla’s […]
Bestla (Besla, Bestlá): The Giantess Who Shaped the Gods Read Post »
Borr, also spelled Bur or Bör, stands as one of the most pivotal figures in the lineage of the gods. He is the son of Búri, the first god, who
Borr (Bor, Bör, Bur): Father of the Allfather Read Post »
Laufey (pronounced LOW-fey), sometimes spelled Nál (NAHL), is a significant figure among the Jötnar (giants). She appears in both the Prose Edda and the Poetic Edda. Laufey’s name translates roughly
Laufey (Nál): The Giantess and Mother of Loki Read Post »
Fárbauti (FAR-bow-tee), whose name means “Cruel Striker” or “Dangerous Hitter,” holds a significant place among the jötnar (yoht-nar), the giants of old tales. His name reflects his ferocious nature, often
Fárbauti (Farbauti, Fárbaute): The Striker of Lightning Read Post »
Gerðr (GAIR-thur), sometimes spelled Gerd or Gerth, is a prominent figure among the jötnar. Her name translates to “enclosure” or “protected space,” symbolizing fertility and abundance. As a jötunn, she
Gerðr (Gerd, Gerth): The Giantess of Fertility and Beauty Read Post »
Angrboða (AHNGR-boh-thah) holds a crucial role in ancient stories. Her name means “the one who brings grief” or “grief-bringer.” Alternate spellings include Angrboda and Angrboða. She is a Jötunn, a
Angrboða (Angrboda, Angurboða): The Mother of Monsters Read Post »
Surtr (pronounced “SOOR-ter”) is a powerful fire giant (Jötunn) known for his role in shaping and ending worlds. His name appears in some texts as “Surt” or “Surtrinn.” The word
Surtr (Surt, Surtur): The Fire Giant of Múspellsheimr Read Post »
Þjazi, also spelled Thjazi or Thiassi, is a prominent jötunn (giant). He is best known for his role in Idunn’s abduction, where he kidnaps the goddess who guards the apples
Þjazi (Thjazi, Thiassi) Read Post »
Ymir, the first of the Jötnar (giants), is a central figure in Norse creation. Often referred to as Aurgelmir in some sources, Ymir plays a vital role in the formation
Ymir (Aurgelmir): The Primordial Giant Read Post »
