Þjazi, also spelled Thjazi or Thiassi, is a prominent jötunn (giant) in Norse mythology. He is best known for his role in the myth of Idunn’s abduction, where he kidnaps the goddess who guards the apples of immortality. This action leads to his eventual death at the hands of the Æsir gods, specifically Odin and Thor.
Þjazi’s kidnapping of Idunn causes the gods to lose their youth, as they depend on her apples to maintain their vitality. Loki, responsible for bringing Idunn to Þjazi in exchange for his freedom, eventually rectifies his mistake. He turns into a falcon, flies to Þrymheimr (Þjazi’s mountain home), and rescues Idunn. The Æsir gods kill Þjazi during his pursuit of them.
Þjazi is the father of the giantess Skadi, another important figure in Norse mythology. Skadi seeks revenge for her father’s death by confronting the gods, but the conflict resolves with a marriage between her and the sea god Njord. Skadi remains significant in Asatru for her association with winter, skiing, and hunting.
Þjazi’s Importance in Asatru
In Asatru, Þjazi represents the destructive and chaotic forces often associated with giants. His theft of Idunn’s apples reflects the tension between the gods and jötnar, a recurring theme in Norse mythology. The myth highlights Loki’s trickery, the fragility of divine youth, and the Æsir’s reliance on balance within the cosmos.
Þjazi’s death also underscores the importance of justice in Norse tradition. Despite his role as a disruptor, his actions lead to a resolution that strengthens the gods. His daughter Skadi becomes an ally of the Æsir, signifying that even enemies can contribute to cosmic order when conflicts are resolved wisely.
An Elder Futhark rune often associated with the mythology of giants is Thurisaz (ᚦ), meaning “thorn” or “giant.” This rune symbolizes destructive power, force, and challenge. It represents both the danger and necessity of chaos in the Norse worldview. Þjazi’s role as a giant aligns with the rune’s energy, embodying the forces of nature that both threaten and sustain the gods.
Þjazi’s story, with its complex interplay of chaos, order, and justice, resonates within Asatru practices. His legacy serves as a reminder of the ever-present balance between creation and destruction, a core aspect of the faith.
