Mythic Bestiary

Log 15: Jötun

This is a very long entry, so get comfy.

Summary: The Jötun or Jotunn is a creature from Norse Mythology, usually described as an ice or frost giant in modern times. Although they have mostly become something that is depicted as large and ugly and even one dimensional, Jötnar are much more complicated than they seem.

Misconceptions: Thanks to the retelling of legends over the years, Jötnar have gotten the short end of the stick. Besides who seems to be the poster child of Jötnar, Loki, the rest of these legends seem to be depicted as big, monstrous, and evil. Many times, they can even be depicted as more bestial than humanoid. However,if we look back at the myths, we know that just isn't true.

The Jötnar are a race of humanoid creatures that live in Jötunheim, the snowy realm of Jötnar. Some are giant and ugly, but others are much smaller and even beautiful, like Gerd, the wife of Freyr- whom I will speak more of later. They all looked like humans as well, although many were able to change their shape at will, turning into different animals like falcons and bulls. This may have led to the race being represented as large beasts, similar to skin walkers. Loki has also been described as beautiful to the point where he caught Odin's eye, though some old drawings of him may propose the opposite.

Just to clarify, Loki was never Odin's son, adopted or otherwise. He was actually his blood brother, so that's why Odin tolerated his antics so often. Speaking of Loki, he was not a frost Jötun either. He was described as a fire Jötun in myth, and a guy with some very odd ideas. His children were Fenrir the wolf, Jörmungand the World Serpent, Hel the half living goddess of death, and finally Sleipnir, Odin's eight-legged horse.

Another common misconception is that all Jötnar are affiliated with frost, when in reality they can be connected to any element, even the sun and moon. Jötnar represent the chaotic side of nature, unpredictable and wild while the Norse gods represented order. Due to their many different affiliations and powers, the Jötnar were said to easily survive Ragnorok, and to exist long after the first Norse gods died.

Jötnar are also represented as villains in many stories, which is pretty unfair. Although a few are genuine scumbags in the myths, many Jötnar are just trying to live their lives peacefully. In the myths, at the beginning of time itself, there was a great big sleeping Jötun named Ymir. They were both male and female, and created the Jötnar as they slept. Odin and his brothers feared that Ymir would get out of control one day, so they slayed them. Ymir's blood became the sea, their brain the clouds, their hair the plants, their teeth the jagged rocks, and so on and so forth. The Jötnar were enraged that their creator was destroyed, so many vowed revenge on the gods. This led to some Jötnar becoming antagonists to the gods, which overall cultivated in them becoming seen as villains.

I could go on and on, but I don't want to keep you here forever. Just know that Jötnar are a Mythic Bestiary favorite.

Legends: There are countless legends with Jötnar, so I will give you a segment of one of my favorites.

Freyr ran a hand through his well groomed locks, his legs trembling with every step he took through the emerald grass. He had invited the love of his life, Gerd, to this secret meadow, this Jötun woman being the only person besides him and his sister who now knew of this sacred spot.

He chanced another glance at the entrance, and miracle of miracles, the grass was rustling. He bolted back, picking up the golden sword that was lying in the foliage, and just as he turned back, he saw the beautiful Gerd staring at him, unamused. His heart began doing flips at the sight of her. Her eyes were enchanting, piercing his very soul under their gaze. But he had to focus, he couldn't fall to her etherealness quite yet.

"I'm here," she huffed, obviously sick of him already. "I do not want anything to do with the Gods...you all are too-"

She was cut off by the handsome god falling to his knees in front of her, holding up the sword in offering. His body shook, and the sword was shaking with him. "You...You have every right to never accept my proposal...but please, take this." His voice was trembling, full of desperation as she slowly took the sword from his hands.

"I want you to be happy above all else. So if you never want to be with me, that's okay! I...I just want you to be happy..." Freyr looked up at her, tears in his eyes. Out of all the things he expected to see, he never imagined he'd see a gentle smile on her face.

"You...You seem so sweet," she finally breathed out,"I expected so much...worse." He blinked up at her, not believing what he was hearing. "I don't think I'll accept your proposal just yet but...I would like to get to know you...Freyr."

Weaknesses: No Jötun is immortal, so any one can be taken out with enough force. Thor seemed to be particularly fond of using his hammer to accomplish that. But if you ever find yourself in the presence of a hostile Jötun, you'll need the strength of one of the Aesir to protect yourself.