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Glite Dictionary
Jotun

Jotun

1 9.9
A giant in Norse stories who often fights the gods
  • noun
  • /ˈjoʊtʊn/
  • Literature
: jotun
  • Many characters in old sagas are said to have confronted a jotun in their quests for glory.

Examples

  • In Norse mythology, the jotun are often portrayed as powerful giants with a deep animosity towards the gods.

  • The tales of the jotun depict epic battles where these giants challenge the might of the Aesir gods.

  • And I've seen what will become of this world if the jotun giants are set loose again.

    Vikingdom (2013)

Synonyms

jotunn
vsJotun
  • Literature
1 9.9

A giant from Norse stories who often fights the gods

is the same term but written with the other spelling

Surface Forms

Jotun singular
Jotuns plural

Etymology

Jotun comes from the Old Norse jǫtunn, which simply meant 'giant' and is like the English word 'giant'. One old idea links it to a Germanic word for 'to eat', so imagine a huge, devouring creature — that's why a Jotun in Norse tales is a powerful giant who often fights the gods.