Jotunheim: Home of the Giants

Jotunheim (Old Norse: “Jötunheimr”) is the home of the giants (also called jötnar). They are the sworn enemies of the Aesir. Jotunheim consists mostly of rocks, wilderness, and dense forests, and it lies in the snowy regions on the outermost shores of the ocean. Because of this, the giants live mostly from the fish from the rivers, and the animals from the forest, there is no fertile land in Jotunheim.

The giants and the Aesir are constantly fighting, but it also happens from time to time, that love affairs will occur. Odin, Thor, and a few others had lovers who were giants. Loki also came from Jotunheim, but he was accepted by the Aesir and lived in Asgard until he was punished. Jotunheim is separated from Asgard by the river Iving, which never freezes over.

The stronghold of Utgard could be called the giants’ version of Asgard, and it is so tall that it is hard to see the top of it. The fortress is carved from blocks of snow and glistening icicles, and inside lives the feared jotun king Utgard-Loki.