Jötun
Jötun, in Germanic religion, race of giants that lived in Jötunheim under one of the roots of Yggdrasill. They were older than and ruled before the gods (Aesir), to whom they remained hostile. It was believed that Ragnarök, the destruction of this world and the beginning of a new one, would be brought about by a final battle between gods and giants.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Jötun
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
15 July 2025
Access Date:
November 14, 2026