Jotnar

The Jotnar were an ancient race of dark beings who hailed from the frozen wastelands of the Far North. Known popularly as the 'Ice Giants,' the Jotnar were the sworn enemies of the Norse Gods, particularly the Aesir. They attempted several times to bring destruction to Midgard as well as Asgard but were thwarted by the Nordic forces, particularly Thor who often lead the defense against them.
AKA: The Devourers, the Jotunn, Ice Giants.
== Facts: ==
-The Jotnar were said to be gigantic in stature, although the exact average size of their race varies widely. Some historical records put the Jotnar at standing only a few hands taller than a mere mortal, while in other tales they are truly gigantic in stature even compared to the gods.
-The appearance of the Jotnar also varies. The primordial Jotnar were said to be creatures of darkness and ice, monstrous creatures with animal features who devoured everything in their path. Yet some of them are described as appearing perfectly human, even beautiful.
-What's more, the Jotnar were said to interbreed often with the Norse deities. Skadi, the goddess of winter, is half-Aesir, half-Jotnar herself.
-The Jotnar were barbaric, even by Viking standards. They were uncouth beings who were driven by bestial instincts and a lust for violence. They were defeated by the Norse gods in order to protect Viking civilization.
-The King of the Jotun is Ymir, a truly gigantic being who rivals Odin in terms of raw power.
-The Jotun were once very common throughout Northern Europe, however, today there is only a refugee community of them left. They dwell in the Far North of Europe in a land called Jotunheim.
-The Jotun have been connected by modern scholars as fulfilling a similar description as role as the Titans in the Greek Pantheon.
== Theoretical Origins Of the Jotun: ==
One particularly tantalizing theory regarding the true origins of the Jotun is that they are Pagan Gods themselves. This would explain how they have powers mimicking those of their Nordic rivals. It would also help to explain the interbreeding between them and the Aesir.
But the monstrousness of the Jotun has always been confusing to scholars because Pagan Gods tend to reflect human physiology since they develop from human worship. This has led many to propose that the Jotun are a lost Pantheon of a non-human race.
Homo Sapiens are not the only race of hominids to have walked the Eath. Neanderthals and other hominids also practiced their own primitive form of religion, which might explain the origin of the Jotun. They are the remaining gods of a Neanderthal Pantheon?
Category:Pagan
Category:Nordic