See also: Giant

In the Scandinavian Mythology, the giant is a creature humanoïde or animal equipped with a size impressive (but not especially higher than that of the gods), as well as divine force or capacities.

The giants are at the same time the predecessors, the parents and the enemies of the gods. They are wire of Ymir, the giant hermaphrodite of the origins. Of its sweat, it gave birth to a male and a female, and union of its left and right leg was born a son.

The giants of Jötunheim are in perpetual war against the gods, who are generally carried out by the god of the war Thor. They are chaotic creatures, in opposition to the gods, who represent the order.

The relationship of the giants with the gods is sometimes extremely narrow. The gods are wire, girls, husband of giants, and consequently can be regarded them also as such.

During the Ragnarök the forces of chaos will leave to the attack the gods. The giants will be in the forefront of the battle. The giant of fire Surt (perhaps the only creature older than Ymir) will destroy the whole of the worlds of his blazing sword.

Principal giants of Scandinavian mythology

• Ægir
• Bestla
• Giant Master-builder
• Gerd
• Geirröd
• Gunnlöd
• Hrungnir
• Hymir
• Mimir
• Skadi
• Skrimir
• Surt
• Thjazi
• Thrym
• Utgardaloki
• Vathrudmir
• Ymir

See too

• Giant in the Greek Mythology

• Giant in common mythology indoeuropéenne