Jötnar

Appearance, connotations and distinctions

In the Eddas, jötnar are beings typically with similar power to the gods and may also be referred to by the negative terms troll and þurs. The harmful nature of þursar is also described in the Icelandic and Norwegian rune poems, where they are identified for causing strife to women. Descriptions of the appearance of jötnar are uncommon; however, the progenitor of the jötnar is described as having the form of a man. Some female jötnar are described as being beautiful, such as Gerðr and Hymir's partner, while others are described as monstrous and having many heads. Some dwarfs are described as jötnar such as Regin and Fáfnir, while in Alvíssmál, the eponymous dwarf is noted for having the likeness of a þurs.