Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɒtʌn] (IPA) 
Jotunn, a word from Norse mythology, is pronounced as /ˈjɔtən/. It is spelled with two T's like in the English word "butter", although the word itself might not have any connection to English language. Jotunns are supernatural beings - often giants - who appear in many stories of Norse folklore. The spelling of the word "jotunn" might seem daunting at first glance, but with a little bit of practice, anyone can easily master it.
A jotunn is a term derived from Norse mythology that refers to a singular, formidable creature inhabiting the realm of giants. In Norse cosmology, the jotunn is believed to be a primordial race, often depicted as immense and powerful beings. These giants are seen as distinct and separate from other mythical creatures such as gods or elves. Jotunns possess immense strength, towering over ordinary humans and even rivaling the gods in their physical prowess.
The etymology of the term "jotunn" can be traced back to Old Norse, where it is associated with concepts like "devourer" or "eater." This suggests that jotunns were seen as beings capable of devouring or consuming with their vast appetites. Despite being associated with chaos and potential threats, some jotunns, such as the frost jotunn, Thrym, played significant roles in Norse mythology.
In various sagas and legends, jotunns are portrayed as embodying natural forces, often personifying elements like fire, ice, or mountains. They are at times portrayed as adversaries of the gods and frequently engaged in battles with them. Notable jotunns include the fire giant Surtr, the mountain giant Skrymir, and the ice giantess Skadi.
In modern usage, "jotunn" has become a term frequently employed in fantasy literature, video games, and other media to describe similar giant or colossal creatures. These modern interpretations often retain the jotunns' immense size, power, and association with natural forces, lending an air of awe and mythical grandeur to these beings.
The word "jotunn" comes from Old Norse, an ancient Germanic language spoken by the Vikings and other Scandinavian peoples. In Old Norse, the term was spelled "jǫtunn" or "ǫtunn". The exact origin of the word is uncertain, but it is believed to derive from the Proto-Germanic word "*etunaz", which meant "giant" or "giantess". This Proto-Germanic term likely has roots in the Proto-Indo-European language, although the specific etymology beyond that is uncertain. In Norse mythology, jotunn refers to a type of supernatural, often hostile, being associated with chaos and nature, known as giants in English.
