"After its initial creation, the draconic gods Sul and Vulon encircled the world. The world was bathed in heat as Sul passed it and coated in frost when Vulon passed. When Sul began to pass over the frost, it melted and began to fill in the depths of the world. When Vulon passed once again, the last remaining drops of water froze together, forming Misvir, the first of the Jotunns. Misvir wandered across the world, always following the cold that radiated from Vulon. With each stride he caused the ground to shake and the seas to churn. As he traveled he continued to grow, empowered by the mystical cold of Vulon. Eventually, Misvir's head reached far above the world and his breath coalesced, forming clouds above the world. After traveling the entire world, Misvir felt something was missing.
To fix this feeling, Misvir cut off his left hand. From the fingers he formed the first of his children. From his middle finger he created his first son, Iremnyng. He created Mymr, his second son, from his ring finger. From his index finger he created his first daughter, Jorboda. Marnumemer, his third son, was created from his pinky finger. Finally, his fourth son Vortr was created from his thumb. From the rest of his hand Misvir created a magnificent palace for his children to dwell in. Misvir taught his children about the world and gave each of them a gift. To Iremnyng, he gave the power to control lightning and storms, allowing him to wreak havoc upon the world or to keep peace. He gave Mymr the ability to control the clouds and sky, enabling him to soar across the world. For Jorboda he gave immense strength and endurance, allowing her to defeat any foe. Marnumemer was given a keen eye for details and a deep appreciation for art, making him the most skilled artist in the world. Finally, he gave Vortr immeasurable hunger and the ability to consume as much as he desires with no repercussions. After giving his gifts, Misvir sat and watched his children explore.
Because he was relaxing, Misvir finally stopped following Vulon's travels. On the horizon, Misvir saw Sul for the first time and was in awe of his beauty. Moments later, when he could feel the heat, Misvir was inspired to create another child. Not wanting to lose his other hand, Misvir removed the rib seventh from the top on his right side. He carved the rib into his second daughter, Jáðreyð. Once Sul was directly overhead, Misvir reached up and scraped off a single scale from his side. Misvir placed the scale in the center of Jáðreyð's chest. The heat coursed through her body causing her to radiate warmth and charring her skin. Misvir was satisfied with his last child and gave her the ability to forge whatever she could think of flawlessly. Misvir introduced Jáðreyð to his other children and once again began to rest."
-The Birth of the Jotunns
Misvir, the first of the Jotunn, was born from the melted and refrozen frost that coated the world. He traveled the world and grew to exceptional size and power. After his travels, he cut off his left hand and created the first of the storm, cloud, frost, stone, and hill giants: Iremnyng, Mymr, Jorboda, Marnumemer, and Vortr respectively. He then gave each of children a gift. When he finally saw Sul, Misvir created his final child, Jáðreyð, the first of the fire giants, and gave her a gift.
Although there are many versions of how the giants were created, this story is the most common and well known of them. It is also the one that most giants believe in as well, so it is believed by many that this is the actually story of how the giants were created.
The Birth of the Jotunns is a story that is well known by all of the true giants in the world. Among other humanoids it is less known, but most sages, wizards, and other well-educated people typically know some version of this story.
The most common changes between different tellings of The Birth of the Jottuns are which giants were created from which of Misvir's fingers. This change is typically made by individuals who view the giant hierarchy differently.
The Birth of the Jottuns is one of if not the most important stories told among giants. Not only is it a story about how the Jottuns, the progenitors of all other giants, were created, but it also serves as a reminder to the giants of their hierarchy.
Although there are some books that contain The Birth of the Jotunns, the majority of them are created by non-giant creatures. Giants typically carve the story into stone alongside depictions of various scenes.
There are many pieces of art that depict The Birth of the Jottuns. Most of the pieces depict Misvir creating one of his children with those he has already created scattered throughout the remainder of the piece. Among stone giants it is viewed as a right of passage to create your own piece of art depicting a scene from The Birth of the Jottuns.
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