In Norse mythology, the jotnar are a race of giants often in opposition to the gods, representing chaos and primal forces of nature. They inhabit the realm of Jotunheim and are significant in various myths, often depicted as adversaries to the Aesir gods. This duality showcases the tension between order and chaos, signifying the necessary balance within the universe. The jotnar's interactions with the gods illustrate themes of conflict, power, and the complexities of creation and destruction within Norse belief systems.