Overview
Idun is a captivating Norse goddess synonymous with youth and fertility. She plays a critical role within Norse mythology, rejuvenating the gods by providing them with magical apples that reverse aging. Idun stored these apples in a unique ash box known as an “eski,” which serves as one of her identifying symbols. She was united in marriage with Bragi, a skald (a poet or bard) who featured in the legendary texts of Lokasenna from the Poetic Edda, along with the Skáldskaparmál in the Prose Edda. Among the many narratives surrounding Norse lore, the saga of Idun’s abduction stands out as one of the most notable.
Etymology
The name “Idun” derives from Old Norse, signifying something akin to “the young one” or “the rejuvenator.”
Attributes
Idun possessed the remarkable ability to bestow eternal youth and stave off the effects of old age. The magical apples she provided granted the gift of youthfulness to anyone who consumed them. Whenever the gods felt the onset of aging, Idun was there to restore their vitality with her enchanted apples.
Family
Idun was married to Bragi, the court poet of Asgard, while details about her familial connections outside of this union remain largely unknown.
Consorts
- Husband: Bragi
Mythology
Idun’s mythology mostly centers around her abduction by the giant Thjazi, who could transform his shape. One day, Odin, Hoenir, and Loki were traveling through the mountainous domains of Asgard, and upon discovering a herd of oxen, they decided to feast. However, every attempt to cook the meat was thwarted by a mystical talking eagle that threatened to stop the fire unless it received its share. The gods consented, and the eagle descended to join their meal.
In a sudden move, Loki attempted to strike the eagle with a branch, only for the bird to snatch him mid-attack. The eagle revealed itself to be Thjazi and demanded that Idun and her rejuvenating apples be surrendered to him. Loki agreed to fetch her, which allowed him to return to the ground.
When he arrived back home, Loki tricked Idun into exploring a dark forest by claiming it harbored rare fruit. Instead, she encountered Thjazi transformed into an eagle, who kidnapped her and transported her to his lair in Jotunheimr. The absence of Idun and her apples caused the gods to age rapidly. The Skáldskaparmál documents, “But the Æsir became straitened at the disappearance of Idunn, and speedily they became hoary and old.” As the situation grew dire, Loki faced accusations and threats from the other gods. In response, he promised to retrieve Idun and requested Freya’s falcon cloak for the task.
With the cloak in tow, Loki soared to Jotunheimr, where he found Idun alone in Thjazi’s halls. To covertly rescue her, he transformed Idun into a nut and flew back toward Asgard. Thjazi noticed the ruse and pursued them. As Loki drew near to Asgard, the other gods prepared a great fire reaching the heavens. Although Loki evaded the flames, Thjazi wasn’t as fortunate, crashing into the fire and meeting his demise. The moment was immortalized with the line, “Then the Æsir were near at hand and slew Thjazi the giant within the Gate of the Æsir, and that slaying is exceeding famous.”
Pop Culture
Idun remains a figure of significance in contemporary culture, appearing in various artistic and scientific references. For instance, Idunn Mons, a volcano on Venus, carries her name. The Swedish magazine Idun, which circulated from 1887 to 1963, featured her alongside her revered apples in its logo. Additionally, in the acclaimed video game God of War (2018), Idun is referenced through collectible items labeled “Apples of Idun,” which provide players with a vital health boost.
