Idun’s Essential Role in Norse Mythology
Idun stands out as a key goddess within Norse mythology, renowned as the guardian of the magical fruits which are vital for the gods’ immortality and youth. These fruits are most often interpreted as apples, but according to the insights of Old Norse scholar E.O.G. Turville-Petre, the term “epli” (the Old Norse word for apples) encompassed various fruits and nuts. Since actual apples were unfamiliar in Scandinavia prior to the rise of Christianity, it’s plausible that the original stories referenced different types of berries or nuts.
The Abduction of Idun
During their travels, three Aesir gods—Odin, Loki, and Hoenir—ventured into the harsh landscapes far from Asgard, where provisions were limited. Upon discovering a herd of oxen, they decided to cook one for their meal. Surprisingly, no matter how long they awaited, the meat remained uncooked. Confounded by this anomaly, they heard a voice from above, revealing a large eagle perched nearby. The eagle claimed responsibility for the uncooked meat and proposed a deal: providing him with a full meal would lift the spell he had cast over the meat. Although exasperated, the gods consented, and the eagle swooped down to take the finest cuts for himself.
Distrustful of the eagle’s greedy maneuvers, Loki grew furious and grabbed a stout branch, hurling it towards the creature. However, the eagle seized the branch in its talons, whisking a bewildered Loki into the air. In a panic, Loki pleaded for release, but the eagle—who was actually Thjazi the giant in disguise—demanded an oath from Loki to deliver Idun and her magical fruits.
After returning to Asgard, Loki approached Idun, deceitfully suggesting that he had discovered even more extraordinary fruits beyond the confines of their home and encouraging her to compare them. Under Loki’s pretense, Idun followed, and before she knew it, Thjazi transformed into an eagle and whisked her away to his lair high in the mountains called Thrymheim.
With Idun gone, the other gods began to feel the weight of aging. Their vitality diminished; wrinkles formed, hair lost its luster, and strength waned. Disturbed by her absence, the assembled gods inquired about what had happened to Idun, tracing her last known whereabouts to Loki. They apprehended him and threatened dire consequences if he did not disclose her whereabouts. In fear, Loki recounted his tale, and the gods decreed that he must rescue Idun from Thjazi, or face death.
Freya, sympathetic to Loki’s plight, provided him with her hawk feathers which bestowed the ability to transform into a hawk. Loki swiftly journeyed to Jotunheim, the realm of giants where Thrymheim was located, and was relieved to find that Thjazi was away fishing, leaving Idun unguarded. Seizing the moment, Loki altered Idun into a nut and soared away with her in his grasp.
Upon Thjazi’s return, the enraged giant transformed into an eagle and pursued Loki back to Asgard. Alarmed at the sight of the furious giant closing in, Loki’s companions quickly constructed a barrier of kindling around their fortress. Loki, clutching Idun tightly, successfully crossed the barrier. The gods then ignited the kindling, unleashing a scorching blaze that consumed Thjazi before he could escape, effectively ending his menacing flight.
The tale of Idun and her vital treasures underscores the themes of youth, deception, and the eternal struggle against the inevitability of age within the realm of Norse mythology.
