Iðunn
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Iðunn was one of the goddesses in Norse mythology. According to the Prose Edda, she was the custodian of apples that allowed the Æsir to maintain their eternal youthfulness. She was the wife of Bragi, god of poetry.
As related in Haustlöng Iðunn was abducted with her apples by the giant Þjazi, who used Loki as a stooge to lure Iðunn out of Ásgarðr. During her absence, the Æsir began to age without the rejuvenating qualities of her apples, prompting them to press Loki into the task of rescuing her. Borrowing Freyja's falcon skin, Loki retrieved Iðunn from Þrymheimr, transforming her into the form of a nut for the flight back. Þjazi, displeased, pursued them in the form of an eagle, but was defeated by having his wings set afire by a bonfire created by the Æsir.
[edit] Familiar forms
Iðunn's name is written in various languages as Idun, Idunn, Iduna, Idunna, Ithun or Ithunn.
[edit] Gallery
 Loki lures Iðunn away, by John Bauer. |
 Idun and the Apples (1890) by J. Doyle Penrose. |
 Bragi is shown with a harp and accompanied by his wife Iðunn in this 19th century painting by Nils Blommér. |
|
 The gods become old as they rue the loss of the apples, by Arthur Rackham |
 Brita as Iduna by Carl Larsson |
[edit] External links
- Norse Mythology: Idun from Hurstwic, a Viking Age Living History Society
 |
Norse mythology |
|---|---|
| List of Norse gods | Æsir | Vanir | Giants | Elves | Dwarves | Troll | Valkyries | Einherjar | Norns | Odin | Thor | Freyr | Freyja | Loki | Balder | Týr | Yggdrasil | Ginnungagap | Ragnarök | |
| Sources: Poetic Edda | Prose Edda | The Sagas | Volsung Cycle | Tyrfing Cycle | Rune stones | Old Norse language | Orthography | Later influence | |
| Society: Viking Age | Skald | Kenning | Blót | Seid | Numbers | |
| People, places and things |
