Idun

Who is Idun?

Idun is a goddess in Norse mythology, who is associated with youth, spring, and rejuvenation. She is also known as the keeper of the magic apples of immortality, which the gods must eat to preserve their youth. She is the wife of Bragi, the god of poetry, and a member of the Aesir, the main tribe of gods. Her name means “the one who loves again” in Old Norse.

What are Idun’s powers and attributes?

Idun is the personification of spring, the season of renewal and growth. She has the power to make anything young and fresh again, including herself and the other gods. She is also a skald, a poet and a storyteller, who can inspire and enchant with her words. She is often depicted with a basket of golden apples, which are the source of her magic and the gods’ vitality.

What are Idun’s myths and stories?

Idun has several myths and stories in Norse mythology. One of them is the story of how she was kidnapped by the giant Thiazi, who wanted to steal her apples and make himself immortal. Thiazi tricked Loki, the god of mischief, into luring Idun out of Asgard, the home of the gods, and then captured her and took her to his fortress. Without Idun and her apples, the gods began to age and weaken. They forced Loki to rescue Idun and bring her back. Loki transformed himself into a falcon and flew to Thiazi’s lair, where he found Idun and turned her into a nut. He then carried her in his claws and flew away. Thiazi, who had seen through Loki’s disguise, turned himself into an eagle and chased after him. The gods saw Loki and Idun approaching Asgard, and prepared a fire at the gate. As Loki flew over the fire, the gods lit it and burned Thiazi’s wings, causing him to fall and die. Idun was restored to her original form and gave the gods her apples, making them young and strong again.

What is Idun’s role in Ragnarok?

Idun is one of the few gods who will survive Ragnarok, the doom of the gods. She will join the survivors in the new world that will emerge after the destruction of the old one. She will continue to provide the gods with her apples and her poetry, and enjoy the beauty and harmony of nature. She will also be reunited with her husband Bragi, who will be resurrected as a bard. Idun will be one of the leaders of the new generation of gods and goddesses, who will honor the memory of the fallen ones.