Iðunn

Ydun (1858) by H. W. Bissen - angle

Iðunn is a goddess in Norse mythology, associated with youth and rejuvenation. She is best known for her role in the myth where she guards the apples that grant the gods eternal youthfulness. Iðunn is married to Bragi, the god of poetry, and her name can be variously spelled as Idun, Idunn, or Ithun, reflecting variations in the transliteration of the Old Norse language.

Mythology

In the most famous myth involving Iðunn, she is kidnapped by the giant Thjazi, who is lured by the promise of her magical apples. The gods, noticing their aging without the apples, task Loki with rescuing her. Loki, in the form of a falcon, finds Iðunn in Jötunheimr, the land of the giants, and flies her back to Asgard, the realm of the gods, in the form of a nut. Thjazi, in the form of an eagle, pursues them but is killed by the gods upon reaching Asgard.

Iðunn's role in the pantheon highlights the themes of youth, vitality, and the cyclical nature of life and death, which are prevalent in Norse mythology. Her guardianship of the apples serves as a symbol of the gods' desire for immortality and their dependence on the natural world.

Etymology

The name Iðunn has been interpreted to mean "ever young," "rejuvenator," or "the rejuvenating one," reflecting her association with youth and vitality. The etymology underscores her role within the Norse pantheon as the keeper of the magical apples that are crucial for the gods' continued youth and strength.

Worship and Symbolism

While there are no known temples dedicated to Iðunn, she is a significant figure in Norse mythology due to her role in maintaining the gods' youth. Her symbols include the apple and, occasionally, the nut, representing the story of her rescue. Iðunn's association with rejuvenation and renewal also makes her a figure of spring and growth, embodying the renewal of nature.

In Modern Culture

Iðunn has been featured in various forms of modern media, including literature, music, and video games, where she is often depicted in relation to her mythological background. Her story has been interpreted in new ways, reflecting contemporary values and themes while maintaining her traditional attributes of youth and rejuvenation.

See Also

• Norse mythology
• Bragi
• Loki
• Thjazi
• Asgard
• Jötunheimr