Iðunn - Goddess of Norse Mythology

Image of Iðunn, Norse goddess of youth, with golden eyes, representing her power as the keeper of the golden apples of immortality.
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Iðunn, the Norse goddess of youth and keeper of the golden apples of immortality, depicted with piercing golden eyes that reflect her divine power.

Iðunn (pronounced: "EE-doon") is one of the prominent goddesses in Norse mythology, and she is often associated with youth and rejuvenation. She is primarily known for her role as the keeper of the golden apples that give the gods their immortality.

The name Iðunn is believed to derive from the Old Norse word "ið," which means "again" or "anew," and "unnr," which means "love" or "wave." The name is often translated as "renewal" or "ever young."

The name "Iðunn" in Old Norse runes is written as:

ᛁᚦᚢᚾᚾ

Iðunn is mentioned in several sources of Norse mythology, including the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. In these sources, she is depicted as the wife of Bragi, the god of poetry, and the keeper of the golden apples that keep the gods young and immortal.

According to the myth, the giants once stole Iðunn and her golden apples from the gods. As a result, the gods began to age and weaken. Eventually, the trickster god Loki helped to rescue Iðunn, and the golden apples were restored to the gods. This story emphasizes the importance of Iðunn and her role in keeping the gods young and powerful.

In the poem Lokasenna, Iðunn is accused by Loki of having slept with his brother's murderer. However, the accusations made by Loki in the poem are not necessarily to be taken as true at the time they were composed. Scholars suggest that this may have been a humorous episode, as the charges made by Loki are easy for him to make, but difficult for his target to refute, or that they don't bother to do so at all.

In the late poem Hrafnagaldur Óðins, Iðunn is identified as a descendant of the elves and is described as a dís who dwells in the valleys.

Iðunn is primarily associated with youth, rejuvenation, and immortality. She is often depicted carrying a basket of golden apples, which symbolize the fruit of life and the ability to renew one's vitality.

The golden apples that Iðunn guards are also seen as a symbol of fertility and abundance. The Vanir, a tribe of gods associated with fertility in Norse mythology, are said to be connected to the apples.

In addition to her role as a keeper of the golden apples, Iðunn is also associated with the natural world. She is sometimes depicted as a nature goddess who oversees the cycles of growth and renewal in the natural world.

In conclusion, Iðunn is an important goddess in Norse mythology who symbolizes youth, rejuvenation, and immortality. Her role as the keeper of the golden apples emphasizes the importance of renewal and vitality in the Norse worldview.


Please note that the information provided about Iðunn and Norse mythology is complex and may be subject to interpretation and debate. The myths and stories of Norse mythology have evolved and been passed down through oral tradition and written accounts, and there may be variations in the way they are told and understood. This information should be used as a general reference and not as a definitive source on the subject.


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