Idunn
The goddess who keeps the gods’ youth-preserving apples; when Thjazi takes her away, the gods quickly age.
Overview
Idunn’s role centres on preserving divine youth. Chapter 26 says she keeps apples in a chest, and the gods eat them when they grow old so that they become young again. The Thjazi story in Skaldskaparmal turns that role into crisis: when she is taken from Asgard, the gods age rapidly, making youth something that can be lost and must be recovered.
Key facts
Keeps the youth-apples
Chapter 26 says Idunn keeps apples, and the gods eat them when aging so they become young again.
Taken by Thjazi
Skaldskaparmal chapters 1-2 narrate Thjazi taking Idunn away from Asgard, after which the gods age.
Relationships
- Bragimarried to
Chapter 26 names Bragi as Idunn’s husband.
- Asgardpreserves youth
Idunn preserves the gods’ youth through the apples in her chest.
- Lokilures out of Asgard
Loki lures Idunn out of Asgard, and Thjazi then carries her away.
- Thjazicarries off
Thjazi in eagle form carries Idunn away toward Jotunheim.
- Lokirecovers
Loki borrows Freyja’s hawk-plumage, turns Idunn into a nut and carries her back to Asgard.
- Bragiasks him not to answer harshly
Idunn asks Bragi not to answer Loki with harsh words.
- Lokitaunts
Loki taunts Idunn at the feast; it is not a factual record about her.
Story appearances
- Oaths, Treasures and Giant AftershocksKeeper of youth
Idunn makes divine youth a condition that can be lost and recovered.
- Lokasenna: Ægir’s FeastFeast figure in Lokasenna
The goddess who keeps the gods’ youth-preserving apples; when Thjazi takes her away, the gods quickly age.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.