Goddess Idun And The Golden Apple Myth In Norse Mythology

MessageToEagle.com – In Norse myths, goddess Idun (or Ithunn) is described as a powerful young woman with magical powers. Idun, daughter of a dwarf blacksmith, Ivald, was allowed by the dwarfs to visit the earth, occasionally.

According to some mythologists, Idun, was the fair goddess of immortal youth, love, fertility and the personification of spring.

She had no birth and was never to taste death, therefore, she was particularly warmly welcomed by the gods when she made her appearance in Asgard (home of the gods).

In Norse mythology, the gods and goddesses represented a mixed race and were not immortal.

They had to regularly eat marvelous golden apples from Idun’s garden to ward off disabilities and old age and diseases, in order to remain beautiful, young through countless ages and vigorous.

“The golden apples Out of her garden Have yielded you a dower of youth, Ate you them every day.”

See also:

The Norns – Shapers Of Destiny Who Recorded Days In Person’s Life In Norse Mythology

Norse Legend Of Hero Sigmund And The Magical Sword In The Branstock Tree

Mysterious And Powerful Valkyries In Norse Mythology: The Choosers Of The Slain

Fascinating Myths And Legneds From All Across The World

Idun, the immortal one, was the keeper of wonderful golden apples of youth, which she maintained in her magic casket, when she made an appearance at Valhalla’s portal, accompanied by her husband, Bragi (Brage), the god of poetry and eloquence, and the patron of skalds or poets.

Bragi gave to human beings a very powerful ability – inspiration. He also made his Cup of Bragi, famous among those who had sworn an oath.

“Bright Iduna, Maid immortal! knew how to win the gods’ fondness and they knew that she guarded something they really needed – the golden ‘rare apples not of Earth, ageing Æsir give fresh birth….”

Idun promised them a daily taste of her apples which she treasured in her casket…

“The golden apples Out of her garden Have yielded you a dower of youth, Ate you them every day.” (Wagner (Forman’s tr.)

No matter how many she drew out from the casket, the same number always remained in the casket.

The Norns kept watch over the golden apples which hung on the branches of the tree of life, experience, and knowledge. They allowed none but Idun to pick the fruits, but she always had to be very cautious when she shared the apples with the gods, because dwarfs and giants were eager to obtain possession of the powerful fruit.

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