Iðunn

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Image:Idun and Thiazi.jpg

Iðunn was, in Norse mythology, one of the goddesses. According to the Prose Edda she was the custodian of apples which allowed the Æsir to maintain their eternal youthfulness. She was the wife of Bragi, god of poetry.

As related in Haustlöng Iðunn was at one time abducted with her apples by the giant Þjazi, who used Loki as a stooge to lure Iðunn out of Ásgarðr (Asgard). During her absence, the Æsir began to age without the rejuvenating qualities of her apples, prompting them to press Loki into the task of rescuing her. Borrowing Freyja's falcon skin, he retrieved Iðunn from Þrymheimr, transforming her into the form of a nut for the flight back. Þjazi, displeased, pursued them in the form of an eagle, but was defeated by having his wings set alight by a bonfire created by the Æsir.

Familiar forms

Iðunn's name is written in various languages as Idun, Iduna, Idunna, Idunn, Ithun or Ithunn.

Image:Mjollnir icon.png

Norse mythology

List of Norse gods | Æsir | Vanir | Giants | Elves | Dwarves | Valkyries | Einherjar | Norns
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Sources:
Poetic Edda | Prose Edda | The Sagas | Volsung Cycle | Tyrfing Cycle
Rune stones | Old Norse language | Orthography | Later influence
Society:
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The nine worlds of Norse mythology | People, places and things
da:Tjasse bortfører Idun

de:Idun el:Ιντούν es:Iðunn fr:Idunn fy:Iduna it:Iðunn lt:Iduna lv:Iduna nl:Iduna ja:イドゥン pl:Idun pt:Iduna ro:Idunna ru:Идун sv:Idun uk:Ідунн