Last Updated on October 25, 2024
Idunn (pronounced “EE-dun”) is the Æsir goddess who guards the apples of eternal youth. Known also as Idunna or Iðunn, she plays a vital role among the gods. Idunn’s apples keep the gods youthful, healthy, and strong, preventing the ravages of age from touching them. Her husband, Bragi, the god of poetry, appreciates her wisdom and gentle nature. Idunn’s connection to youth, life, and renewal makes her essential in the realm of the gods, as without her apples, the Æsir would weaken and eventually die.
One of Idunn’s most famous stories involves her abduction by the trickster Loki. The giant Thjazi forces Loki to lure Idunn away from Asgard and into the giant’s clutches. Without Idunn and her apples, the gods begin to age and weaken. Realizing their need for her, they demand Loki retrieve Idunn and return her to Asgard. Loki, transforming into a falcon, flies to Thjazi’s stronghold, where he transforms Idunn into a nut to carry her back. With Idunn’s safe return, the gods regain their youth and vitality.
Idunn is not a warrior but provides an irreplaceable service, embodying purity and renewal. Her connection to life cycles, health, and vitality represents her deeper role in maintaining the gods’ strength. Idunn’s unassuming role holds immense value, as her presence supports the balance of power in Asgard, ensuring that life and strength remain among the gods.
Elder Futhark Runes Associated with Idunn
The Berkanan rune aligns well with Idunn’s role as the goddess of renewal and vitality. Symbolizing growth, rebirth, and fertility, Berkanan embodies Idunn’s nurturing essence. Practitioners view Berkanan as a rune of personal renewal and new beginnings, representing life’s constant cycles of growth and rejuvenation. For those who honor Idunn, Berkanan serves as a reminder to nurture inner strength and embrace change.
Idunn’s Importance in Asatru
Idunn represents youth, vitality, and the renewal of life, which many Asatru followers view as sacred. Her ability to grant youth and restore vitality symbolizes self-care and balance in nature. Practitioners see Idunn as a source of inspiration for inner growth and personal renewal, seeking her guidance to remain resilient through life’s changes. Her wisdom and nurturing spirit encourage a connection with nature and the cycles of life.
