Last Updated on January 20, 2025
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.
Runes Associated with Idunn
Idunn connects closely with Berkanan (ᛒ) and Ehwaz (ᛖ) in the Elder Futhark. Berkanan symbolizes renewal, fertility, and growth, reflecting Idunn’s role as the guardian of the life-sustaining apples of youth. The rune’s birch tree symbolism mirrors her nurturing essence. Ehwaz represents trust, partnership, and harmonious movement, aligning with Idunn’s relationship with Bragi and her central role in sustaining divine vitality. This rune’s connection to duality and balance reflects her role as a bridge between mortal and divine longevity. Together, they illustrate her nurturing and essential contributions to life and vitality. 
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.
