Trying to understand Norse Mythology can be a frustrating task; there is
much inconsistency throughout the pantheon due to the fact that so little
original material has survived. The majority of the knowledge we have today
comes from a small collection of documents, and archaeological findings,
bearing evidence of ceremonial rituals.
The Germanic peoples, originally occupying the North German plain and
Baltic Islands, were composed of several ethnic groups who spoke diverse
dialects of a proto - Germanic language. Their Deities were divided
into two major groups, the Aesir and Vanir, as well as the Giants, who are
said to be the oldest of the mystical Beings in the Norse pantheon.
The Gods and Goddesses themselves were a race of half-giant, half - god Deities
who were not immortal, and they understood that a time would come when they
would meet their own deaths. It is for this very reason, that the Goddess
Idun of the Aesir, is by far more important and powerful than what the
little information left on Her would suggest.
Idun, also known as Iduna or Idunn, was the Goddess of youth and the protectress
of young women. She was also wife of Bragi, the Norse God of Poetry and Music.
As the Goddess of eternal youth, this Goddess would never age and was hence,
the only Goddess in the Aesir considered immortal; she would never taste
the sharp sting of death.
But she
also had the amazing ability to pass on eternal youth to the Goddesses and
Gods of the Asgard through the wondrous golden apples of youth.
According to most myth, Idun's life giving fruit did not grow on
any trees in the Asgard .Nevertheless, one German fairytale tells us that
Idun would get the magickal apples from a tree in Mother Holle's garden.
In any way, it has been recorded that Idun kept Her treasure
in a box, made out of Ash-wood.
Idun's magickal fruits were highly prized by the Gods. This lovely Goddess would
supply the Deities with the magickal fruit at times, making sure old
age would never work its way into their bodies and minds. But the magickal
fruits were also very much envied by the giants, thus Idun kept Her treasures
beside Her at all times.
However, legend has it that Idun was once kidnapped by the giant Thjaz, and the fruit of immortality was taken from Her.
The trickster God Loki played a significant role in Idun's kidnapping and
the situation caused the Goddesses and Gods to grow old because they
did not have Idun to supply them with the magickal fruits. With
the help of the God Odin and His rune magick, Idun was freed from Her
prison and was able to return home. Shortly thereafter, the Gods regained
their youth through Idun and Her gift.
Clearly, this amazing Goddess deserves to claim Her rightful place. She is
witness to all women, for She holds the secret and the power to
life. She is a life giver without ever having given birth and She sustains
life by sharing Her very gift; unconditionally and completely. Her
myth is so complex and fascinating; how could we ever forget Her.
Poem in Idun's Honor
By Freya
Eternal, everlasting Goddess of the Aesir
you give your love without hesitation
Life is sustained by you throughout eternity
The Gods are of great power
but are of none without you
The gift of eternal life lies with you
Hear Her, listen to Her call
Sisters, Idun is everlasting
Hear Her, for She will always remain in our souls
Her golden fruit, the essence of life
is the love forever in our hearts
The cries of the young She will not ignore
Know Her, for She is eternal
I make this promise to Her today;
in my heart She won't ever be forgotten.
Sources: The poem to honor Idun is my original work.
Graphics
Graphics are free graphics and courtesy of http://www.dieweltesche.de/Goetter.html
www.sacredsource.com
http://graphics.elysiumgates.com/celtic4.html
Text Sources:
[Online: http://www.dieweltesche.de./Goetter.html ]
German web source, in small parts translated by me.
[Monoghan, Patricia. Goddesses and Heroines]
[Roberts, J. Morgan. Norse Gods And Heroes. Idun - Goddess of Youth]
