Idun

Idunnor or Iduna, was, in Germanic mythology, the goddess who guarded the apples of youth. She was the wife of Bragi, the god of poetry. When Loki, the fire god, was captured by the frost giant Thiassi, he had to promise to steal the apples from Idun to secure his release. On his return to Asgard, therefore, Loki told Idun that he had discovered apples of much better quality growing nearby, and so the goddess trustingly accompanied him into the forest, where, in the shape of an eagle, Thiassi awaited his prey. He took Idun and her apples in his claws and flew to Jotunheim, the land of the frost giants. The loss of the apples at first caused the gods to become weak and old, with bleary eyes and loose skin. Then their minds began to weaken, as a general fear of death settled on Asgard. At last Odin gathered his remaining strength and found Loki. By threat of magic he compelled Loki to bring back Idun and her apples.

Loki flew to Jotunheim as a falcon, changed Idun into a nut and carried her home. The frost giant gave chase as an eagle, but he was burned to death by fires placed along the tops of Asgard's mighty walls. Loki then restored Idun to her true shape and she gave magic apples to the ailing gods.

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