Iðunn's Apples
In Viking culture, apples held deep symbolic significance, particularly through their association with the goddess Iðunn. In Norse mythology, Iðunn is the keeper of the magical apples that grant the gods eternal youth, signifying rejuvenation and immortality.
Hon varðveitir í eski sínu epli þau, er goðin skulu á bíta þá er þau eldast, ok verða þá allir ungir, ok svá mun vera allt til ragnarökrs.
She protects in her box the apples that the gods must take a bite of when they grow old, and then they all become young, and this way it will be until Ragnarök.
Hvernig skal kenna Iðunni? Svá, at kalla hana konu Braga ok gætandi eplanna, en eplin ellilyf ásanna.
How should one address Iðunn? Thus, by calling her Bragi’s wife and protector of apples, and the apples [should be called] the Æsir’s old age elixir.
Skáldskaparmál tells the story of how Iðunn has a wooden box (old Norse “eski”, similar to current-day Norwegian “eske” or Danish “æske”) in which she keeps her apples. The apples are magical and she allows the other Gods to take a bite of them once in a while which keeps them from aging.
At one point Loki tricks Iðunn into leaving Asgard with her apples, leading to her capture by the jötunn Þjazi. When the gods realize Iðunn and her apples are missing, they quickly start aging and they hold an assembly to find out where she has gone. They then learn Loki was last seen with Iðunn, who is forced to go get her back from Jötunheimr using Freyja’s falcon cloak. When Loki finds her he transforms her into a nut and escapes with her. Þjazi, upon discovering Iðunn missing, pursues Loki in eagle form. As Loki, in falcon form, nears Asgard, the gods build a fire behind the walls. Loki dives in safely, but Þjazi, unable to stop, burns his feathers and crashes. The gods seize the opportunity to kill him, rescuing Iðunn and her precious apples.
The recurring motif of apples in various mythological contexts underscores their role as symbols of life and renewal. For instance, the Oseberg ship burial, a significant archaeological find, included a bucket of apples, suggesting their ceremonial importance and possibly a belief in their protective and life-sustaining properties.
Apples also appear in other mythological narratives tied to fertility and prosperity. The Vanir god Freyr’s attempt to woo Gerðr with golden apples emphasizes their connection to fertility and growth. Furthermore, the apple’s presence in the tale of King Rerir, who receives an apple from Frigg to conceive a child, reinforces their symbolism as life-giving and nourishing. Thus, apples in Viking lore encapsulate both themes of vitality and renewal.
Iðunn’s apple is a strong Viking symbol for life, birth and fertility.
