What is the meaning of the name Iðunn in Norse mythology?
Scholars have proposed that the name Iðunn means ever young, rejuvenator, or the rejuvenating one. Jacob Grimm suggested a potential etymological connection to the idisi.
Questions about Iðunn
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who are the parents of women named Iðunn in 10th century Iceland?
Two specific incidents record women named Iðunn Arnardóttir and Iðunn Molda-Gnúpsdóttir as daughters of early settlers during the pagan period. These names appear in the 10th century Landnámabók as personal names for women in Iceland.
How does Loki rescue Iðunn from Þjazi's home?
Loki turns Iðunn into a nut and flies back toward Asgard in the form of a falcon after finding her alone at Þjazi's home. The gods build a pyre in the courtyard of Asgard which kills Þjazi when he pursues them in eagle form.
What evidence links apples to religious practices in Germanic paganism?
English scholar Hilda Ellis Davidson points out that buckets of apples were found in the 9th century Oseberg ship burial site in Norway. Fruit and nuts have been found in the early graves of the Germanic peoples in England and elsewhere on the continent of Europe which may have had a symbolic meaning.
Which 19th century opera cycle features Freia as a version of Iðunn?
The 19th century composer Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen opera cycle features Freia, a version of the goddess Freyja combined with Iðunn. Several publications have been named after the goddess including the United States-based Germanic neopagan group The Troth publication Idunna edited by Diana L. Paxson.