Idunn Goddess of Youth

Areas of Influence: Idunn is the Norse Goddess of youth and springtime.

Her name means she who renews and has several alternative spellings including: Indun, Iduna and Idhunna.

She was one of the lesser known Aesir Goddesses who lived in Asgard.

She is the keeper of the magical apples that give the Gods immortality.

When Loki arranges for the giant Thiassi to abduct her all the Gods and Goddesses start to age and weaken.

Loki is summoned by the angry Gods and is told to rescue her. He borrows Freya's falcon cloak and flies to the giants house. Luckily the Giant is out fishing so Loki transforms Idun into a nut, attempting to fly her home quickly before the giant discovers her missing.

The Giant returns home early and changes into an eagle so he can give chase. The Eagle is faster than a falcon and the giant begins to gain on Loki. Odin sees them in the distance and instructs the Gods to light a fire once Loki has safely flown overhead. The Eagle is unable to stop and his wings burst into flames.

Origins and Genealogy: The Nordic Goddess of Youth is married to Bragi the God of poetry. I have not included her parentage as the information is incomplete and contradictory.

Strengths: Generous and youthful.

Weaknesses: Naivety, too trusting.

Symbolism: Shown as a beautiful maiden.

Sacred Animal/Bird/Plant: Apples which she carries in a basket.

Idunn's Archetype

The Maiden:

The Maiden Archetype represents purity and the innocence of childhood, where the soul’s dreams, magic and make believe still prevail.

It is also an aspect of the Triple Goddess, together with the Mother and the Crone they represents the cycles of the moon and the different stages of a woman’s life.

Shadow Maiden is very self centered all, her dreams and energy is expended on achieving her own personal needs and goals.

Idunn is a Maiden Goddess as she is the Goddess of youth and the springtime.

How To Work With This Archetype

The Maiden:

The Maiden is one of your Archetypes if you are life still in touch with your childhood intuition and fantasies and have used these to fulfill your dreams. Hence you can still have the Maiden Archetype at any time of life.

The Maiden reminds you to look after the magical child that lies within us all.

Shadow Maiden asks you to look at whether your dreams and aspirations are selfish and take no account of the needs of others.