Idun is the modern Scandinavian form of Iðunn, the Norse goddess of spring and immortality. In Old Norse mythology, Iðunn is renowned as the keeper of the golden apples that grant the gods eternal youth. Her name is probably derived from the prefix ið- meaning "again, repeated" and unna "to love", thus symbolizing a "renewal of love" or "everlasting love". Mythological Role According to the Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson, Iðunn is married to the skaldic god Bragi. She keeps the gods youthful by guarding a chest of golden apples; as the gods age, they take bites from the apples to regain their vitality. One key myth involves the deity Loki, who was captured by the giant Þjazi and forced to lure Iðunn out of Asgard with a promise of more splendid apples. In the form of an eagle, Þjazi abducted Iðunn to his home in the mountains. Without her apples, the gods quickly grew gray and withered. At their bitter complaints, Loki—under threat of torture—promised to retrieve Iðunn. Borrowing Freyja's falcon cloak, Loki flew to Þjazi's home, transformed Iðunn into a nut, and flew her back to Asgard. When the eagle-giant gave chase, the gods lit a bonfire on the walls of Asgard that singed his wings, forcing him to crash fatally inside. The myth is recorded in the Prose Edda and referenced in the Poetic Edda. Cultural Significance Iðunn embodies the concept of renewal and preservation; her role is vital to the well-being of the divine community. Unlike Greek or Roman parallels, she is not a goddess of the harvest but of perpetual youth through magic fruit. The apple itself became a symbol of lasting life in Old Norse poetry. Today, the name Idun appears as a feminine given name in Norway, Sweden, and among Nordic-influenced communities. Variants include Idunn in Norwegian and Iðunn in Old Norse, as well as anglicized forms Idonea and Idony in historical English use. The myth of Iðunn and Þjazi was depicted in the 17th-century skaldic poem Háttatal and is frequently mentioned in modern neopagan literature. Meaning: "Renewed love" (probably from ið 'again' + unna 'to love') Origin: Old Norse goddess name. Type: Modern Scandinavian feminine given name. Usage regions: Norway, Sweden, other Nordic countries. Variant forms: Idunn (Norwegian), Idonea/Idony (English), Iðunn (Old Norse).