Ageing and Myths of Rejuvenation: Iðunn’s Apples and Springs of Youth in Old Norse Literature

Myths of rejuvenation of varied sorts are present in different cultures in many parts of the world. Deities or semi-divine beings are often involved as performers of rituals or as givers of special magic objects to regain youth. Rejuvenating materials (rings, apples, etc.) or elements like fire and water are rooted in classic as well as in Oriental traditions. Euripides and Ovid’s Medea employs herbs, enchantments and witches’ fire to renew the youth of Æson and Pelias.In Old Norse mythology the golden apples of Iðunn (an asynja who looks after the orchard where the magic fruits grow and gives them to the gods) are powerful means of contrasting ageing and therefore cov- eted by giants. According to Snorri’s Edda, Loki kidnaps the goddess on behalf of a giant, Þjazi, and takes her to Jotunheim. Without Iðunn’s apples, the gods quickly began to age and their hair turned grey until they could have her back in Ásgarðr.