---
title: Idun and the Apples of Eternal Youth
author: J. Doyle Penrose
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14598/idun-and-the-apples-of-eternal-youth/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2024-12-12
---

# Idun and the Apples of Eternal Youth

_Authored by J. Doyle Penrose_

## Image File

[![Idun and the Apples of Eternal Youth](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14598.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14598.jpg)

## Image Caption

*Idun and the Apples,* oil on canvas by J. Doyle Penrose, 1890.

Private collection.

[Idunn](https://www.worldhistory.org/Idunn/) was a Norse goddess who was a guardian of the fruit (usually given as apples) that kept the gods of Asgard eternally young. For this reason, she was kidnapped by a [giant](https://www.worldhistory.org/Giants/) named Þjazi who desired the eternal youth of gods. When she was kidnapped, the gods began to age and her rescue from the realm of *Jotunheim* (the location of [giants](https://www.worldhistory.org/Giants/)) was of the utmost importance. Finally, she was released by the trickster [Loki](https://www.worldhistory.org/Loki/). From that time gods could enjoy youth till the times of the [Ragnarök](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ragnarok/).

## Cite This Work

### APA
Penrose, J. D. (2021, September 09). Idun and the Apples of Eternal Youth. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14598/idun-and-the-apples-of-eternal-youth/>
### Chicago
Penrose, J. Doyle. "Idun and the Apples of Eternal Youth." *World History Encyclopedia*, September 09, 2021. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14598/idun-and-the-apples-of-eternal-youth/>.
### MLA
Penrose, J. Doyle. "Idun and the Apples of Eternal Youth." *World History Encyclopedia*, 09 Sep 2021, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14598/idun-and-the-apples-of-eternal-youth/>.

## License & Copyright

[Original image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Idun_and_the_Apples.jpg) by [**J. Doyle Penrose**](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Idun_and_the_Apples.jpg). Submitted by [Celina Bebenek](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/celinacyprianbe/ "User Page: Celina Bebenek"), published on 09 September 2021. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.