I have a question for the Asatru people out there.?
I am a Norse Wicca and when i asked the Goddess to revile herself to me it was Idunn. Not much is known about her so my question is this: What do you as Asatru do to venerate Idunn?
There is a wonderful book called "The Norse Myths" that should be available at the book store. Read it, and other variations of the tales. That is one of the best ways to learn about particular gods and goddesses - by going right to the people who wrote about them.
The Norse myths are parts of one longer story. In particular, read a tale called The Theft of Idun's Apples. This should give you insight to her and her character.
I myself don't really do a lot with Idunna, although a few people I know do things like take care of a potted plant of some sort in Her honor, particularly if it bears fruit like a mini tomato plant or something. One person I know keeps a basket of apples on Her altar since that is the fruit She is associated with. It's also been some people's UPG (Unverified Personal Gnosis) that She likes sweet alcoholic drinks and candies. Mainly though a lot of blots in Her honor celebrate the wildness of youth and the joy of living since Her powers are over the realms of youth and renewal.
Idunna/Idun/Idhunn is known primarily as the keeper of the apples of youth in Norse lore---our gods would not be immortal without her.
She is the wife of Bragi, the God of poetry, sometimes seen as dispensing the "mead of inspiration."
She was once kidnapped by the giant Thiazi in eagle form (with Loki's connivance) and later rescued by Loki, who "borrowed" Freyja's falcon cloak, turned her into a walnut, and flew off with her back to Asgardh . . . the gods had prepared a bonfire inside the wall, and as soon as Loki passed overhead, they lit it and Thiazi, wings aflame, tumbled into Asgardh and was slain . . . which leads to the whole Skadhi & Njord story . . . *G*
Little has been preserved, other than that, and there's no evidence of which I'm aware that Idun was ever worshipped directly, though she certainly may have been the "local goddess" *somewhere.* To honor her within our cultural context, I would suggest keeping a bowl of three apples on your harrow or altar, and composing poetry in her honor . . . as I'm sure her husband Bragi does too. :-)
Stepping slightly *outside* a strictly Norse worldview, celebrating youth celebrates her gift to the godhs.
I starred it so Boars should see it on both of us. LOL
I'm not well read on it but what I have read its an awesome trad. I have never heard of Idunn, but I repeat I am not well versed.
Blessed Be and good luck on your journey
*edit Oh hey he beat me to it! LOL
In my kindred, we make a point to honor Idunna each year at the Winter Nights gathering by setting aside a basket of recently picked apples. This celebratory gathering is usually held in late autumn, to acknowledge the end of the harvest season and the approach of winter.
I know other kind reds and or gs have honored her as well, though at different times of the year and perhaps in different ways. Some see her operating hand-in-hand with Ostara at springtime.
The goddess represents youth, vitality, health through the apples of immortality that she bears. Pretty straightforward imagery there and easy enough to come up with your own ways to honor her, if you want to set up a formal ritual or something like that.
There's really no evidence yet found that indicates any ritualized blots performed to honor Idunna. But fresh apples set in a basket just for her .. (I hate to use this term) feels right.
But without anything concrete to go on... really that's all you can do... what feels right.
I have a question for the Asatru people out there.?
