in progress
A mention of Iðunn in Gylfaginning
text
Gylf ch. 26b
26b. Iðunn
Hún varðveitir í eski sínu ep... | She keeps in her casket appl... |
[status: unverified copy]
commentary
context
Gylfaginning, which is part of Snorra Edda, was composed in Iceland in the 13th century, and holds the stories of many of the Pre-Christian myths of northern Europe. It is believe to have been composed by the Icelander Snorri Sturlusson. Snorra Edda consists of three separate parts, Gylfaginning, Skaldskápamáland Háttatal, all functioning together as a greater work and guide for the aspiring medieval poet and storyteller.
commentary
Iðunn is rarely mentioned in the written sources. She is described by Snorri as the wife of Bragi and she holds the apples which the gods eat to remain young. She features mainly in the story where Loki and Þjazi but is also mentioned in Haustlöng and Lokasenna. Because of her apples, she must be regarded amongst the fertility gods and a strong paralell to this theme canbe found in classical mythology with Hesperides‘ apples.
For more, see:
Ellis Davidson, H. R, (1990), Gods and Myths of Northern Europe. London: Penguin Books. pp. 165-166
Simek, Rudolf (2007), Transl: Angela Hall. Dictionary of Northern Mythology. Cambridge: D.S. Brewer. pp. 171-172
Steinsland, Gro (2005), Norrøn Religion. Myter, Riter, Samfunn. Oslo: Pax Forlag. pp. 241-243.
(Contributed by Liv Marit Aurdal.)
tags
Main text: Gylfaginning
Attributes: Female Fertility Loki causing trouble Goddess Female deity Æsir
Named things:
Text sections: SnSt, Gylf ch. 26b