The Poetic Edda on Ithun

The > Volume I > Notes

• attestation: Apples were the symbol of fruitfulness and eternal youth in Norse tradition, with the goddess Ithun having charge of the apples that kept the gods young.

  "Apples: the apple was the symbol of fruitfulness, and also of eternal youth. According to Snorri, the goddess Ithun had charge of the apples which the gods ate whenever they felt themselves growing old."

• attestation: Ithun is the goddess of youth, and the giant Thjazi stole her and her apples

  "Ithun: the goddess of youth"

• attestation: Ithun is Bragi's wife

  "Ithun: Bragi's wife"

The > Volume I > Introductory Note

• attribution: Ithun delivers a speech in the verse.

  "15. "In thy seat art thou bold, | not so are thy deeds, Bragi, adorner of benches! Go out and fight | if angered thou feelest, No hero such forethought has."

Ithun spake:"