Apples of immortality, also known as apples of eternal life, were a fruit grown in the orchard of gold, protected by Fafnir the Snow Dragon. Attaining them was the central goal of the fourth episode of Twilight of the Gods, "The Worm."
History[]
In the past, the trees of immortality were the property of the Vanir gods. Their apples gave them eternal youth, however, after the war with the Aesir the Vanir were forced to hand over Freya and the trees in order to maintain peace. Once in the possession of the Aesir, it was the Aesir who enjoyed them, leaving the Vanir to age and rot.
Fafnir protects the apples from intruders.
When seeking the help of the Vanir, Sigrid and Leif were turned away. The Vanir refused to break their spit-sworn truce with the Aesir. Loki Laufeyson, hidden as a worm in Sigrid's ear, suggested that she offer to retrieve the apples in exchange for their help, to which King Tiwaz agreed. Sigrid's group headed to the golden orchards with Tiwaz's representative, Thyra. Andvari and Hervor looked forward to slaying the orchard's guardian, Fafnir the Snow Dragon, though they attempted to take the apples without alerting the warped dwarf. This didn't last, leading to a battle between Sigrid's group and the dragon.[1]
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Norse origins[]
In Norse mythology, golden apples are magical fruits guarded by the goddess Idunn (or Iðunn), which grant eternal youth to the gods of Asgard. These apples are essential for maintaining the vitality of the gods, who, although powerful, are not immortal by nature.
Idunn's apples are described as golden fruits, kept in a chest by the goddess herself. They come from an apple tree born from "Primordial Gold," which gives them their exceptional properties. When a god begins to feel the effects of aging, they consume one of these apples to regain their youth.
Idunn is the wife of Bragi, the god of poetry. Her name means "she who rejuvenates" or "ever young." She is the guardian of the apples of youth, thus ensuring the eternal youth of the gods.
One of the most famous tales involving Idunn is her abduction by the giant Þjazi (Thiazi). Transformed into an eagle, Thiazi forces Loki to lure Idunn out of Asgard with his apples. Deprived of these fruits, the gods begin to age and demand that Loki bring her back. Through a ruse, Loki, transformed into a falcon, manages to save Idunn and restore the gods' youth. The gods kill Thiazi and Odin, as recompense for the death, hangs his eyes in the sky to watch over the jötun. Sigrid references this event in "The Bride-Price" by pointing out Thiazi's eyes in the night sky.
Idunn's apples symbolize the cycle of life, regeneration, and cosmic balance. They remind us that even the gods depend on external forces to maintain their vitality. This theme of fruits granting immortality is found in other mythologies, such as the golden apples of the Hesperides in ancient Greece.
References[]
- ↑ Eric Carrasco, Caitlin Parrish (writers) & Dave Hartman, Andrew Tamandl (directors). September 19, 2024. Twilight of the Gods episode 4, "The Worm."