Myths of the Norsemen: From the Eddas and Sagas

by H. A. Guerber

On Odin’s hall

Can be traced to Loki base.

From out Valhalla’s portal

’Twas he who pure Iduna lured,—

Whose casket fair

Held apples rare

That render gods immortal,—

And in Thiassi’s tower immured.”

Valhalla (J. C. Jones).

Time passed. The gods, thinking that Idun had accompanied her husband and would soon return, at first paid no heed to her departure, but little by little the beneficent effect of the last feast of apples passed away. They began to feel the approach of old age, and saw their youth and beauty disappear; so, becoming alarmed, they began to search for the missing goddess.