In Norse mythology, Idun is the goddess of youth and the keeper of magical apples that grant immortality and eternal youth to the gods of Asgard. Loki, the mischievous god, becomes jealous and intrigued by the powers of these apples. He hatches a cunning plan to steal the apples and disrupt the balance in Asgard.

Loki deceives Idun into leaving Asgard one day by claiming to have found more magical apples that could help the gods. Idun, who has faith in Loki, adheres to him outside of Asgard. When they are sufficiently removed from the realm, the enormous Thjazi, working in concert with Loki, soars down and kidnaps Idun, bringing her back to his fortress.

The gods of Asgard start to age quickly and lose their divine vigour shortly after Idun vanishes. They confront Loki after realising the grave repercussions of Idun’s absence, and he eventually admits his treachery and discloses Thjazi’s involvement.

The gods are looking for a way to save Idun out of a desperate desire to regain their youth. They persuade Thjazi’s daughter and giantess Skadi to assist them in return for a marriage pact with one of the gods. They find Thjazi’s fortress with Skadi’s help, and they come up with a plan to save Idun.

Idun is changed into a nut by Loki using cunning, enabling him to carry her back to Asgard while avoiding Thjazi’s pursuit. Thjazi pursues them as they flee while taking the form of an eagle, but the gods are able to entice him into the fortified walls of Asgard. They trapped Thjazi by lighting the surrounding walls on fire.

In a fierce battle, the gods kill Thjazi and return Idun and her magical apples safely to Asgard. Once they have the apples again, the gods regain their youth and vitality.

To punish Loki for his deceit, the gods capture him and bind him to a rock, where a venomous serpent is placed above him, dripping venom onto his face. Loki’s faithful wife, Sigyn, stands by him, holding a basin to catch the venom and alleviate his suffering. However, whenever the basin becomes full and she must empty it, the venom drips onto Loki, causing him to writhe in agony.

“The Apples of Idun” is a captivating Norse myth that serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of betrayal and the importance of protecting and preserving what is sacred. The story also showcases the cunning and resourcefulness of Loki and highlights the unity and strength of the gods of Asgard.