Iðunn: The Divine Orchardist

 Explanation:

This god has a position unique to Norse mythology, keeper of the apples, Iðunn. She is the goddess of youth and fertility, this title is not at all comparable to her task. In Hellenism (Greek mythology) the two most important goddesses of fertility, Aphrodite and Hera, play a minor role compared to their kin. Iðunn grants immortality, she protects an apple grove, hidden away in Asgard. The gods require these apples, otherwise the wither and age as mortals do. This is a very clear weakness, and one their enemies are said to have tried to take advantage of once before. Þjazi, a giant, captured Loki and forced him to bring Iðunn out of Asgard, in exchange for the trickster's life. After a solemn promise Iðunn was lured out with Loki's talk of a new grove. After her kidnapping the rest of the gods, aging and furious, threatened him and he swore yet another vow. He took a cloak that allowed him to transform into a raven and went to Jötunheimr, where Þjazi lived. He stole her back and either Odin, Thor or he killed the giant. This weakness is not mentioned outside of this one myth. Iðunn and her grove aren’t mentioned in Ragnarok, the norse end of the world, meaning the gods after may live much shorter lives. She married Braggi, the norse god of the arts, tying together vitality and artistry. 

Worship:

The worship of Iðunn involved apples and ashwood, though the details of this, similar to much of the norse tradition, is mostly lost. The nordic peoples prayed to her for healing, rest, and other corporeal concerns. 

Conclusion:

Her unusual position in mythology makes Iðunn quite the interesting Æsir. For that reason and the mythology and beliefs surrounding her shows why she should be more talked of. 

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