7: Apples of Iduna - Part 1
Loki introduces us to another character - Iduna, the goddess of youth and immortality. The gods remain forever young by eating the magic apples that only she can pick.
One day Odin sets out on a trip to Midgard and takes Loki with him. After a day's journey they stop for something to eat. Loki prepares a fire and makes an ox stew while Odin reads his book of spells. Two hours later the stew should be ready to eat - but when they try it they discover the meat is still raw. A great eagle in a nearby tree tells them that he's put a spell on the stew: it won't cook unless they share it with him. They invite the eagle to take a share but the eagle starts to eat it all and Loki picks up a stick and starts to beat the eagle.
The eagle suddenly grabs the stick in its beak and takes flight - with Loki still holding on to the other end. The eagle refuses to put Loki down unless he agrees to help him get revenge on the gods. Loki is confused until the eagle reveals that he is in fact Thiassi, king of the giants of Jotunheim, in disguise.
Teacher Notes
This series can be used to increase pupils' familiarity with a broad range of texts and narratives, including myths, legends and traditional stories and to make connections between these and other stories they are familiar with.
It will also support a broad range of writing objectives.
Curriculum Notes
This series is relevant for teaching English at KS2, in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, and at First and Second Level in Scotland.
More from the series: Viking Sagas
6: Thor and the Giants - Part 3. video
Thor takes on further challenges...not knowing that there is magic at work against him.
8: Apples of Iduna - Part 2. video
Loki has agreed to help the giant, Thiassi, against the gods - and he know just how.
9: Apples of Iduna - Part 3. video
The gods grow old...but Odin knows who is to blame and orders Loki to rectify matters.
