Idun's Golden Apples

Part One

The gods had a big secret. Idun had a box of golden apples.

If a god felt old, he ate an apple. Then he was young and strong.

A giant wanted all the apples. He told Loki, "Get me Idun!"

Loki was scared, so he said yes. He told Idun, "I see apples in the woods!"

Idun went with him. The giant came as an eagle. He took Idun far away.

Now the gods had no apples. Their hair got grey, and their knees got tired.

Odin said, "Loki, this is your fault! Go and get Idun back." Loki said, "I will."

Loki put on a bird coat. Then he could fly! He flew far to the north.

Idun was in the giant's house. Loki made her small as a nut. He held her tight.

Loki flew home fast. The giant came after him as an eagle.

The gods stood on the high wall. "Fly over! Fly over!" they called to Loki.

Loki flew over the wall. The eagle saw the gods, and he turned back.

Idun was Idun again! She gave each god an apple. Grey hair turned gold, and tired knees felt good.

After that, the gods were kind to Idun. They did not let her go to the woods alone.