The Apples of Youth

In Norse mythology, the goddess Idunn is the keeper of the precious apples that preserve the youth and vitality of the gods. Unlike beings who are naturally untouched by time, the gods of Asgard depend upon Idunn and her fruit to remain youthful. When she and her apples are taken away, age quickly begins to find even the mightiest among them. This song looks beyond the adventure of Idunn's abduction and focuses instead on what her apples represent. Thor may command thunder, Odin may possess extraordinary wisdom, and Freyja may wield both magic and strength, but none of them stands completely beyond the passage of time. Their continued vitality depends upon something quieter: an orchard, its keeper, and the careful tending of life. May the Apples of Youth remind us that renewal is not the same as never growing weary. Everything living needs care. Even the strongest among us must sometimes be nourished, restored, and allowed to begin again—and there is no weakness in needing the hands that tend the orchard. Thank you for listening. — The Viking Hippie Part of Moon Hippie Studios _____________________________________________________________________ Lyrics In Asgard’s quiet garden Where the golden branches bend Idunn keeps the ancient fruit That turns the years again No sword can grant their blessing No spell can make them grow Only she may lift the lid And place them in their hands Gold in morning Gold at night Hold the years And keep them light Apples of youth Bright as the sun Turn back the season When winter has come Strength in the blood Light in the eyes Even the gods Must be renewed Apples of youth Guarded with care Time still reaches Even Asgard there Thor may carry thunder Odin may command the slain Freyja may ride through battle And Njord may rule the waves But every god grows weary Every face may show the years Till Idunn brings the golden fruit And age begins to clear Power fades And glory bends All things living Need tending Apples of youth Bright as the sun Turn back the season When winter has come Strength in the blood Light in the eyes Even the gods Must be renewed Apples of youth Guarded with care Time still reaches Even Asgard there When Idunn vanished from the orchard Silver touched immortal hair Hands once strong began to tremble And fear moved everywhere Then Asgard learned the hidden truth Behind its golden walls No god stands wholly by themselves No strength survives alone Youth is not A thing we own Not a crown Nor carved in stone Spring returns Because it’s kept Roots are watered Seeds are blessed Even gods Who conquer war Need the hands That tend the orchard Every life However grand Still depends On someone’s hand Apples of youth Bright as the sun Call back the season When winter has come Strength in the blood Light in the eyes Even the gods Must be renewed Apples of youth Golden and rare Life is a gift That survives through care One apple shines One spring begins And time grows gentle Once again