Page:Stories of Norse Gods and Heroes.djvu/46

40 He was dragged over rocks and bushes until he begged for mercy.

Then the eagle changed into the renowned giant, Thjasse. The giant said he would not let Loke go until he promised to deliver Idun and her apples into his hands.

Half dead with fright, Loke promised. But he did not know how he could keep his promise.

Idun kept the apples in a strong box. Every day she gave some of them to the gods.

When Loke returned he told her he had seen much finer apples than hers just outside of Asgard.

Idun wished to compare her apples with those Loke had seen. So she took the box and went with him.

As soon as they were outside Thjasse came in shape of an eagle. He carried Idun and her apples to Jotunheim.

Soon the gods found themselves growing old and gray because they had no apples to eat.

When they inquired, they found that Loke was at the bottom of the mischief as usual. The gods threatened to kill Loke if he did not bring back Idun and her apples.

Loke was frightened. He borrowed Freyja's falcon plumage and flew to Jotunheim.

Thjasse was out fishing. Loke changed Idun