Idunn

photo by Anthony Johnson (Ember's Eye Media)

The first hurdle of making any of Ragnarok’s meads is trying to properly embody the name sake of the mead. The goddess Idunn is the symbol of eternal life and spring, who’s name means “the rejuvenating one”. So, needless to say it’s a pretty important job title and universal role. Because of her, the gods could maintain their youth and vitality in order to protect earth, as it states in the Eddas:

“How should Idunn be paraphrased? Thus: by calling her Wife of Bragi, and Keeper of the Apples; and the apples should be called Age-Elixir of the Aesir.”

*one of the later Germanic pronunciations of the word is Iduna.

 The elegance of this mead is brought out by its simplicity and brightly noted fruits and herbal elements. Apples, are one of the primary adjuncts and the most iconic in the recipe, because it was the Golden Apples that were picked by Idunn herself that made the gods immortality possible.  The chamomile provides smooth subtle herbal notes. And to help add some “umph” to the ABV, as well as adding even more of a rounded-out fruit profile, a generous portion of raisins is added. The honey we use is also scrutinized with the same intent and diligence. For a mead like the Idunn I chose Oak honeydew and wildflower. The oak honeydew has a fantastically soft and delicate body that fits perfectly with the lighter flavors in this mead and personifies Idunn to a “t”. Along with Wildflower honey that gives balance, an earthy characteristic, and helps provide some darker tannins that add to the Idunn’s beautiful translucent golden hue.  I typically use a variety of yeast for each drink, but for a mead like the Idunn I went with an alcohol tolerant cider/wine yeast to help bring out the fruit flavors a little more.

            Below I have listed the main ingredients with some fascinating information surrounding them, including health benefits and even magical purposes. The FDA does not regulate herbs and dietary supplements. The following was collected through multiple online and literary sources.

Honey

Health benefits: There is said to not be enough modern scientific research to back up the claims made about the beneficial qualities of this substance, but many cultures for centuries have sworn by them and their possible benefits. One of the most common and well known uses for honey is for coughs and colds. Honey many other benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidants which can help neutralize reactive oxygen species in the body. ROS can build up in cells causing damage, this can contribute to conditions like premature aging, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Polyphenols, a plant compound, also plays a part in honey’s health benefits. Some studies have found that honey can be effective when administered to partial-thickness burns and wounds that had become infected after surgery.

Magical applications: All honey is the product of good weather from the Sun and hard work from bees. So understandably, honey has a strong connection to solar energies, and the earth from which all other nutrients are gathered.

Chamomile

Health benefits: There is said to not be enough modern scientific research to back up the claims made about the beneficial qualities of this herb/spice, but many cultures for centuries have sworn by them and their possible benefits. Most commonly used as a tea, chamomile has been utilized throughout history and the world over for many health benefits like: chest cold, fever, gingivitis, hemorrhoids, acid reflux, gastro and digestive issues, heartburn, nausea and vomiting.

Magical purposes: Often correlated to the Sun, Chamomile is used to keep evil and bad luck at bay, to reduce melancholy and stress, and assists with visionary dreams.

Apples

Health benefits: There is said to not be enough modern scientific research to back up the claims made about the beneficial qualities of this herb/spice, but many cultures for centuries have sworn by them and their possible benefits. Apples are approximately 85% water and have antioxidants, as well as fiber. These fruits have higher fiber than sugar which makes them a useful food to keep glucose at a good level. High cholesterol can be reduced by 5-8% by eating 3 ounces of dried apples a day. Apples contain not only fiber but quercetin, both of which help reduce inflammation. That latter has also been linked to help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Magical purposes: Apples are said to be useful in love magic, and to leave the last apple of harvest on the tree will bring about good harvest the following year.

Raisins

Health benefits: There is said to not be enough modern scientific research to back up the claims made about the beneficial qualities of this herb/spice, but many cultures for centuries have sworn by them and their possible benefits. A little-known fact about raisins is that there are three specific kinds: Raisins, sultanas, and currants. Although they each undergoes a slightly different drying process that renders them different colors and sizes, the nutrients are very similar. Raisins contain antioxidants, iron, potassium, copper, fiber, manganese, high in sugar and calories. Compared to grapes they may have less vitamin-B6 and C, and completely lack vitamin-A. Raisins can help lower blood pressure and blood sugar, digestive function, and may even help reduce plaque through oleanolic and linoleic acid, they also have prebiotic content.

Magical purposes: Not so much a magical fruit but rather seen as a form of symbolism in many cultures, Grapes and raisins have been view for different reasons in such places as India, Middle East, Greece, and Africa; As a form of prosperity, abundance, fertility, and power.

Disclaimer: As a reminder, all things in excess can be dangerous. Even drinking too much water can cause severe side effects or death. In the United States, all herbal remedies are listed as a dietary supplement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, it is not subject to strict scrutiny for safety and efficacy. Unlike standard pharmaceutical drugs which are required to pass (Clement et al. 2006). The FDA mandates that all herbal remedies contain a disclaimer informing the consumer that any claims about the medicine’s therapeutic value have not been evaluated by that agency… Ironic, I know… The information contained in this article is comprised of multiple online sources, including but not limited to NIH and other government sources, WebMD, Healthline, and others.