Die Walküre

ACT I

A storm rages as a weary man takes shelter in the home of Sieglinde and her husband, Hunding. After receiving hospitality, the stranger, who is wounded and unarmed, shares his tragic story of loss and misfortune. Hunding recognises the stranger’s tale as that of his slain kinsmen and challenges him to a fight the next morning.

Alone, the stranger recalls the sword his father once promised he would find in his hour of greatest need. Sieglinde appears and recounts how, at her enforced wedding to Hunding, a stranger appeared and thrust a sword into the tree trunk. No one has been able to pull it out. Sieglinde and the stranger pledge themselves to one another and the stranger asks Sieglinde to rename him. Discovering his father’s name was Wälse, Sieglinde is convinced the stranger is her twin. She names him Siegmund. Siegmund removes the sword, Nothung, from the tree, and claims Sieglinde as both bride and sister. Ecstatically and defiantly they declare their love.

INTERVAL
ACT II

Wotan orders Brünnhilde, his favourite Valkyrie daughter, to ensure Siegmund defeats Hunding in battle. However, Fricka, Wotan’s wife, demands justice for the incestuous relationship between Siegmund and Sieglinde, claiming it violates marriage laws. Wotan defends their love, arguing that Siegmund can carry out the deeds he and Fricka cannot. Fricka points out that Siegmund is dependent on Wotan’s sword and protection, and therefore not truly independent. Defeated, Wotan promises that neither he nor Brünnhilde will protect Siegmund.

Wotan, despairing, confides in Brünnhilde about his past, revealing his theft of the ring from Alberich. He explains that Brünnhilde and her Valkyrie half-sisters were created to protect Wotan, and that his plan to retrieve the ring from the giant Fafner is now at risk, as he needs a free agent to act on his behalf. Wotan instructs Brünnhilde not to protect Siegmund, threatening dire consequences if she disobeys.

Siegmund and Sieglinde flee from Hunding. Brünnhilde tells Siegmund he will die in battle but will be honoured in Valhalla. Siegmund refuses to leave Sieglinde and their unborn child. Moved by compassion, Brünnhilde promises to protect him. Hunding’s horn signals his arrival. Brünnhilde tries to help Siegmund, but Wotan shatters his sword with his spear, leading to Siegmund’s death. Brünnhilde escapes with Sieglinde, and Wotan kills Hunding, vowing to punish Brünnhilde.

INTERVAL
ACT III

The Valkyries gather dead warriors for Valhalla. Brünnhilde arrives with the mortal Sieglinde, shocking the Valkyries. Brünnhilde begs for their help to protect her and Sieglinde from Wotan. Initially hesitant, the Valkyries agree when Brünnhilde reveals Sieglinde is carrying Siegmund’s child, who will be a great hero. They advise Sieglinde to flee to the forest, where Fafner guards the Nibelung hoard, and she takes the fragments of Siegmund’s sword with her.

Wotan arrives and, despite the Valkyries’ pleas, angrily banishes Brünnhilde from Valhalla for disobedience. He condemns her to mortal sleep until a mortal man awakens her. The Valkyries scatter in fear when Wotan threatens them with the same fate.

Brünnhilde asks Wotan if her compassion for Siegmund and Sieglinde deserves such punishment. She believed it aligned with his true desires. Wotan remains unforgiving, even when she tells him that a Wälsung hero will be born to Sieglinde. In her final plea, Brünnhilde asks for a ring of fire to surround her so only a worthy hero can awaken her. Wotan, moved by his feelings for her, agrees and calls upon Loge to create the flames.