Wagner Is Selected for Harvard Opera Night

self from the battle and came to the cabin in the forest. Hunding discovers that Siegmund and Sieglinde resemble each other and, fearing that Siegmund will kill him when he discovers his own treatment of his wife, he challenges him to a battle for the next morning.

Although he is weaponless Siegmund is forced to accept and Hunding goes to bed after drinking a long draft of ale. Sieglinde, who had earlier been ordered from the room, reappears and tells Siegmund to try and draw from a great oak the sword which was thrust in it by the Gods. Siegmund, with a mighty effort, draws the sword and thereby proves that he is Sieglinde's brother and the greatest warrior on earth.

In the second act, Wotan, father of the Gods is found, talking to his daughter, Brunnhilde, one of the Valkyries whom he is sending to help Siegmund win his battle with Hunding. Fricka, Wotan's consort and the protectress of marriage storms at Wotan for Helping Siegmund and says that Hunding, the abused husband, must be aided.

Siegmund Dies

Wotan has no choice but to order Brunnhilde to cut down Siegmund in the battle. The Valkyrie goes to Siegmund and orders him to follow her to Valhalla but he refuses since he knows Sieglinde cannot follow him. In the ensuing battle with Hunding, Siegmund is profected by Brunnhilde but the appearance of Wotan causes his death.

In the third and last act Brunnhilde comes to her sister Valkyries closely pursued by Wotan who must punish her for treason. Sieglinde is saved by the Valkyries but Wotan causes eternal magical flames to burn around Brunnhilde who is cast out of Valhalla. The flames are to protect until a warrier, strong enough to overpower them, shall come to marry her.