Stories From Wagner - Part 1 The Ring Of The Curse Story 4 The Downfall Of The Gods (Götterdämmerung)

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Episode Transcript

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Part one, Story four of Talesfrom Wagner by J. Walker mac spadden.
This libre box recording is in thepublic domain. Part one, story
four, the Downfall of the godsGertrdemarun. When Brunhilda promised to become Siegfrid's
wife, she well knew what itwould cost her. She would no longer

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be of the family of the gods, nor would she have strength and wisdom
beyond other mortal women. Yet shenow had no regrets. Her love for
her hero eclipsed every other thing,and she knew only that she was entirely
happy in the present. Long thelovers sat and talked, forgetful of all

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the outside world. Siegfried told Brunhildaof his adventures, his fight with the
dragon, his possession of the ring, and finally his encounter with the mysterious
stranger whose spear he had shattered.Brunhilda started up at this. She had
recognized Boton at once from the description. The spear was broken, you say,

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she exclaimed, questioningly, Are yousure it was broken? It fell
shivered upon the ground beneath my sword. What did the stranger do? He
looked sadly at me, saying thathe was powerless to hinder me further,
and then he vanished. Suddenly,Ah, woe to the gods ejaculated the

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maiden. Their doom is indeed comingupon them, Siegfried, the spear you
broke was the dread spear of authoritywith which the Great Boton ruled the world.
Now all the old order of thingsshall pass away. Valhalla itself must
fall because of the curse of theRing. The curse of the Ring,

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asked Siegfried, in an astonished voice, What is that? It is the
sad fate which has followed upon theheels of a bad deed. She answered,
King Woton himself told me the taleupon that day so long ago,
when I disobeyed him. She shudderedslightly at the memory, then went on,
it is bound up in your ownfate, so I will tell you

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also the story. Then Siegfried listenedwith wide open eyes while Brunhilda told him
of the lost rhinegold, the buildingof Valhalla, the reward of the giants,
the curse of the Ring. Hisbreath was baited, and his eyes
were very moist. When she toldhim further of Siegmund and Sieglinda and the

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wrath of Boton. Then you werethe protector of my father and mother,
he said, embracing her joyfully.Ah, how much love and devotion do
I owe you, fairest and dearestof goddess maidens. Will you never forget
me? She asked. By wayof reply, he drew the magic ring
from his finger and placed it uponhers. Let this be our trouth,

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he said, From this moment itbecomes a blessing instead of a curse,
and our lives shall be one lifefor evermore. It shall tell me always
of you, answered Brunhilda, ForI know you cannot linger here dearly as
I would desire it. You comeof a race of heroes, and great
deeds await you upon earth. Yoursword must not grow rusty in idleness,

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nor your strength weak through ease.Tis true, he said, with a
sad but resolute look in his blueeyes as he glanced far over the nestling
valleys. Tis true that my lifework is yet to be begun. But
alas, Brunhilda, how can Ileave you? You are the only person
I have ever known that gave mesympathy or love. Brunhilda pressed his hands

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tenderly. My sympathy and love shallalways be for you, she whispered,
And here shall I wait your returnto me. Loki will build his barrier
fire about me once more, andonly you, the hero who knows no
fear, can find your way backagain. And now take with you Granny,

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my good horse. He can nolonger fly through the clouds as formerly
when his mistress was one of theimmortals, but he will go through fire
and water for you, and willbe your devoted slave. The maiden called
the beautiful horse, which had beenaroused out of sleep at the same time
as she was awakened, and whichwas now grazing near by. Granni came

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to them, whinnying gently. Siegfriedpatted the steeds soft nose, then took
the bridle slowly, as if unwillingto speak. He girded on his sword,
placed his helm firmly upon his head, and slung his bugle around his
shoulders. Farewell beloved, said Brunhildasoftly. Farewell beloved, he answered,

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My hunting horn shall tell you fromthe valley all that I cannot say.
One lingering embrace, and he turnedand led his steed down the steep path.
Brunhilda watched his descent with shining eyes. Presently from the valley below.
She heard the mellow notes of thehorn, sweet and clear. Then the

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faint gallop of hoofs told her thatSiegfried had gone forth into the world to
play the part Fate gave him.Several days passed by. Granny steadily and
swiftly bore his rider over mountains,through valleys, and across rivers with untiring
zeal. It was not until theyreached the noble river Rhine that Siegfried drew

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rein upon the crest of a hill. Across the stream from where they stood
rose a splendid castle. It seemedto belong to the king of the country,
for it was very large, anda pennant floated from an upper turret.
The current of the river was deepand swift at this point, but
a small boat was moored not farfrom Siegfrid. Come, Granny, he

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said, dismounting, I will takethe boat while you swim alongside me across
the stream. This promises an adventure. Granny obeyed, and they were soon
in the channel, heading toward thecastle. Now, this castle was the
seat of a king of an ancientand warlike tribe. His name was Gunther,
and he tried to deal fairly withevery man. He had a beautiful

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sister, Gundrun, and also ahalf brother named Hogan, a sly fellow
who was always plotting mischief. Hogan, in fact, was the evil genius
of the castle. You will notwonder at this when I tell you that
he was of kin to the Nebuloons, Albrek and Mime. Like all of
dwarf blood, Hogan had a passionfor gold and was also adept at discovering

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secrets. He knew of the stolenrhinegold, and he had also learned,
perhaps through Albrech, of Siegfrid's questof Brunhilda. Thereupon he began to plot,
and he told King Gunther just enoughof his plotting to get the monarch's
interest aroused. On this very day, when Siegfried had started across the river

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toward the castle, Hogan had beentelling the king that he ought to find
a queen, And then he toldof the beauty of Brunhilda, and how
she slept upon a lofty cliff surroundedby a barrier of fire. None but
the bravest of heroes can rescue her, Hogan continued, but there is one
who is even now upon this quest. He is called the bravest of the

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brave, and his name is Siegfried. Then, turning to Princess Gudrum,
he added slyly, perchance Siegfried isthe hero you have been awaiting, o
Princess. He is handsome as heis brave. Now, Gunther liked not
the idea of another man being braverthan he, but he only said,

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I should like much to see thefair Brunhilda. But if I could not
pierce flame, how could I persuadeSiegfried to do so? In my stead?
Seeing this is his own quest,leave that to me, laughed Hoggan.
I will brew him a drink thatwould make him forget all his past,
his plans and wishes, and hewould love the first lady his eyes

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fall upon. He looked again slylyat Gudrun, who blushed red, but
wished within her heart that she couldsee the Siegfried. Her wish was soon
to be gratified, for just asHoggan finished speaking, they heard the sound
of a horn out on the river, blown in challenge. Who dares challenge
Gunter in his own castle? Exclaimedthe king. Starting up, Hagan hurried

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to the battlements. I see aknight clad in glittering gold armor, he
said. He is in a boatalone, and by the boat swims a
horse. With your favor, Iwill meet him at the landing. And
Hogan seized sword and helmet and hastenedout. King Gunther followed him, his
curiosity being aroused by the challenge andHogan's description. Together in silence they awaited

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the coming of the boat, whichmade swift progress against the current, driven
by Siegfried's muscular arms. Soon ittouched the bank, and the young man
sprang out, drawing his sword.He saluted the two and then placed himself
on guard. I am Siegfried,he said simply, And if any man
gainsay my landing on these shores,I am ready to meet him in honorable

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combat. Not so, said Gunther, stretching out his hand cordially. If
your name be Siegfried, then amI right glad to welcome you? Much?
Have I heard of your prowess?And more? Would I fain here
while you rest yourself at my board? I am Gunther. Siegfried looked at
him frankly in the eye, thengripped his hand. Hogan also exchanged greetings

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with him, and led Granny awayto the stables. Hogan was overjoyed at
the turn affairs had taken. Withhis swift cunning, he lost no time
in putting his own schemes into play, and before he joined the King and
his guest, he found time tobrew the drink of Forgetfulness, about which

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he had told the King only afew minutes previously. Returning to the hall,
Hogan found the King and his guestbreaking bread together and chatting in a
friendly way. Gunther, with truehospitality, had thrown open his home and
RealMed the ero. Siegfried, onhis part, offered to serve the king

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with his sword and steed when anyneed should arise. But how did you
know of me or even that Iam Siegfried? He asked bluntly. We
have already heard great things of yourprowess, replied Hogan, joining in the
talk, And the magic helmet wouldbetray you else the magic helmet, repeated
the young man. Yes, thecap of darkness you have at your belt.

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Have you never tried its wonderful properties? By its aid, you can
assume any shape you choose Siegfried hadnever heard of the helmet's power before.
He did not attempt to conceal hissurprise, but said nothing. Just then
the beautiful Princess Gutran entered the room. She bore a golden salver, upon
which stood a goblet. She hadalready beheld the hero secretly, and now

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willingly brought him the fatal cup ofForgetfulness, which Hogan had made. Welcome
to the palace of King Gunther,she said, with downcast eyes, will
my Lord Siegfried drink a refreshing brew. Siegfrid thanked her courteously and placed the
goblet to his lips. But thoughhe bowed to her and the king,

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the toast, which he whispered tohimself, was to the health of my
Brunhilda. May her memory never growdim. But alas no sooner had he
swallowed the potion, than all hispast life was blotted out. He seemed
like one awakened from a heavy slumber, for he rubbed his eyes and glanced
wildly about him. Where am I, he asked, leaning upon a chair

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for support. What has happened?Then his glance fell upon Gudron, who
stood silent and ashamed of what shehad done. As he looked, a
flame of love was kindled in hisheart for her by the power of the
magic draft. Who is this faircreature, he asked, turning to the
king. Is she your wife?She is my sister, answered Gunther,

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I have no wife. It isnot well for man to live alone,
and all the more if he beking. That is what my brother Hogan
has told me. But the onewoman I could wish to win, methinks,
is not attainable. How so askedSiegfried. She is hedged about by
a barrier of fire. A barrierof fire, said Siegfried, slowly,

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and rubbing his eyes again, Abarrier of fire. She can only be
reached by one who was brave enoughto force his way through the flame,
continued Gunther. By one who knowsno fear. One who knows no fear,
again, repeated Siegfried. I knewsuch a man once, but he
shook his head sadly and gave uptrying to think. Yes, added the

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King, he who knows no fearcan alone win Brunhilda for his bride.
Siegfried made no immediate reply. Thepotion had done its full work, and
he had utterly forgotten Brunhilda presently,he said, I know not the maid
of whom you speak, but methinksshe could not be as fair as your

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sweet sister. Gudrum ran hastily fromthe room at this I would be willing
to go far to win her favor, he continued, with the frankness of
youth. Would you be willing toaid King Gunther's wooing, asked Hogan right
gladly, answered Siegfried. But howyour magic helmet would give you his appearance?
Replied Hogan, that is if youwould dare face the barrier of fire.

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Siegfrid's eyes flashed, dare I dareanything? If only King Gunther and
his fair sister give me their regard. The king sprang to his feet,
quickly, spoken like a man anda brother, he exclaimed upon my soul,
I love you, and if youwill obtain Brunhilda for me, I
will undertake to when Gudrum for youdone, said Siegfrid, grasping his hand,

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I shall go with you when youwish. Then the King ordered wine
to be poured. Come drink apledge with me. He said, from
this day we are brothers, andon the morrow we will set forth.
Together they drank the pledge in vowedvows of eternal friendship. Meanwhile, Brunhilda
had grown very lonely. Although shehad urged Siegfrid to go out into the

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world and win greater fame, herheart still cried for him, and she
wondered as the days crept by whenhe would return. She no longer thought
of Valhalla or the war Maidens.Her whole thought was of Siegfried the Fearless.
One day, as she sat andbrooded, she heard the long silent
cry of the war maidens ho YoTohoe, and looked up in astonishment to

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see one of her sisters come flyingon her steed through the clouds. The
next instant, the two maidens weresobbing upon each other's next in the joy
of reunion. How came you tobrave Woton's displeasure, exclaimed Brunhilda. Do
you not know that I am cutoff from you, and that you incur
a great danger in coming thus tome? Voton no longer cares, answered

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her sister. Since his spear ofauthority was broken. He sits in Valhalla
with moody brow and O, mysister, that is why I have come
to you. I heard him saythat if you but gave up the ring
to the rhine maidens of your ownaccord, the curse would be removed and

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the home of the gods saved.But I cannot give it up, exclaimed
Brunhilda, wildly, pressing the ringto her heart. It is my betrothal
ring from Siegfried, and I havepromised to guard it always. That is
the only way Valhalla can be saved. Surely you can do that little thing.
Her sister entreated. What care Ifor Valhalla? Said Brunhilda stormily.

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I have so long been denied itshalls that I have ceased to care.
The love of secret is the dearestthing I have in the world. Boton
cannot take that away from me.Go back and tell him so, then
woe must come upon us all,cried her sister, and, seeing further
entreaty was useless, she sprang hastilyupon her steed and rode away. Brunhilda

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made no effort to stay her,but fell again into brooding silence. Presently,
however, she heard the sound ofa horn and sprang eagerly to her
feet. It was Siegfred's horn,and he was returning. She rushed to
the edge of the rock. Theflames, which had been burning fiercely,
parted to right and left as oncebefore, and the form of a man

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appeared. It was indeed Siegfried,but she did not recognize him. He
had put the magic helmet upon hishead and taken the form of Gunther.
With Gunther's voice, he also spoketo her in a tremble. She asked,
who has dared come where only thefearless hero finds a way. I

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am Gunther, the King, heanswered, and have come to claim you
as my bride. That cannot beshe answered, I am Siegfried's promised wife.
Siegfried, you are mad. Heis promised to another. Come with
me away. It is not true, she cried. This is his ring,
and in its name, I tellyou to be gone. She waved

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it threateningly, but he stepped forward. If that is his ring, I
must take it, he said,and before she could avoid him, he
seized her hand and removed the goldenhoop from her finger. Come with me,
he commanded. In the name ofthis bauble, I tell you to
obey. He had said the wordsin imitation of her manner, and not

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at all, expecting her to yieldso easily, for the power of the
ring also had gone from his memory. But what was his amazement to see
her come forward meekly and prepared togo with him. Only as she left
the rock, she turned her eyestoward the sky and moaned, ah,
votan I see thy hand in this, forgive me for having defied thee Siegfried

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could make nothing of this outcry,but delighted that he should succeed in his
wooing for Gunther so easily he ledher down the mountain side and bade her
rest a moment by a fountain.She did so when he went swiftly around
a rock and disappeared. The realGunther, who had awaited him there,
now came forward in his stead withhorses and bad Runhilda mount. She sadly

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obeyed and rode with him toward hiscastle, while Siegfried dashed swiftly ahead to
greet Gudrum and await their coming.Hagen, meanwhile, had not been idle
at the palace. He had seenAlbrik, and they had plotted together as
to the best means to seize thering, no matter who should return wearing
it. Hogan had also talked withGudron and easily persuaded her to accept Siegfried

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without delay upon his return. Siegfriedtherefore found a pleasing welcome when he presently
arrived, and he had exchanged vowswith the princess before the horns announced that
the king was returning with his bride. Siegfried and Gudrun, with Hogan,
met the royal party at the landing. Welcome home brother said Siegfried, I

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am overjoyed to see that you havebeen zact successful in your suit as I
have been in mine. Gudron alsokissed her brother. Brunhilda, however,
at sight of Siegfried, started back, Siegfried, you here, Is it
true then that you are plighted toanother? I am plighted to Gudron,
he answered calmly. Brunhilda felt adeathly faintness come over her and came near

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falling to the ground. Siegfried sprangforward and supported her. Ah, Siegfried,
beloved, do you not remember me? She asked faintly. The voice
stirred strange chords within him, buthe did not understand them. He quietly
seated her, then, turning,said, Gunther, your bride is ill,

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And as the king approached, headded to her, you have been
faint. See here comes your husband. As he pointed to the king,
brune Hilda saw the fatal ring gleamingupon Siegfried's finger. Ah the ring,
she cried, Siegfried's ring, myring? Where got you it? If
you are not my hero himself?She is excited and overcome by her journey,

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said Siegfried to the others. Then, as if talking to himself,
he went, on this ring,where did I get it? I wonder?
It seems to me that sometime somewhereI forget just where I fought a
dragon and rested the ring from him. Siegfried knitted his brow and strove to
recall the past. Hogan stepped quicklyforward. This excitement is proving too much

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for both our bride's and bridegrooms.He said, gaily, come let us
within, where a feast is spreadin honor of the great day. The
king was swift to see his suggestion. Yes, order the trumpets to blow.
He ordered, we will rest fromour journey and have public feastings.
The party entered the castle. Brunhildawith the rest, she had looked once

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again beseechingly at Siegfried, but allhis attention was bestowed upon Gutran. At
last, the proud spirit of Brunhildaflashed up at what she deemed an insult.
She a daughter of the gods,to be wooed and then forsaken.
She vowed revenge upon Siegfried for hisrudeness. However, she gave no sign

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of all this. She joined thefeast and sat smilingly at Gunter's side.
She became his wife, while stillher heart cried out for her hero and
cried in no less measure for revenge. Hagen alone knew of the struggle that
was going on in Brunhilda's mind.He watched anxiously her every action, and

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now that he saw her smile andaccept King Gunter before them all, he
rubbed his hands in glee under thebanquet board. He saw that his evil
schemes were succeeding just as he had. And so after the feast was ended,
while all was laughter and music withinthe hall, Hogan came up and

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talked to Brunhilda. At first itwas only idle talk and hidden flattery.
Then he touched upon Siegfried, speaknot to me of him, said Brunhilda
coldly. Why not, asked Hogganin faint surprise. He is said to
be the bravest hero in the world. He may be brave, but I
care not to talk of him.He is the falsest man alive. Some

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rash impulse made her say these words, and she regretted them as soon as
spoken. But Hagen was quick tofollow them up. You amaze and alarm
me, he said, I hadsupposed him to be honorable. If he
is false, he is a menaceto our kingdom, and I, for
one, would wish that he wereout of it. It would indeed be
better if he were gone, saidBrunhilda, her pride still making her utter

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rash things. I'm glad you haveadvised me of his true character, said
Hoggen craftily. The King purposes togive a hunting party tomorrow. Now,
if Siegfried should not return from it, do you think it would be better?
So? Yes, said Brunhilda indifferently, and turned to speak to the

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king. But if she gave nomore thought to these fateful words, Hoggen
fairly hugged them to his heart.He saw in them a license to do
evil to Siegfried. The next day, as he had said, the King
gave a hunting party in honor ofthe two brides. All were timid at
noonday for a repast in a grove, but were at liberty to follow that

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morning wherever the chase might lead.Siegfried's horse, Grannie, soon outdistanced all
the others and led him into adeep wood. There he started a bear,
but after pursuing it for some time, it disappeared, and Siegfried found
himself upon a wild part of thebanks of the Rhine. Being thirsty and
weary, he dismounted, drank atthe river's brink, and threw himself down

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upon a mossy knoll. Just thenhe heard the sound of singing, a
melodious but unearthly strain, ending almostin a wail. Looking around, he
saw three river nymphs rise out ofthe water and swim toward him. They
were the Rhine Maidens, but Seagfriedhad never seen them before. However,
he was undaunted at the vision andsought to make a jest at their expense.

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Hail, fair maidens, he exclaimed, some elf has led me astray,
so I desire your aid. Thiself was in the shape of a
bear, and if he was nota friend of yours, I wish you
would help me to find him.What will you give us if we help
you, they asked, I havenothing to give until I catch him,
replied Seagfried, laughing, what doyou desire? One of the maidens swam

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to him with outstretched hand, Agolden ring enwraps your fingers, She said,
Give us the ring and we willhelp you find the bear. I
think I slew a huge dragon towin this ring, replied Siegfried lightly.
That would be a sorry trade forme to barter it for a bear.
You are selfish, The maidens sangteasingly, be wise and give us the

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ring. They dived in and outof the water, and Siegfried laughed to
watch them, secretly resolving to throwthem the ring before he left them,
for it had no present value inhis eyes. But soon the three maidens
swam close to the shore and liftedup their arms. Warningly, beware Siegfried,
they exclaimed. The ring has acurse upon it. Better give it

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to us. A curse, heasked, That makes it interesting. I
must hear about this curse. Thenthe rhine maiden sang, Siegfried Siegfried.
Siegfried, sorrow dire. We foreseeif thou wardest the ring a curse,
it will be from the gold ofthe rhine. It was craftily wrought,

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then cursed by the dwarf. Whenit's magic, he thought, whoever shall
own it is fated to fall thedragon. Thou slewest was but one among
all. To day thou art stricken. Thy doom we divine unless thou returnest
the ring to the rhine. Siegfriedheard the song through, then placed the
ring tightly on his finger. Ahye are trying to frighten me into giving

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up the trinket, he said,But ye have sung your song to the
wrong ears. I know not whatfear is, and have been hunting it
all my life. Beware, Siegfried. The maidens cried entreatingly, sinking once
more into the water's depths. Farewell, he called after them, laughingly.
I must hasten to join the hunt. The sound of a faraway horn was

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now heard, and he answered itwith his bugle, then hastily mounted Granny
and rode away. Thanks to hisswift steed, he soon reached the spot
agreed upon for the Noontide repast.He greeted the two ladies, the King,
Hagen, and the retainers, andseated himself between Hagen and Gudrun Brunhilda

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sat directly opposite by the King's side. As Siegfried had brought no game to
the feast, it was jestingly decreedthat he should entertain the company by telling
some of his past adventures. Hoganpassed goblets of wine to each one present
and took the opportunity to pour intoSiegfried's cup a few drops of a potion
which caused him to remember again someof his past. So Siegfried began to

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tell of his early life in theforest, with mime, of how he
had harnessed the bear to frighten thedwarf of his sword of need, and
the fight with the dragon. Thecompany applauded his story and begged him to
go on. He gladly did so, for it now seemed new and strange
to him also, or as ifit had been a dream. Hagen poured

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more of the potion into his goblet. After I slew the dragon, continued
Siegfried, A strange thing happened.I chanced to get a drop of its
blood upon my tongue when I hearda bird singing to me, and I
understood all it said. It toldme of this magic ring I have on
my finger, and of the rhinegold in a cave. It also told

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me of a maiden on a mountainheight, surrounded by a barrier of fire.
Her name was Brunhilda. He sprangto his feet, rubbed his eyes,
and looked across the table. Hername was Brunhilda, he exclaimed again,
and then he stretched out his arms. Brunhilda, it was you,

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Oh, my beloved, Where haveyou been so long? Brunhilda rose hastily
as if to reply, but beforeshe could utter a word, seacreed,
fell backward. Hoggan had struck himtreacherously from behind with his spear. What
have you done? Shouted the king, while Gudron leaned her head swooningly upon

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her knees. I have slain atraitor, boldly replied Hoggin. Did you
not hear him admit that he hadsought Brunhilda before he was wed with the
princess Gudran, and Brunhilda herself orderedhis death. No no, shrieked Brunhilda,
rushing to her dying hero side.Ah, beloved, I see it

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all now. The curse of thering was upon us, and you knew
not what you did. She liftedhis head upon her lap and tried to
pour wine down his throat. Hiseyes, which were already fast glazing,
opened again at the touch of herhand. Brunhilda, He whispered, where
have you been? I have soughtyou, Siegfried, Siegfried, forgive me.

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It has all been a cruel mistake. Do not die, ah beloved,
Look at me with your dear eyesagain. Your kiss awakened me from
a slumber of years. See Ikiss you and love you. Why do
you not awaken as I did?Do not go away and leave me again.
I shall not let you go.She pressed her lips wildly upon his,

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and the kiss stayed his soul yeta moment more. Brunhilda, Mother,
we will not spart. The herowho knew no fear had ended his
brief earth battle. Brunhilda wept bitterlyat the first outburst of grief. Then,
summoning all her pride and resolution,she rose and confronted Hogen. This

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is your evil deed, she said. You shall not fasten thoughtless words of
mine upon it. There has beenconspiracy here, and I fear that ye
are all in it. There hasindeed been conspiracy, the king answered sadly.
But Hogan alone is the doer ofthis deed, and for it he
shall answer. Our conspiracy lay onlyin giving Stiegfried a drink of forgetfulness.

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We did not know he had becomeplighted to you, and he himself was
made to forget it by the potionhe served us. In all innocence,
Brunhilda looked at Hagen, Gunter andGutrund scornfully, then turned to the retainers.
Take up the body of Siegfried,she commanded, and bear it to
the river's brink. There we willburn it upon a funeral pyre, and

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there will I consign this ring ofthe curse back to the Rhine maidens.
They placed Siegfried upon his shield andlaid the sword of Need across his breast.
Then they bore him as she hadcommanded, to the bank of the
river. At sunset, a greatfuneral pyre had been erected, and the
body was laid upon it. Atorch was applied, and as the heap

(32:52):
burst into flame, Brunhilda called hersteed Grannie, and mounted him. Ho
Yo, to hoo, she cried, giving for the last time the call
of the war maidens. Seek freeto beloved. I come to thee and
straight into the fire she rode,and the flames, leaping high, hid
her and her steed from view.But out of the midst of the pyre,

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her voice called to the Rhine maidens, behold the ring, the ring
of the curse. Come seize it, and may gods and men be relieved
of its band. At her cry, a wondrous thing was seen by the
watchers round about the pyre. Agreat wave rose out of the bed of
the river, and on its crestthe three Rhine maidens appeared up over the

(33:39):
bank. Rushed the wave, quenchingthe fire as it came, and sweeping
all before it into the water's depths. Suddenly, Hoggan gave a fearful cry.
He beheld the ring again, beingswept from beyond his grasp, and
he plunged into the current and attemptedto take it from one of the maidens,

(33:59):
who held it exultingly aloft. Butthe other two twined their arms about
him and dragged him down with them. When the wave had subsided, he
was no longer to be seen,nor was there any vestige of the funeral
Pyre or Brunilda. The curse ofthe Ring was wiped away. Just then,

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a reddish glow was seen in thesky. Swiftly it grew and spread
like the light of many auroras.In speechless amazement, the onlookers beheld this
awe inspiring sight. The doom ofthe gods had come with the recovery of
the Ring. Valhalla was being destroyed. Boton's kingdom was at an end.

(34:42):
Henceforth the world was to press forwardto new and better things. End A story four