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The Ring of the Nibelung
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[[#118]] Mime’s (Wotan’s) “wise” head forfeit to the hero who alone can re-forge Nothung and redeem the world by restoring lost innocence, the fearless Siegfried, Wotan's heart

(#118’s motival links, if any, not yet ascertained)

[Mime has already accurately answered Wotan’s first two questions: (1) the name of the race towards which Wotan acted badly, yet was dearest of all to him [the Waelsungs], and; (2) the name of the sword Siegfried would have to wield in order to fulfill Mime’s intent that Siegfried kill Fafner:]

“Wanderer: (#117) You’re the wittiest of the wise, who could match you in cunning? (#117) But if you’re so sly as to use the childish hero to further your dwarfish ends, I threaten you now with the third of my questions! – (#41 >>) Tell me, you wily weapon-smith, who do you think will forge (#92) Nothung, the sword, out of these mighty fragments?

 

(Mime starts up in utter terror.)

 

Mime: (in a screeching tone of voice: #104 >>>>) The fragments! The sword! Alas! My head’s swimming! Whatever have I started! Whatever am I thinking of? Alas that I ever stole you! (#5/#104>>>>) It has trapped me in torment and need [“Noth”]; it remains unyielding, I cannot hammer it: rivets and solder fail me completely! (like a man no longer in possession of his wits, he throws his tools around and breaks out in utter despair: #41 Duple Vari) The wisest of smiths is now at a loss: (#102 vari) who’ll forge the sword if I cannot do so? How should I know of this wonder?

 

Wanderer: (Having risen calmly from the hearth: #112) thrice you were meant to question me, thrice I was at your disposal: you asked after (#46?) futile, far off [“Fernen”] things; (#37 vari) but what concerned you most closely (#37 vari) and what you most needed to know, you omitted to ask. (#57; #21/#41) Now that I’ve guessed it, you lose your wits: I’ve won your wily head. (#41) Now, Fafner’s valiant (#48) conqueror, listen, you ill-fated dwarf: [[ #118 ]] only he who never knew fear (#57/#34) will forge the sword anew. (Mime stares at him, wide-eyed: he turns to go: #34) henceforth ward your wise head well: (#26a?; #92) Forfeit I leave it to him (#71 vari “Hero &/or #92c?) who knows not the meaning of fear!

 

(#34: He turns away, smiling, and disappears quickly into the forest. Mime has sunk down on the stool as though crushed.)”

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