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The Ring of the Nibelung
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Siegfried: (#33b) From Bruennhilde’s rock; it was there that I drew the breath with which I called your name: (#103) so quick was my journey here! (#103>) Two others (#42/#13 Vari >>) follow more slowly: (#150 End Fragment?) They’re coming by boat.


Hagen: So you overpowered Bruennhilde?

 

Siegfried: Is Gutrune awake?

 

Hagen: (calling into the hall: #156a>>) Hoiho! Gutrune! Come on out! (#33b Norns’ vari?) Siegfried is here! Why linger within?

 

Siegfried: (turning to the hall: #33b vari) I’ll tell you both how I bound Bruennhilde.


(#156/[[ #171 ]]: Gutrune comes from the hall to meet him.)

 

Siegfried: [[ #169 ]] Bid me welcome, Gibich’s child! A goodly herald I am for you. (#156/[[ #171 ]]


Gutrune: [[ #169 ]] May Freia give you greeting in honour of all women!

 

Siegfried: (#156/[[ #171 ]]) Be open-handed and well-disposed to me in my happy state [“Frei und hold sei nun mir frohem” – keep in mind that Freia is also called “Holda”, and Freia’s brother is Froh]: (#110 Vari [or perhaps #145?]) today I won you as my wife.”

 

[One other key dramatic context in which #168 is heard is the Gibichung Vassals’ mocking chorus of praise of Hagen who is uncharacteristically taking the part of wedding herald in celebration of the seemingly joyous, but in fact tragic, double weddings of Gunther with Bruennhilde, and Siegfried with Gutrune, which Hagen has engineered:]

“Hagen: (#168b?) Quaff all you can till drunkenness tames you – (#168ab) and all to honour the gods, (#168 Vari ) that they give a goodly marriage!

 

The Vassals: (Breaking into ringing laughter: (#168b Vari) Fair fortune and good now smile on the Rhine, since Hagen the grim can make so merry! The hawthorn bush no longer pricks. (#171 >>) He’s been installed as bridal herald.”

 

[image]

[[#169]] Gutrune’s festive welcome to Siegfried in Freia’s name, and in honor of all women

(#169’s motival links, if any, not yet ascertained; however, it sounds as if it may be a festive variant of Gutrune’s Motif #156)

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