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Title Page
Dedication Page
General Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations for key references
Guide to abbreviations used in text
Allen Dunning's numbered Guide to the Ring's Musical Motifs
Detailed Table of Contents

The Ring

Introduction


References
Appendix I
Appendix I I

Key Colour Coding

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[[#23]] The domestic bliss of Valhalla

Fricka’s hope that the domestic bliss of Valhalla (i.e., the quiet and security offered by a civilization founded on religious faith) will keep Wotan (mankind) from wandering outside its confines (i.e., from betraying religious faith and the civilized values which stem from it).

(#23 based on #8; basis of #93 and #149)

[See #22 for #23’s dramatic context]

[[#24]] “Freia” (the first of two motifs representing Freia as Goddess of Love, in this case "Sensuous Love")

(#24 basis of #139; possible basis of #153)

 

“Wotan: ... Freia the good I'll not give up: it never seriously entered my thoughts.

 

Fricka: (peering offstage, tense with anxiety) Then shield her now: in defenseless fear she comes running hither for help!

 

Freia: ([[ #24 ]]; [[ #25 ]]: entering, as if in headlong flight) Help me, sister! Help me, kinsman! Fasolt has threatened from yonder fell, saying he'll come for Freia the fair!"

[[#25]] “Freia” (the second motif representing Freia as Goddess of Love, in this case "Transcendent Love")

Freia as Goddess of Divine, Transcendent Love assuages and idealizes man’s desire (Fasolt)

(#25 based on Embryo from the vocal line of Alberich’s complaint at having his bid for love rejected by all three Rhinedaughters, who had led him on: “(#5a) Woe! (#5b) Ah, woe! (#25 & #39 Embryo) Has the third, so true, betrayed me as well?”; basis of #39, of Definitive Love Motif #40 and #64b, of #80b, #133, and #140; possible basis of #145)