Siegfried

Siegfried, the son of Siegmund and Sieglinde, has been raised by Mime, brother of Alberich, after his mother’s death in childbirth. He wants a strong sword. No one who knows fear can weld together the pieces of his father’s sword, broken by Wotan when Siegmund was killed. Siegfried, who is fearless, does so, and kills the dragon, Fafner, the giant who originally was given Alberich’s ring by Wotan. Siegfried takes the ring, not knowing any of its properties, and instructed by a forest bird, whom he can understand having tasted the dragon’s blood, goes to find Brünnhilde. Wotan, whom Siegfried does not know, blocks his way. In anger, he breaks Wotan’s spear, thus ending the god’s power. He passes through the fire and awakens the former goddess. Undaunted by her reluctance to yield to him, he pursues her until they both are radiant in their love for one another.