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Table of Contents

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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I would be grateful for donations of any size, small or large, to help defray the cost (1) of maintaining this website, (2) and to finance my past and present research which produced my book posted here, Volume One of "The Wound That Will Never Heal," and my forthcoming revision of Volume One (to be submitted for publication), and completion of Volume Two on Wagner's six other canonic operas and music-dramas. I sacrificed at least seven years of paid employment and incurred debts to complete this project, and am currently unemployed, so I thank you in advance for any financial help you can provide. Your friend, Paul Heise.

[[#20abcde]] “Valhalla” (the Gods’ heavenly abode)

The Gods' heavenly abode, a refuge from Alberich's Host of Night: A symbol for human civilization predicated on religious faith, the belief in gods, a waking dream through which collective, historical man involuntarily and unconsciously invented the gods.

(#20a based on #19ab, which in turn is produced by #17ab, derived in its turn by a transformation of music characteristic of the Rhinedaughters’ joy; #20b may be basis for #113; related through its basis #19 to all the #19-based motifs such as #46, #50, #51, #68, and #159)

[See #19 for #20a’s initial dramatic context]

 

“(Wotan and Fricka asleep. The castle is now fully visible. Fricka wakes up: her eye falls on the castle.)

 

Fricka: (alarmed) Wotan, husband! Awake!

 

Wotan: (still dreaming: #19?) The happy hall of delight is guarded by door and gate. (#20b?) Manhood’s honor, (#20c?) boundless might redound to endless renown!

 

Fricka: (shaking him) Awake from the blissful deception of dreams! [[ #21 Embryo ]] Husband, wake up and reflect!

 

"Wotan: (waking and raising himself a little: his gaze is at once arrested by the sight of the castle) [[ #20a ]] The everlasting work is ended! On mountain peak, the gods' abode; resplendent shines the proud-standing hall! As in my dream I conceived it, just as my will decreed it, [[ #20b ]] sturdy and fair [[ #20c ]] it stands on show, [[ #20d ]] august and glorious building!

 

Fricka: You feel only joy at what fills me with dread? [Fricka describes her fear for Freia] [[ #21 Embryo ]] The fortress is finished, the forfeit is due: (#26a Embryo) have you forgot what you gave away?

 

Wotan: Well I remember what they demanded who built the stronghold for me there; [[ #21 Embryo ]] through a contract I tamed their forward breed, bidding them build the lordly hall. [[ #21 Embryo ]] It stands there – thanks to the giants – as for the payment, give it no thought.”