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Title Page
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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.

[[#48]] Alberich and Fafner transformed into a fearful serpent through the Tarnhelm's Wonder

Commonly known as the “Dragon Motif,” or “Serpent Motif” - Wagner’s metaphor for man’s fear of death, and the more abstract, existential fear of truth, the primary motives behind man’s involuntary invention of the gods, who assuage man’s fear through the promise of immortality to mortal man

(#48 basis of #49; related to #35, #42, #48, and #154)

[see #47 for #48 Embryo’s dramatic context. See below for #48’s first definitive entry:]

“Loge: (#33b Vari) Who’d not be struck with wonder on learning of Alberich’s work? If your marvelous guile can achieve what you claim with the hoard, as the mightiest of men I must hail you: [[ (#@: B) Arrogance of Power Motif: #20b/#33b ]] for the moon and the stars and the beaming sun, they too have no choice but to serve you. [[ (#@: B) Arrogance of Power Motif: #20b/#33b) ]] (#41) Yet I think it important above all else that those who heap up the hoard, the Nibelung army, should bow before you ungrudgingly. A ring you boldly flourished (#19); (#41) trembling, your people shrank before it: (#19 Varis plus #42 Varis) But what if a thief crept upon you, asleep, and slyly snatched it away – how would you ward yourself then in your wisdom? (#35?)

 

Alberich: (#33b) Loge thinks himself smartest of all; others he always deems dim-witted: (#35?) that I might perhaps need him to help and advise me and earn his weighty thanks – the thief would now be glad to hear! (#42) The masking helmet I thought up myself; but Mime – most heedful of smiths – had to forge it for me: (#43?) to transform me swiftly and change my shape to whatever I want the helmet serves; no one sees me, though he may seek me; yet I am everywhere, hidden from sight. And so, free from care, I’m safe from you, too, my fondly caring friend! [[ (#@: B) Arrogance of Power Motif: #20b/#33b ]]; #35)

 

Loge: Much I have seen, strange things I have found, but such a wonder I’ve never beheld. I can scarcely believe in so matchless a work; were such a thing likely, your power would last for ever.

 

Alberich: Do you think that I’m lying and boasting like Loge?

 

Loge: Till I’ve proved it myself, dwarf, I doubt in your word.

 

Alberich: (#41) The fool’s fit to burst, he’s so swollen with cunning: may envy [“Neid”] torment you! Decide in what shape I’m to stand here before you.