(#112’s motival links, if any, not yet ascertained; however, Dunning suggests a possible link with #35; Cooke also suggested a link with Loge motifs such as #33ab. Loge restlessly wanders the heights and depths of the world, as does Wotan.)
“Mime: (He returns to the forge and sits down behind the anvil.) Away he storms! – (#102 Vari?) and here I sit: (#101) to my age-old “Noth” (#19) I can now add a new one; (#19?) I’m well and truly trapped! (#41; #101?) How can I help myself now? (#41; #101) How shall I hold him fast? (#41) (#48) How lead the hothead (#41) to Fafner’s lair? (#41/#5>>>) How join the shards of insidious steel? (#41) No furnace’s fire can fuse these sterling splinters, (#41) nor any dwarf’s hammer subdue their stubborn strength: (harshly: #102 Vari) the Nibelung’s envy [“Neid”] need [“Noth”] and sweat cannot join Nothung together (sobbing: [[ #112 ]] nor weld the sword and make it whole!”
(He sinks down in despair on the stool behind the anvil.)
Scene Two: ([[ #112 ]]: The Wanderer (Wotan) enters from the forest through the door at the back of the cave. He is wearing a long, dark-blue cloak; he carries a spear as a staff. On his head he wears a hat with a broad, round brim, which hangs down over his face.)
The Wanderer: [[ #112 ]] Hail to you, wise smith! [[ #113 ]] To a way-weary guest you’ll not begrudge your house’s hearth! (#113 frag)
Mime: (#46?: starting up in terror) Who is it who seeks me out in the wildwood? Who tracks me through he desolate forest?
The Wanderer: (Approaching very slowly, one step at a time: [[ #112 ]]) As Wanderer I am known to the world: already I’ve wandered widely [[ #113 >> ]] and over the Earth’s [i.e., Erda’s] broad back have ofttimes wended my way.
Mime: [[ #113 ]] Then wend your way further (#41) and don’t rest here (#112 stopped chords) if you’re known to the world as Wanderer.
The Wanderer: [[ #113 Vari ]] With good men I’ve rested as their guest, many have granted me gifts: (#5?) for he who’s ungracious fears misfortune.
Mime: Misfortune ever dwelt with me: (#30b or #33b or #97?) will you make it worse for the wretch?
The Wanderer: (Still advancing slowly: [[ #113>> ]] Much I’ve fathomed, much made out, matters of moment I’ve made known to many and many I’ve saved from whatever irked them, (#37 or #102?) cares that gnawed at their hearts [“nagende Herzens-Noth”].
