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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

Donations Welcome

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.

[[#39]] Alberich’s unbearable anguish: he has found there is no love in the world

(#39 based on #25 but ultimately on the vocal line of Alberich's despair at being rejected by the Rhinedaughters: "(#39 Embryo Voc) The third, so true, betrayed me as well?"; basis of #40, #64b, #80b, #133, #140 and perhaps #145)

[[#40]] “Love” under threat from Alberich's curse on love

Sometimes known as “Tragic Love”

(#40 based on #25 and #39; basis of #64b, #80b, #133, #140, and perhaps #145)

[[#41]] Nibelungs as Slaves of Labor

Commonly known as the “Nibelung Forging Motif” – This motif represents Wagner’s notion that labor which is the product of consciously ulterior motives, whose sole purpose is the satisfaction of vulgar physical need and the quest for profit, prompted by the lust for power or by the fear of others’ power, has no value, while the labor which one undertakes spontaneously, as the product of one’s own nature, such as unconscious artistic inspiration, is joyous

(#41 based on #5ab, #10, and especially #13; related to #45ab and #161ab)

[[#42]] The Wondrous “Tarnhelm” (man’s imagination)

The Tarnhelm, Wagner’s metaphor for that special product of the power of the human mind (the Ring), the imagination, initially served Alberich’s quest for Worldly power, but was co-opted by Wotan and the gods, with the aid of Loge’s cunning, to create and sustain the illusions which are the basis for religious belief, the basis for the gods’ rule over men’s hearts

(#42 based on #35; basis of #43 and #154; related to #48, #49, and #100)