the benefit of human knowledge, must always remain the Poet’s [Wotan’s] task.” [800W-{3-6/71}The Destiny of Opera: PW Vol. V, p. 152-153]
[V.2.2: M]
Bruennhilde’s compassion for Siegmund, the product of Wotan’s original grand idea for the redemption of the gods, has been woken by her awareness that Wotan can’t bear to give up his ideal of a free hero by turning against Siegmund, even though Wotan has clearly expressed in words his intent to do just this. However, reacting against Bruennhilde’s sympathy for his highest ideal (i.e., against the division within himself), he explodes in anger expressed by the motifs #84 and #85. Both of these motifs, heard now for the first time in definitive form (#84’s embryo having been hinted at briefly when Wotan was overwhelmed by self-loathing - “Ekel” - during his confession), represent his anger at Bruennhilde’s rebellion against his conscious will, but in truth stem from his anger at himself for having depended on illusion, and hoped for redemption, in the first place:
Bruennhilde: In pity’s name take back your word! You love Siegmund: (#47 or #82 &/or #90a embryo?:) out of love for you (:#47 or #82 &/or 90a embryo?) – I know – I’ll shield the Waelsung.
Wotan: (#83a based on #53:) Siegmund you must kill and master the field for Hunding! Guard yourself well and save your strength (:#83a based on #53); summon up all your boldness for battle: (#57) Siegmund wields a victorious sword – (#57) even to you he’ll not easily fall.
Bruennhilde: (#83:) Him whom you always taught me to love, whose lofty valour is dear to your heart (:#83) – never will your two-faced words force me to turn against him.
Wotan: Ha, insolent child! How dare you insult me! What are you if not the blindly elective tool of my will? (#21) – In conferring with you, have I sunk so low that I’m scorned by creatures of my own making? (#60 chromatic vari:) Do you know my anger, child (:#60 chromatic vari)? (#84 or #85?:) May your courage fail if its lightning flash were to strike you with crushing force (:#84 or #85?)! Within my breast I harbour the rage that can plunge into dread and confusion a world which once smiled upon me in joy: woe unto him whom it strikes! (#21?; #83?) His defiance would bring him grief! And so I warn you: don’t provoke me; see that you do as I said: (#83) Siegmund shall
