the spirit of love that has taken possession of her, a world-conquering, redeeming love, carries her beyond all fear of death.” [891W-{6-8/76} WRR, p. 143]
And here is what I believe is Wagner’s source of inspiration, a remarkably apt comment by Feuerbach that man’s knowledge of himself and the cosmos expresses the universe’s love for itself:
[P. 286] “… how would it be possible that reason should exhibit the pure nature of things, the original text of the universe, if it were not itself the purest, most original essence? But reason has no partiality for this or that species of things. It embraces with equal interest the whole universe; it interests itself in all things and beings without distinction, without exception; - it bestows the same attention on the worm which human egoism tramples under its feet, as on man … . Reason is the all-embracing, all-compassionating being, the love of the universe to [P. 287] itself.” [151F-EOC: p. 286-287]:
(#54 >>: Bruennhilde steps forward from the back of the stage and, firmly and solemnly, moves downstage.)
Bruennhilde: (still at the back of the stage: #2:) Silence your grief’s exultant (“jauchzenden,” i.e., exultant?]) clamour (:#2)! (#54) (#2:) His wife, whom you all betrayed (#54 vari >>:) comes in quest of (#87:) revenge (:#54; :#2; :#87). (advancing calmly: #156: [in a mournful vari?]) I heard children whimpering for their mother since they’d spilt some fresh milk (:#156 [in a mournful vari]): (#87:) but no sound I heard of a worthy lament (:#87) (#88:) befitting the greatest of heroes (:#88).
Gutrune: (raising herself impetuously from the ground: #132 or #137?: [&/or perhaps a speeded up version of #177b or #89?; #?: [perhaps a hint of music associated in S.3.3 with Bruennhilde’s fear of having sexual union with Siegfried, which included #82, #51, and other motival influences?]) Bruennhilde! grieved by your grudge [“Neid”]! you brought this harm [“Noth”] upon us! You who goaded the men against him, alas, that you ever came near this house (:#132 or #137? [&/or other musical references to Siegfried’s funeral procession in T.3.2, or to Bruennhilde’s fear of Siegfried in S.3.3?:)!
Bruennhilde: (#156 vari >> :) Wretched woman, peace! (#156?) (#?: [perhaps a hint in “war’st du nie” of #4 or #16? the german phrase order is reversed: “Sein Eheweib war’st due nie”]) You were never his lawful wife (:#4 or #16?): (#156/#153? [the mood of this apparent combination of #156
