She is the protectress of marriage
rites, and come to complain of Siegmund's unlawful act in carrying off
Sieglinde. A long altercation ensues between the pair. In the end Fricka
is triumphant. She extorts an oath from Wotan that he will not protect
Siegmund, and departs satisfied. Bruennhilde again appears, and another
interminable scene follows between her and Wotan. The father of the gods
is weighed down by the sense of approaching annihilation. He now
realises that the consequences of his lawless lust of power are
beginning to work his ruin. He tells Bruennhilde the whole story ot his
schemes to avert destruction by the help of Siegmund and the Valkyries,
ending by commanding her, under dreadful penalties, to leave the Volsung
hero to his fate. Siegmund and Sieglinde now appear, flying from the
vengeful Hunding. Sieglinde's strength is almost spent, and she sinks
exhausted in a death-like swoon. While Siegmund is tenderly watching
over her, Bruennhilde advances. She tells Siegmund of his approaching
doom, and bids him prepare for the delights of Valhalla. He refuses to
leave Sieglinde, and, rather than that they should be separated, he is
ready to plunge his sword into both their hearts. His noble words melt
Bruennhilde's purpose, and, in defiance of Wotan's commands, she promises
to protect him. Hunding's horn is now heard in the distance, and
Siegmund leaves Sieglinde still unconscious and rushes to the encounter.
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