All language subtitles for Götterdämmerung.en

What light glimmers there?

Is it already dawn?

Loge's fire flickers on the rocks.

Night still reigns.

Shall we sing as we spin?

If we sing and spin...

...where can we fasten the rope?

As best I can, I shall wind the rope and sing.

I used to sing at the World Ash Tree...

...when it still flourished,
heavy with sacred boughs.

I sat in the shade as the stream
whispered its wisdom...

...and I sang of holy things.

A valiant god drank from the spring.

And in payment, he gave up an eye.

Wotan ripped a branch from the tree
and fashioned it into a spear.

In time, the tree grew weak
from its wound and wasted away.

Withered and barren, the tree died...

...and, as if grieving, the stream ceased to flow.

Then my song became sorrowful.

Now the pine tree,
not the World Ash, must hold my rope.

Sing, sister, take up the rope.

Do you know what has happened?

Wotan's spear contained
the runes of holy laws and treaties.

With it, he ruled the world.

But a bold hero shattered the spear...

...and left every law in splinters.

Then Wotan ordered his heroes
to hack the dead tree into pieces.

The World Ash fell, and then the stream ran dry.

Now I must tie my rope to the jagged rock.

Sing, sister, take up the rope.

Do you know what will happen now?

Built by giants, Valhalla still towers above.

All the gods and heroes sit there,
gathered in Wotan's hall.

A towering pile of logs surrounds the hall,
ready for burning.

Those logs were once the World Ash Tree.

When the wood blazes up,
Valhalla will be consumed.

The immortal ones will perish.

Twilight will fall on the gods.

Would you know more?

Then wind the rope again when I pass it back to you.

Sing, my sister, as you wind it.

Is that the dawn or the fire glowing?

My sight is dimmed by grief...

...blurring visions of days past
when Loge first blazed in brilliant flame.

Tell me, what was his fate?

Tamed by Wotan's magical spear...

...Loge counseled the god.

Then Loge tried to escape by scorching the god's staff.

But Wotan conquered him
with the point of his spear...

...and forced him to surround
Br�nnhilde's rock with fire.

Tell us, do you know what will become of him?

Wotan will take the splintered spear...

...and plunge it into Loge's breast.

The flames from the wound
will set the dead branches blazing.

If you want to know when that will be...

...then pass the rope, my sisters.

As night wanes, my sight fails me.

I fumble for the fraying rope.

The vision of a fierce face troubles my mind.

Alberich stole the Rhinegold.

What became of him?

The rock cuts at the rope.

It is tangled and no longer taut.

I see the rise of the Nibelung's ring,
fed by rage and spite.

Its vengeful curse tears at the twisted rope.

Do you know what will become of it?

The rope is too slack!

Pull it taut.

It snapped!

So ends eternal wisdom.

The wise ones will no longer
impart their knowledge to the world.

Away, to Mother!

On to new deeds of glory, my hero!

My love for you urges you on.

Yet one doubt lingers and troubles me.

Have I repaid you in full for all you've given me?

I gladly taught you what I could,
heavenly wisdom, all I knew.

But my woman's strength is gone.

A hero took it all...

...when I gave myself to him.

Instead of my godly wisdom,
I'm filled with human desire.

A wealth of love replaces my strength.

I beg you, don't scorn a woman
who denies you nothing...

...yet has no more to give.

You have taught me more
than I can ever understand.

Forgive me if I have not grasped
all you sought to teach me.

But I have learned one thing:
Br�nnhilde lives for me alone.

And something else...
to think always of Br�nnhilde.

If you would truly love me...

...then be true to yourself.

Recall the raging fire you braved
to scale the rocky heights.

To win you, Br�nnhilde!

Remember the woman
you found asleep in gleaming armor...

...armor from which you freed her.

To waken Br�nnhilde!

Recall the vows we made...

...the bond of marriage that unites us!

For if you love me as I love you...

...my love will burn in your heart forever.

As I leave you behind,
protected by the fire...

...take this ring in return
for the wisdom you gave me.

The glory of my deeds shines in this gold.

To win it, I killed a dragon who guarded its might.

Now you shall guard it for me,
a token of my true love.

This I shall prize above all!

In exchange for the ring,
take Grane, my horse.

We rode the heavens together.

He lost his magic powers, as I did.

Where he flew, he goes no longer.

He braves the stormy sky no more.

But lead him on, even through fire,
and he will boldly follow.

Tend to him well.
He'll heed your voice.

And let him hear Br�nnhilde's name often!

My heroic deeds will be inspired by you alone.

You will choose my enemies.
My every conquest will be yours.

Riding Grane, holding your shield,
I will be Siegfried no more...

...but Br�nnhilde's right arm!

Oh, to be your soul, too!

You are my soul, and my courage!

Then you are both Siegfried and Br�nnhilde.

Wherever I am, both of us live.

And when I am here, alone?

We are both here, joined as one!

O holy immortals!
You who rule heaven!

Gaze below.
See two mortals in love!

Apart, who could divide us?

Divided, still we are one.

Hail to Br�nnhilde! Radiant star!

Hail to Siegfried, the conquering light.

Hail, love in its glory!

Hail, life in its glory!

Hail! Hail!

Advise me, Hagen.

Tell the truth.

Is my reputation along the Rhine
worthy of our noble name?

I envy that name, and you for being
King Gibich's true-born son.

Our mother taught me to respect that.

I envy you.
You have no reason to envy me.

As firstborn, the crown is mine,
but only you inherited wisdom.

So let no quarrel come between us half-brothers.

When I ask you to judge my fame,
it's because I trust you.

Then I haven't lived up to your trust...

...for a greater prize could yet be yours.

Tell me what you mean.

You are in the prime of life,
Gunther, yet have no wife.

And you, Gutrune, are unwed.

What woman should I woo to add to my prestige?

There's one woman, the noblest in the world.

Atop a mountain peak, a fire surrounds her...

...and only he who braves it
can win Br�nnhilde's hand.

Could I win it?

Fate has chosen a much bolder man.

Who is this bold man?

It's Siegfried, the W�lsungs' son.

He is the bravest of men.

The W�lsung twins gave in to passion.
Siegmund and Sieglinde begot him.

In the forest he grew strong.
He's the man Gutrune should wed.

What great deed did he perform
to be hailed as the bravest of men?

There was a dragon in the woods,
guarding the Nibelung gold.

Siegfried shut his ravenous jaws,
and slew him with his sword.

That brave and mighty feat
won him fame as a hero.

I've heard of the Nibelung gold.
Its value is immense.

Whoever possesses its might
makes all the world his domain.

And now Siegfried has it?

The Nibelungs are his slaves.

And only he can win Br�nnhilde?

He alone could conquer the fire.

What counsel is this?

Why cause me to long for what I cannot win?

What if Siegfried wins the bride,
only to make her yours?

Why would he woo a wife for me?

You could easily persuade him
if Gutrune charmed him first.

You're cruel to mock me, Hagen.

How could I hope to win him?

If he's the greatest of heroes,
he can choose from the fairest of women.

Remember the potion I brought
and kept secure in the chest?

Just give it to the man you desire.
Once he drinks it, he'll be yours.

If Siegfried came here...

...we could offer it to him to drink.

He would lose all memory
of any woman he ever knew...

...forgetting all others but you.

So?

Has Hagen counseled well?

All praise to our mother
for a brother wise as this!

If only Siegfried were here!

How can we find him?

Seeking adventure,
he left the woods to roam the world.

His journey may bring him to us,
to the Gibichung Hall on the Rhine.

He'd be welcome here.

That sound came from the Rhine...that horn.

A man and horse aboard a raft!

Hear him sound his horn!

He easily steers his craft against the current.

What strength!

He must be the one who killed the dragon.

It can only be Siegfried!

Is he stopping here?

Where are you bound?

I seek Gibich's son.

His hall awaits you.
Be welcome here!

This way! Come ashore!

Hail, Siegfried, valiant man!

Who is Gibich's son?

Gunther is the one you seek.

Your fame has spread along the Rhine.

Shall we fight, or meet as friends?

Come in peace. Be at home here!

Who'll tend to my horse?

I'll see to that.

You called me Siegfried.

You knew my name?

Your strength revealed it to me.

Treat Grane with kindness.
You will never see a nobler steed.

I welcome you, dear guest,
to my ancestral home.

The hall we stand in, and all you see...

...are now at your disposal.

My inheritance is yours.
My land, my people...

...and myself as well!

I swear it by my life.

I have no land or realm,
no ancestral home to offer.

Sturdy limbs are all I have,
and only now, while I am young.

Here's the sword I crafted.

Let it seal our friendship.

My sword and my strength are yours.

The Nibelung hoard, I hear, is now yours, as well.

I'd nearly forgotten,
so little do I value its worth.

I left it where I found it, in the dragon's cave.

You left it all behind?

I took this, not knowing its purpose.

That is the Tarnhelm, the Nibelung's handiwork.

When you put this on,
you can take any form you wish...

...or travel wherever you like,
as swiftly as thoughts fly.

You took nothing else?

A ring.

Have you kept it safe?

It's safe on a woman's hand.

I will ask nothing of Siegfried.

My wealth is slight next to yours,
but give me your friendship...

...as I give you mine.

Welcome, guest, to Gibich's home.

His daughter offers you this drink.

Had I forgotten all else you taught,
one lesson I would still recall.

And so, with true devotion...

...Br�nnhilde, I drink to you.

I'm blinded by your blazing glance!
But why do you turn away?

Fairest of women, look away!
Your gaze has set my heart aflame!

A fiery torrent races through my veins!

Gunther, tell me your sister's name.

Gutrune.

Do I read my good fortune in her eyes?

I offered to serve your brother,
but he proudly refused me.

Would you also refuse me
if I offered myself to you?

Gunther, do you have a wife?

I am not married.

Nor am I likely to marry soon.

Alas, the wife I desire is one whom I cannot win.

What could be denied you with me to help?

Atop a mountain peak...

...a fire surrounds her home.

Only he who passes through that fire...

...can win Br�nnhilde for his wife.

I dare not approach that mountain.

The fire won't yield to me.

I don't fear fire.
I'll woo the bride for you!

In return, give me Gutrune's hand.

Yes, I'll do that gladly.

Br�nnhilde shall be yours!

How will you trick her?

Wearing the Tarnhelm, I'll take your form.

Let's swear an oath on that.

Blood brotherhood, that's what we'll swear!

Drops of my lifeblood I shed in this cup.

Boldly mixed in brotherly love,
may this drink make us one.

I pledge my faith to my friend.

May this vow we freely take
make us blood brothers forever.

If the vow be betrayed....

If one friend should be false...

...the drops of blood in this cup
will swell into torrents.

Betrayal demands revenge.

Thus shall I be sworn!

Thus...

...shall I be true!

Why didn't you join in our oath?

My blood would spoil your drink.

It isn't as pure and noble as yours.

Sluggish and cold, slow to stir,
it scarcely seems to flow.

So I refrain from fiery oaths.

Pay the unhappy man no heed.

Quick! Let's be off!

We'll take my raft!

It will quickly take us to the mountain.

You must stay by the shore
through the night and await me.

Then, I'll bring the bride down to you.

Won't you rest first?

I'm too eager to get back.

Hagen! Watch over the palace.

Where are they going?

To win Br�nnhilde's hand.

See how eager Siegfried is to win you!

Siegfried! Mine!

I sit here on watch, guarding the house...

...wary of every foe.

Gibich's son, sped by the wind,
sets off to woo a fair wife.

A dauntless hero steers their craft
and keeps him safe from harm.

The hero is bringing his wife to us.

To me, though, he brings the ring!

Such carefree, happy comrades!

Sail on merrily!

Though you disdain me...

...you'll serve me yet.

The Nibelung's son.

Sounds I remember well come from afar.

A winged horse is flying this way.
It races through the clouds.

Who seeks me out here?

Br�nnhilde! Sister!

Waken from slumber!

Waltraute's voice!
What a welcome sound!

Dearest sister!
Are you coming to me?

Your horse can rest awhile and graze
by those trees, your favorite spot.

You've come to me!
You dared to seek Br�nnhilde here?

I came for your sake alone!

For me, for Br�nnhilde's sake,
you disobeyed our father?

Or what?

Tell me.

Dare I hope, or even believe,
that Wotan now relents?

Though I defied him by shielding Siegmund...

...acting against him, I did what he wished.

And I know his fury cannot last.

Even though he left me here,
sleeping on this rock...

...prey to any man who'd awaken me...

...he did not deny my pitiful plea.

He surrounded me with a fire
that kept cowards away.

And yet my penance became a blessing.

For the noblest of men has made me his wife.

Now I exult in a life transfigured by his love.

Did my good fortune draw you here?

Do you, too, long for such rapture?

No, foolish sister, it's not that!

In fear I come to you,
breaking Wotan's command.

So it was fear that brought you here?

Even now, he will not relent?

And you still fear his rage?

If only I could fear that,
all my cares would disappear.

Why, though? I don't understand.

Listen closely and you'll learn...

...why the fear that drove me here
drives me back to Valhalla.

Are the gods in danger?

Listen carefully to what I tell you.

After Wotan left you here,
he never again sent us to battle.

Now we wander in aimless pursuits.

As for Valhalla's heroes, Wotan shunned them.

He rode off alone and
wandered all over the world.

In time he came back.

But his spear had been shattered...

...hacked in two by a hero.

Wotan commanded Valhalla's heroes
to cut down the World Ash Tree.

They cut away its wasted limbs and
heaped them around Valhalla's walls.

He summoned the gods to his throne.

In fear they gathered around him.

The heroes filled the hall.

And so, there he sits...

...silent and grim.

He stares sadly from his throne...

...holding the broken spear in his hand.

The youth-giving apples...

...lie there, untouched.

Fearful and confused,
the gods watch and wait.

He has sent his ravens off on a journey.

He is waiting for them to bring back good tidings.

Only their return will cause the god to smile again.

We Valkyries implore him,
but he ignores our pleas...

...and we are overcome by fear and despair.

Weeping, I clung to him.

His stern glance grew soft.

He was thinking of you, Br�nnhilde.

He sighed in grief.

And with eyes closed...

...as if dreaming, he whispered aloud....

"If only she would give the ring back
to the Rhine daughters..."

"...she would end the curse..."

"...and save both gods and men."

I pondered this...

...then slipped away from the silent hall.

I mounted my horse and rode
through the storm to you.

Hear me, sister, hear my plea!

Bravely do what must be done!

End our unending woe!

What wild tale is this,
full of sorrow and dread?

The gods, aloft in cloudy splendor,
now seem so distant to me.

All you say leaves me confused.

Yet in your weary glances
gleams a wavering hope.

My pale and mournful sister,
what do you want of me?

The ring on your hand!
For Wotan's sake, cast it away...

...to the Rhinemaidens!

To them? This ring?

Siegfried's pledge of love?

How can you ask that?

It's the cause of the world's woe!

Throw it back to the river!

Valhalla's troubles will end
if you return it to the river!

Do you not know what it means to me?

Untouched by passion, how can you know?

More than Valhalla's splendor,
more than the gods, I prize this ring!

One glimpse of this gold means more to me...

...than any rapture the gods can know!

Its gleam tells me that Siegfried loves me.

Can you not see that?

The ring proves his love.

Return to the gods!

And tell them this about my ring.

I will never give up my love.

Or let it be taken from me...

...even if Valhalla crumbles in ruins.

How can you betray us?
Won't you help your sister in her despair?

Be on your way! Ride off!

You cannot rob me of my ring!

Woe!

Woe to you, sister!

Woe to Valhalla's gods!

Ride far away!

Chased off by winds, storm cloud, begone!

And never return!

Now evening shadows dim the heavens.

The fire blazes brighter along the mountain.

It's burning wildly!
Why does it leap so high?

It rises still, an ocean of fire!

Siegfried is back!

I hear him calling to me!

I will go greet him!

I'll fall into his arms!

Betrayed!

Who dares come here?

A suitor comes...

...and the fire did not hold him back.

I claim you as my bride.

Now you must follow me.

Who comes here,
where only the bravest dare?

A hero claims your hand...

...by force if you resist.

A monster rises before my eyes.

A bird of prey attacks me!

Who are you, dreadful one?

Could you be mortal?

Are you a demon risen from hell?

I am a Gibichung.

Gunther is my name.

Now, come! You must obey!

Wotan!

You vengeful, merciless god!

All is clear now!
This is your punishment!

This mockery, this sorrow!
That's what you willed!

The night draws near.

Now you must wed yourself to me,
in your chamber.

Go back!

This ring protects me!

You cannot force me to shame
as long as this ring keeps me safe.

It will marry you to Gunther,
who makes you his wife.

Keep back, you robber!
Don't dare approach!

I am stronger than steel with this...

...and mine it will remain!

Your words only drive me to take it by force!

Now you are mine.

Br�nnhilde is Gunther's bride.

Show me to your chamber.

This miserable woman is left defenseless!

Nothung, be my witness that
my courtship will remain chaste.

I shall keep my vow to my blood brother.

My sword shall lie between me and Gunther's bride!

Are you asleep, Hagen, my son?

Do you not hear me,
I who cannot rest or sleep?

I hear you, evil Alberich.

What would you tell me in my slumber?

Ponder your power, and be as brave
as your mother meant you to be.

My mother made me brave...

...but I am not grateful
that she sold herself to you.

I am old before my time...

...pale and exhausted.

I hate the joyful, and feel no joy.

Hagen, my son! Hate the joyful,
but love your unfortunate father.

Be cunning, strong, and bold,
and we will soon destroy our foes.

Wotan, who stole my ring, has been
defeated by his offspring, Siegfried.

Now, in the company of his godly kin...

...he awaits his downfall in dread.

I fear him no longer,
for I know he will die with the rest.

Are you sleeping, Hagen, my son?

And what of the might of the gods?

Who will wield it next?

I, with you!

We'll rule the world if you carry on my hatred.

Siegfried broke Wotan's spear
after slaying the dragon.

The ring made him lord of
Valhalla and Nibelheim.

Unaware of the ring's power...

...he stays untouched by my curse.

His carefree ways will help us to destroy him.

Are you sleeping, Hagen, my son?

He seeks his own ruin, serving my will.

It's the ring that concerns us!

A wise woman loves him.

She might tell him to return it
to the daughters of the Rhine.

If so, I'd lose the gold forever.

You must work to get the ring without delay.

I made you bold and strong to fight my foes...

...though only Siegfried could kill the dragon.

I bred hatred into Hagen so he could avenge me...

...and recover the ring, despite Wotan's wiles.

Swear you'll do that, Hagen, my son!

The ring will yet be mine.
Wait, and you'll see.

Swear to me, Hagen, my hero!

I've sworn to myself.

Worry no longer.

Be true, Hagen, my son!

Cherished hero!

Be true!

Wake up, Hagen!
Did you see me coming?

Hail, Siegfried!

Back already, and from where?

Br�nnhilde's mountain....

I moved so quickly that I took a breath there...

...then used it to call your name here.

The happy couple follow slowly by boat.

Then you overcame Br�nnhilde?

Is Gutrune awake?

Gutrune! Come here! Siegfried is back.

I'll tell you how Br�nnhilde was won.

Welcome me! I bring you good news!

Be welcome, then,
on behalf of all loving women!

Only one concerns me, the bride I've won!

Is Br�nnhilde with my brother?

I made her his bride.

The fire didn't harm him?

It couldn't, for I went in his place...

...so I could marry you.

And the fire spared you?

I laughed at the flames.

And she took you for Gunther?

I looked just like him!
The Tarnhelm worked as Hagen said.

I gave you good advice.

You overcame her, then?

Not I, Gunther did.

Yet she yielded to you?

She yielded to her lawful spouse.

But you were there, not he.

Still loyal to Gutrune!

And yet she slept at your side?

Between her and me lay my sword.

So near was Br�nnhilde, and so far.

How did Gunther receive her from you?

At dawn I led her down to him.

Then he and I changed places...

...and I wished myself here!

Now, driving winds bring the lovers home.

Let's welcome them!

Siegfried! Masterful man!

I stand in awe of you!

I see a boat!

We should be thankful.

We must greet her warmly...

...and make her welcome.

Hagen, call our vassals.

Invite them to the wedding.

I'll call the women to join us.
They'll share our joy!

Won't you rest first?

I'll help you. That's my rest!

Come, Gibich vassals!
Answer my call!

To arms!

Take up your weapons!

Bring your weapons!

Mighty weapons, strong and sharp!

Danger looms!

Danger!

Why sound the horns?

Who calls us to battle?

We're ready to fight!

Hagen! Tell us!

Are we under threat?

Have we been attacked?

Arm yourselves well!
Prepare to fight!

Welcome Gunther, your lord!

He brings back a bride!

Are they in danger?

The bride he brings is fiery and proud.

Are they pursued by angry kinsmen?

No one follows them. They're alone.

So the danger is past?

A hero accompanied them.
Siegfried kept them from harm.

Then why are we summoned?

Oxen must be slaughtered.
Blood must be shed on Wotan's altar.

And then what must we do?

For Froh, you must slay a boar.

Slaughter a goat to Donner.

Sheep should be offered to Fricka,
so she will bless the marriage.

After that, what then?

Take up the drinking horns
and let your women fill them.

And with them in hand, what shall we do?

First drain them dry, then drain them again!

So may the gods be honored and favor our feast.

Destiny favors us, here on the Rhine!
Hagen, grim Hagen, is merry today.

Let us all be merry
and welcome the happy pair.

Enough of jesting, worthy vassals!

Welcome Gunther's bride!
Br�nnhilde arrives with our lord!

Honor your lady, serving her well.

If she is wronged, swiftly avenge her.

Hail!

Hail and welcome!

Hail to Gunther!

Hail to you and your bride!

Br�nnhilde, my matchless bride,
graces the Rhine today.

No man could win a nobler wife.

We Gibichungs have been blessed,
favored once more by the gods.

Now we ascend to even greater heights!

I greet you, valiant friend.

And you, fair sister!

How joyful I am that my friend
has won you as his wife.

Two joyous couples, happily united!

Br�nnhilde and Gunther...

...Gutrune and Siegfried.

What troubles her?

Why does she look so anguished?

What clouds Br�nnhilde's gaze?

Siegfried, here?

Gutrune?

Gunther's gentle sister,
won by me as he won you.

Won...by Gunther? You liar!

My sight grows dim.

Siegfried does not know me?

Gunther, your wife is ailing.

Good lady, look.
There is your husband.

The ring...on his hand!

On Siegfried's hand!

What's this?

Now mark her words!
Let us hear her accusation.

That ring is mine,
taken from me, not by you...

...but by him!

How did you get the ring from him?

I won it, but not from him.

You vowed it was our wedding ring.

Make him return it!

What ring? I never gave it to him.

Then where is the ring you took from me?

So it's he who tore it from my hand.

Siegfried! That liar and thief!

No woman gave it to me.

Nor did I steal it.

I won this ring myself...

...at the dragon's lair, after killing the beast.

Br�nnhilde, are you sure that it's your ring?

If you gave it to Gunther, then it is his.

And if Siegfried got it by fraud,
he must pay for his treachery.

I am betrayed!

Shamelessly deceived!

Betrayed!

Wronged beyond all revenge!

Betrayed? By whom?

Gods most holy!

You who rule the heavens...

...did you decree this out of spite?

Must I suffer as no mortal ever has?

Is this my penance, disgrace beyond shame?

Then grant me the most savage revenge ever known.

Fill me with rage that cannot be stilled!

Even if Br�nnhilde's heart must be broken...

...make her betrayer pay with his life!

Br�nnhilde, my consort! Calm yourself!

Keep away, traitor!
You, too, have been betrayed!

Everyone, hear me!

There is the man who made me his wife.

Siegfried? Gutrune's husband?

He forced delight and love from me!

Would you disgrace yourself?

You do, by your own words.
I must deny them to defend your honor.

You judge whether I broke faith.

I have sworn blood brotherhood to Gunther.

Nothung, my worthy sword,
guarded my oath of loyalty.

Its blade lay between me and Gunther's bride.

How cleverly you lie!

I know your sword!

I saw Nothung in its sheath,
hanging on the wall...

...the night its master conquered me!

Was Siegfried disloyal,
staining Gunther's honor?

Could he be a traitor?

I'll be disgraced, unless you deny her wild claim.

Siegfried, did you betray your vow?

Deny the charge she makes!

Silence this slander! Swear it's a lie!

I will swear an oath!

On whose weapon shall I swear?

Let my weapon serve you!

Swear on my spear!

Its point will witness your oath.

Shining steel! Holiest weapon!

Witness my oath eternal!

By your very sharpness, I swear!

Spear-point, witness my words!

If I am a liar, strike at my heart.

Put me to death if I am false...

...if what she claims is true�
that I have broken my vow.

Shining steel! Holiest weapon!

Witness my oath eternal!

By your very sharpness, I swear!

Spear-point, witness my words!

I dedicate your strength to his destruction!

I bless your sharpness!
May it pierce him!

He betrayed every vow.

And now he perjures himself!

Help, Donner! Send us your thunder!

Silence this awful disgrace!

Gunther, look to your wife!
Her shameless lies disgrace you!

Give her some time to calm herself.

Let this wild mountain woman cool her rage.

Some demon provoked her,
making her rage at us.

Men must retreat like cowards
when women attack with words.

Let women rant and rave!

It troubles me that Br�nnhilde was not deceived.

It seems the Tarnhelm was a poor disguise.

But women's anger quickly fades.

She'll be grateful one day...

...that I wooed her for you.

Come now, you vassals! Off to the feast!

Lovely women! Come to the wedding!

Let pure delight make you laugh now.

At home or in the field,
I'll be the happiest man of all.

All whom love has blessed,
join our celebration.

Share my joy today!

Does some hidden evil hover around us?

Has some dark spell caused this disaster?

What good is my wisdom in this confusion?

How can I solve such a riddle?

Ah, sorrow!

Pain and sorrow!

I gave him all my wisdom...

...and now I'm trapped,
a hostage to his power...

...weak, wailing, and to my shame...

...carelessly cast off by him!

Who will offer me the sword that sets me free?

Trust in me, betrayed woman...

...and you will have your vengeance.

On whom?

On Siegfried.

On Siegfried? From you?

One look from his fiery eyes...

...the same glance that beamed brightly upon me...

...and your courage will be dispelled in an instant.

Yet he swore falsely on my spear!

Useless words!

You'll need stronger means to fell such a man.

I know that he is too strong to be easily defeated.

So tell me some artful way to conquer the hero.

Oh, what ingratitude and shame!

I used all my craft to defend him from his foes.

He does not know I protect his life.

I surrounded him with magic,
keeping him safe from harm.

No weapon can wound him?

In combat, none.

Yet, if you were to strike him in the back....

I knew that he would never retreat...

...or turn his back while fighting...

...so I gave him no protection there.

Then there my spear shall strike!

Up, Gunther, noble Gibichung!

Your dauntless wife stands before you.
Why give way to grief?

Oh, what shame!

What dishonor!

No man ever knew such sorrow!

You are indeed disgraced.

You coward! Falsest of friends!

You had a hero win the prize for you.

How low your race has sunk
to breed a man so weak!

I've been a deceiver, but now I am deceived!

A betrayer, now betrayed!

My life is broken.
My heart is crushed.

Help, Hagen! Salvage my honor!

Do it for our mother, she who bore us both!

No word or thought can help you...
only Siegfried's death!

Siegfried's death!

That alone will purge your shame.

Blood brotherhood made us as one.

Those bonds were broken.
He must die.

Did he break the oath?

Yes, since he cheated you.

Was I betrayed?

He betrayed you,
just as I have been betrayed.

There is not blood enough
to wash away such guilt!

But one death alone will
avenge all transgressions.

Siegfried's downfall will pay
for his sins and for yours.

He shall die...and save you.

If he dies, you inherit untold might,
for you'll then have the ring.

Br�nnhilde's ring?

The Nibelung's golden ring!

And so Siegfried must die!

His death will serve us all.

Yet how shall we face Gutrune
after taking Siegfried's life?

What use was my wisdom?

Helpless and grieving, I now see all.

It was Gutrune who used her charms...

...to steal my husband from me!

May she grieve forever!

Although we will slay him,
she need not know it.

Tomorrow, while hunting,
we'll let him run on ahead.

Then we'll tell her he was killed by a boar.

So it shall be! Siegfried must die!

Thus he will atone for his deceit.

Siegfried must die!

He must atone for his crime!

The ring will be mine.

He broke his oath!

Let him atone with his blood.

Avenging god, guardian of oaths...

...hear our plea!

Nibelung lord!

Alberich! Look on your son!

Wotan, hear us!

Call on your legions!

Hear our oath of vengeance!

The sun shines down in glory...

...yet it is dark in the river's depths.

Light shone there once, so long ago,
where our gold lay gleaming.

Rhinegold, gleaming gold!

How brightly you once glittered
like a star in the water!

Weialala, weialala...

Fair sun, send us the hero
who will return our gold.

Then we will no longer envy your brilliance.

Our gold would shine brightly,
like a star in the water!

I hear his horn.

Our hero comes!

Let's make our plan.

Some goblin led me astray,
so my quarry escaped.

I've lost the bear I was chasing
through these mountains.

What goblin made you so cross?

Has someone tricked you?

Tell us, Siegfried! Tell us all!

Did you lure away the bear?

Well, if he's your sweetheart, I leave him to you!

What will you give us if we find your bear?

I'm still empty-handed, so name your price!

The gold ring on your finger.

Give us that!

I had to kill a dragon to get this ring.

Why would I exchange it for a bearskin?

Cruel man!

And so miserly too!

You'd win every heart if you were more generous.

If I wasted my wealth on you,
my wife would be upset.

Is she so strict?

Does she beat you, too?

Laugh if you like!

You won't get your way.

You want the ring,
but I'll never give it to you.

So handsome!

And strong!

And desirable!

A pity he's so miserly!

Why put up with such teasing,
and endure their scorn?

If they'd swim back, I might do as they ask.

Water maidens, come back!

I'll give you the ring!

Don't give it up!

Just guard it well,
until you learn what evil it holds.

And then you'll be glad
to be rescued from its curse.

Tell me what you know.

Siegfried!

Evil lies before you.

The ring will cause your doom.

It was made from the gold of the Rhine.

He who forged and lost it
laid this curse on it.

Whoever owns it will die!

You killed the dragon.

Now you will die.

Today.

Heed our warning!

The ring must be given back,
back to the depths of the river...

...for only its waters will wash away the curse.

You wily women!

I'm not fooled by your flattery,
or frightened by your threats.

We're telling the truth.
Flee! Flee from the curse!

The Norns wove it into the rope of fate.

My sword once broke a mighty spear.

If a curse is woven into fate's eternal rope...

...Nothung can slash it in two.

A dragon warned me of that curse...

...though he didn't teach me fear.

Untold wealth is won through this ring.

And yet for love, I'd give it up.

To one of you, perhaps.

But threats to life and limb
will never make me do it.

As for life and limb, watch!

I'd throw them away like that!

Come, sisters!
Let's flee from this madman!

The hero thinks he's strong and wise.
But he's helpless and blind!

He swears oaths...

...that he cannot keep.

Offered wisdom...

...he pays no heed!

The greatest happiness was given to him...

...but unknowingly, he's lost it,
and holds onto the ring that dooms him!

Today your ring will pass to a noble woman...

...and she will heed our plea.

Weialala leia leia...

Now I've learned women's true nature.

If beguiling words don't work, they use threats.

And if threats fail, they scold you day and night.

And yet, if I weren't married...

...there's surely one in this fair trio...

...I'd make mine!

Finally we find where you've been hiding!

Look here!

Here, it's fresh and cool.

Let's rest awhile.

It's time for a meal.

Lay down your spoils.

Then pass around the wine.

Siegfried scared away our quarry.

But how did he fare himself?

I didn't catch a thing.
I'll have to beg food from you.

I set out after bear.

But waterfowl was all I found.

With proper bait,
I'd have caught three merry warblers...

...who swam up and told me
I'm fated to die today.

It would be a poor hunt indeed
if the hunted killed the hunter!

I'm thirsty.

I have been told, Siegfried,
you understand what birds say.

For some time I've ignored the songs of birds.

Drink, Gunther!
Your brother bids you drink!

Your wine is feeble and pale,
but I see your blood in the cup.

I'll mix in yours, then.

And now it's overflowing!

The earth, our mother, takes her refreshment, too!

You're too cheerful, my hero.

What's wrong? Br�nnhilde still?

He's puzzled by her words,
unlike you and the birds.

Since I've heard women sing,
I've forgotten the song of birds.

But did you understand them, once?

Gunther, cheer up, my gloomy friend.

If you'd like, I'll sing to you
of my youthful adventures.

I'd like to hear them.

Well then, hero, sing!

Mime was a nasty old dwarf
who reared me out of purest greed.

Then he urged me on to slay a dragon
who hoarded some gold in the woods.

He taught me to forge.

But as a pupil, I quickly outdid my master.

I took the broken pieces of my father's sword
and made it like new.

The sharp, invincible Nothung!

So, armed for the fight,
I went straight to the woods.

Soon after, Fafner lay dead.

Now hear what wonders befell me next.

Dragon's blood burned my fingers.
I raised them to my lips.

After I tasted the blood,
I began to understand the birds.

On a branch above me, one sang.

"Siegfried has won the Nibelung's gold!"

"The Tarnhelm adds to his might."

"The ring makes him lord of the world."

So you took them both?

Did the bird say anything more?

Ring and Tarnhelm safely in hand...

...I listened to what the bird sang.

"Siegfried won the Tarnhelm and ring."

"But Mime covets his prize."

"He plans to slay Siegfried to get it."

"Oh, Siegfried, beware of Mime!"

Was the warning true?

What happened to Mime?

He offered me a deadly potion...

...but Nothung paid him his due!

Failing to forge it, he finally felt it!

Did the bird go on singing?

Drink first, here, from my cup.

It's flavored with wondrous herbs.

It helps you recall things long forgotten...

...restoring the past completely.

Alone again, I listened to the bird's song.

"Siegfried has slain the evil dwarf."

"Let him hear of a glorious bride."

"Atop a mountain she sleeps.
Fire encircles the spot."

"Braving the fire, waking the bride,
he'll make Br�nnhilde his wife!"

You heeded its counsel?

Off I ran at once!

Then I came to the mountain.

I walked through the fire, and there I found...

...sleeping...

...a glorious bride.

In gleaming armor she lay.

I took off her helmet
and kissed her awake from her sleep.

Then my passion blazed like fire
in lovely Br�nnhilde's arms.

What are you saying?

What do those ravens cry?

"Vengeance!" That's what I heard!

Hagen, what are you doing?

What have you done?

Hagen, what have you done?

I've punished falsehood!

Br�nnhilde!

Holiest bride!

Awaken!

Open your eyes!

Who has forced you back into sleep?

Who made you slumber again?

I woke you once.

I kissed you awake.
And now, once more, I release you.

Br�nnhilde smiles with joy!

Now her eyes are open, forever...

...filled with smiling enchantment.

Death is sweet, its terror blissful.

Br�nnhilde greets me again.

Was that his horn?

He hasn't returned.

Fearful nightmares disturbed my sleep.

I heard his horse neighing wildly.
Then Br�nnhilde's laughter woke me.

Who was that woman I saw at the river's edge?

I fear Br�nnhilde.

Is she here?

Br�nnhilde, are you awake?

No, no one's there.

Then was it she, walking by the river?

Was that his horn?

No, no one's there.

If only Siegfried would return!

Wake up! Torches! Bring torches!

We're back from the hunt.

Come, Gutrune!
Come welcome Siegfried!

Your hero has returned.

What's happened?

I didn't hear his horn.

The hero cannot sound his horn.

His hunting days have ended.

No more will he go wooing.

What are they carrying?

A wild boar attacked Siegfried.

Your husband is dead.

Gutrune, dear sister...

...look at your brother.

Listen to me.

Siegfried was murdered!

You, treacherous brother, you killed my husband!

Oh, help me! Such sorrow!

My husband, Siegfried, cruelly slaughtered!

Do not cast blame on me, but on Hagen...

...for he is the wild beast who took the hero's life.

Do you reproach me now?

Oh, may you suffer, now and forever!

Yes! I killed him!

I, Hagen, struck him dead.

On this spear he falsely swore,
so by this spear he fell.

Now by the holy right given me as avenger...

...I lay my claim to the ring.

Away! Your claim is false,
that ring belongs to us!

You all can judge if I'm right!

Would you steal what is Gutrune's,
you shameless Nibelung spawn?

The Nibelung's treasure falls to me, his son!

Give me the ring!

Cease your futile cries!

You have all betrayed the woman...

...who now comes seeking revenge�his wife.

You are like children wailing for their mother.

I hear no fitting cries of mourning...

...worthy of this noble hero's death.

Br�nnhilde, you're to blame.

Your envy brought this upon us.

I curse the day you came here!

Be still, wretched woman!
You were never truly his wife.

You tricked him into wooing you.

I am the lawful bride.

He pledged eternal love to me...

...before he ever saw you.

I curse you, Hagen!
It was you who poisoned us all.

Now, at last, I understand.

Br�nnhilde was his true love.
Only the potion made him forget her.

Bring great branches down to the shore...

...to be heaped on the banks of the Rhine.

Let the flames burn high and bright...

...to consume the noble corpse.

This warrior, the greatest of all heroes.

And bring Grane, his horse,
that we both may follow our hero.

For I long to share in his glory,
share it even in death.

Fulfill Br�nnhilde's wish!

He is like the sun shining upon me.

The purest of heroes was led to betray me.

Faithless to Br�nnhilde,
he was true to his friend...

...for, while he betrayed her,
his own sword kept him pure.

There lives no man more loyal in friendship.

No man did more to honor a promise!

Yet he was disloyal...

...and false to his promise.

She whom he loved most...

...he wronged most of all!

Tell me, how could this be?

Look down, immortals, guardians of honor.

Look down upon me as I grieve...

...and see your eternal guilt.

Wotan, hear me mourn, you mighty god!

Because Siegfried's daring served your need...

...he shared the curse, as he shares your downfall.

Thus, the truest of men betrayed me...

...making me wise through grief.

Now I know what must be.

Now I understand.

Everything has become clear.

All is revealed to me!

I hear Wotan's ravens hover around me.

I send them back to you,
with the news you both dread and long for.

Peace, now!

Peace...you god!

I now claim my only inheritance...

...this cursed gold, this terrible ring!

I will take this gold...

...and cast it away.

Wise sisters dwelling in the river...

...you daughters of the Rhine...

...your counsel has served me well.

I shall give you what you've longed for.

Out of my ashes, take your treasure.

Let the fire that burns me
cleanse the ring of its curse.

Let the Rhine wash it away.

Then you must keep forever safe...

...what evil once stole from you.

Fly home, you ravens!

Go, tell your master
what you have witnessed here!

Fly past Br�nnhilde's rock!

Send Loge's flames on to Valhalla...

...where the gods sit, awaiting their doom.

Let fire consume Valhalla's glory at last!

Come, Grane, my steed.

I greet you.

Old friend, do you know where I am leading you?

Into the radiant fire, to your master...

...to Siegfried, my hero.

You rear in excitement, eager to join him...

...drawn to the laughing flames.

Feel my heart yearning to greet him there...

...longing to embrace him, to fall in his arms...

...united in love without end!

Hoyotoho, Grane! Ride to your master!

Siegfried! See your bride!

See her greet you in joy!

Give me the ring!