"If this sword of mine has once been broken on thy spear, then thou art the destroyer of my father--for this sword is Nothung. Thus, with one blow I avenge him." So saying, he struck once at the Wanderer's spear, and shattered it. The Wanderer stepped back, knowing then that the end of the Eternals was at hand. Thunder crashed and lightning splintered across the sky and sprung from the spear to the mountain-top. Presently, the flaming mountain height seemed to descend nearer to Siegfried, and putting his horn to his lips he blew a great blast and plunged into the fire. He was soon out of sight, but gradually the fire died down, and the red cloud hovering over all became less lurid in its reflection. Gradually the cloud dissolved till naught was left but a beautiful rosy mist. With the passing of the mist, Bruennhilde could be seen, still lying on the mound where Wotan had laid her, and she was still covered with her helmet and the beautiful shining shield. _Scene III_ The fir tree spread itself above Bruennhilde, and she shone in her brilliant armour. Siegfried rose above a mound, and stood looking at her, spellbound. Near at hand, he saw a beautiful steed, standing as if asleep: it was Grane, who had been enchanted along with his mistress. Gently lifting Bruennhilde's shield he thought himself to be gazing upon a young man. "I think his helmet must press too heavily upon his brow!" Siegfried murmured, and lifted it. The beautiful hair of Bruennhilde streamed down, and Siegfried paused in admiration; but still he thought her a man. "I think his armour presses," he whispered. "I will lift it." He carefully cut the fastenings with his sword and lifting the breast-plate he saw the form of Bruennhilde lying shrouded in the soft folds of her gown. She was so beautiful that at last he was afraid. "Oh, how shall I awaken her?" he cried, and stooping he kissed her lips, as she opened her eyes. At the same moment, Grane, the horse, moved and began quietly to graze. Bruennhilde looked about her, saw her dear horse, and the sun and the glory of the day, and lastly beheld Siegfried who had delivered her from the enchantment of Wotan. "Is it thou who hast gone through flame for me?" she asked. "It is I who will guard thee forever," he cried, embracing her tenderly. Knowing that she loved him, the only fear he had ever known, vanished. Thus mortal love overthrew the powers of evil, and of the Gods, as well. NIBELUNG RING FOURTH DAY THE DUSK OF THE GODS CHARACTERS OF THE OPERA Norns (3). Fricka. Bruennhilde. Gutrune. Waltraute. Siegfried } Gunther } Nibelungen. Hagen } Wotan. Donner. Alberich. Woglinde. Wellgunde. Flosshilde. PROLOGUE