What Happens at the End of Wagner: Die Walküre?

Richard Wagner called Die Walküre the “first evening” of the Ring of the Nibelung; he called Das Rheingold the prologue or Vorabend. Musically and dramatically, we are introduced to a radically new and different world when the opening bars of Die Walküre resound. A fully developed orchestral palette of Leitmotivs paints a wild storm scene, and the curtain rises on a modest dwelling: a fully human scene that has nothing to do with the gods, dwarves and nymphs of Das Rheingold. At the same time, however, the way Die Walküre portrays radical beginnings reveals some telling reminiscences of the unfolding of Das Rheingold. Die Walküre is exciting and deeply feeling drama.

Guy Cassiers's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Simon O’Neill (Siegmund)'s journey. Musically and dramatically, we are introduced to a radically new and different world when the opening bars of Die Walküre resound.

How Does Simon O’Neill (Siegmund)'s Story End?

• Simon O’Neill: Simon O’Neill's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• John Tomlinson (Hunding): John Tomlinson's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Vitalij Kowaljow (Wotan): Vitalij Kowaljow's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Wagner: Die Walküre Mean?

The ending of Wagner: Die Walküre brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Simon O’Neill's story may not satisfy all audiences.