The Valkyries

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Benson, E. F. (Edward Frederic), 1867-1940.

Contributor:

Wagner, Richard, 1813-1883

Noyes Lewis, T., 1862-1946

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"The Valkyries" by E. F. Benson is a narrative prose adaptation of Richard Wagner's opera "Die Walküre," written in the early 20th century. The text explores themes of love, fate, and the power of the gods through a rich tapestry of characters, particularly focusing on Siegmund, Sieglinde, and the Valkyrie Brunnhilde. This adaptation seeks to make Wagner's grand and complex story more accessible to English-speaking audiences. The opening of "The Valkyries" sets a dramatic and foreboding tone, depicting an unusually harsh winter in a time when spring is expected to arrive, symbolizing chaos in both the natural world and the lives of the characters. Readers are introduced to Sieglinde, trapped in a loveless marriage to Hunding, who is portrayed as brutish and cruel. As the tumult of the winter storms parallels Sieglinde's inner turmoil and longing for love, a mysterious stranger appears, who is later revealed to be Siegmund. Their encounter ignites a connection filled with hope and desire, setting the stage for a conflict with Hunding. As the narrative unfolds, it hints at the impending clash between love and duty, as Wotan, the god, grapples with the consequences of fate and his own plans for his children. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by Marc D'Hooghe (Images generously made available by the Google Books Project.)

Notes:

Reading ease score: 82.0 (6th grade). Easy to read.

Release date is 2014-06-28