In his search for further exploits, Siegfried arrives at the dwelling of Gunter, a powerful Rhenish chief, head of the Gibichungen, another race of heroes, where also resides Gutrune, his fascinating sister, and the evil Hagen, begotten by Alberich of Crimhilda, Gunter’s mother, who was the victim of his gold.  Alberich’s hatred of the gods and all connected with them is shared by his son, who has been charged by the Nibelung to recover the gold.  From this point the tragic denouement rapidly progresses.  Siegfried’s horn is heard in the distance, and he soon crosses Gunter’s threshold, where his ruin is being plotted by the sinister Hagen.  He is hospitably received, and at Hagen’s bidding Gutrune pours out and offers him a draught so cunningly mixed that it will efface all past remembrances.  He is completely infatuated with the girl’s beauty, and as the potion takes effect, the love for Bruennhilde disappears.  He demands Gutrune in marriage, and Hagen promises her upon condition that he will bring Bruennhilde as a bride for Gunter.  Siegfried departs upon the fatal errand, and after taking from her the ring drags her by force to deliver her to Gunter.  The Valkyr rises to a sublime height of anger over her betrayal, and dooms Siegfried to death in the approaching hunt, for by death alone she knows that she can regain his love.

The last act opens in a rocky glen on the banks of the Rhine, the ripple of whose waters is repeated in the melody of “The Rhinegold.”  Siegfried is separated from his companion, and while alone, the song of the Rhine-daughters is heard.  They rise to the surface of the gleaming water and demand their gold, but Siegfried refuses to restore it.  They warn him again to fly from the curse, but he proudly exclaims that his sword is invincible and can crush the Norns.  Sadly they float away to the sound of harps shimmering over the water.  Gunter’s horn is heard among the hills, and Siegfried exultantly answers it.  The huntsmen assemble and prepare for a feast.  Siegfried relates his adventure with the Rhine-daughters, and when Hagen asks him if it is true that he can understand the language of the birds, he tells the whole story of his life in the “Rheinfahrt,” a song built up of all the motives which have been heard in the “Siegfried” division,—­the melody of the sword, the stir of the woods, the song of the mysterious bird, Mime’s enticement, the love of Bruennhilde, and the flaming fire following each other in rapid and brilliant succession through the measures of the picturesque description.  As the song dies away, two ravens, messengers of ill-omen, fly across the stage.  The curse motive sounds gloomily through the orchestra.  Hagen springs to his feet and suddenly and treacherously plunges his spear into Siegfried’s back, then sullenly leaves and disappears among the rocks.  The hero falls to the earth and dies, breathing Bruennhilde’s name, for in the last supreme moment the spell of Hagen’s draught passes away.  With his last