Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: opera
Song Meaning of “Das Rheingold, WWV 86A / Scene 1: “Der Welt Erbe Gewänn’ ich zu eigen durch dich?”” by Richard Wagner
This song from the opera “Das Rheingold” explores the potential of what can be gained by making a deal with the higher powers. Through their negotiations, the gods and Alberich, the Nibelung, wrestle with the idea of who will control the power of the Rhine Gold and its ultimate destiny. Wotan, the King of the Gods, is torn between his desire for the gold and his fear of Alberich’s desire to possess and use it for his own ends. In the song, Wotan reveals his uncertainty in himself and his power over the situation when he asks the Rhinedaughters to “mercy show” him and asks if he can gain the world’s riches through their assistance. Ultimately, Wotan relinquishes control of the gold to Alberich, and in the process discovers just how powerful the gold is. The song is a cautionary tale of how the quest for power can lead to a loss of control and how we must be humble and honest in order to achieve our goals.