Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: opera
Song Meaning of “Das Rheingold, WWV 86A / Scene 2: “Hör’, Wotan, der Harrenden Wort!”” by Richard Wagner
This song is the second part of Richard Wagner’s epic cycle ‘Der Ring des Nibelungen’. It is a duet between Wotan, king of the gods, and Erda, the earth goddess of wisdom. The song conveys the epic struggle between Wotan’s desire for power and authority, and Erda’s attempts to advise him to seek balance and restraint.
The song opens with Wotan’s passionate plea to Erda, begging her to tell him what his destiny holds. It is a beautiful and stirring declaration of his willingness to accept whatever fate awaits him, no matter how uncharted and tumultuous the waters may be. He pleads to her with noble intensity, asking her to reveal the secrets of the universe and its hidden truths.
Erda, in response, warns Wotan to be mindful of balance and consider his choices in life. Her words caution against every action he takes and every decision he makes, and advise him to take a wise and measured approach. Though she conveys her message with immense sorrow and sadness, she also provides him with comforting guidance and a renewed perspective of his role as king of the gods.
The song serves as a powerful reminder of Wotan’s unwavering loyalty to and faith in the gods, and of Erda’s capacity to provide wise counsel and wise advice.