The Valkyries: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Valkyries: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
The Valkyries is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Benson, E. F. (Edward Frederic) (1867–1940); Wagner, Richard (1813–1883).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"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.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Valkyries
- Author credits: Benson, E. F. (Edward Frederic) (1867–1940); Wagner, Richard (1813–1883)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Operas -- Stories, plots, etc.
- Wagner, Richard, 1813-1883. Ring des Nibelungen. Walküre -- Adaptations
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Mythology, Legends & Folklore
- Category: Novels
- Opera
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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