SIEGFRIED
"Der junge Siegfried" (originally titled "The Young Siegfried") tells of Siegfried, son of Siegmund and Sieglinde, raised by the malicious Mime after his parents' deaths. This coming-of-age story sees Siegfried rebelling against Mime, who plans to use him to seize the Nibelung hoard from Fafner. Siegfried, fearless, forges a sword, slays Fafner, claims the hoard, and kills Mime. He defies Wotan, and, upon reaching Brünnhilde, forgets his mission for love. This "scherzo" blends fairytale and comedy while showcasing nature's power.