Die Walküre: Cast of characters
All photos © Clive Barda/Opera North.
Siegmund
Fathered by Wotan, in disguise as the human Wälse (hence they are ‘Wälsungs’). Twin brother of Sieglinde, whose house he stumbles on whilst fleeing his enemies in a raging storm. The two are powerfully attracted to one another, and Sieglinde becomes Siegmund’s "bride and sister".
Sieglinde
Daughter of Wotan/Wälse, wedded to Hunding against her will. Twin sister/lover of Siegmund. She retrieves the shattered pieces of Siegmund’s sword, Nothung, which will later be wielded by her son, Siegfried.
Wotan
Chief of the gods. Before the Ring Cycle narrative, he gave one of his eyes to drink from the well of wisdom beneath the World Ash Tree. He broke a branch from the tree and shaped it into the spear that is the symbol of his authority. The wound he inflicted on the tree caused it to wither and die, and the well dry up. Into the spear he carved runes of law, of treaties and of contracts. If he breaks these conditions, he will lose his power.
Fricka
Wotan’s wife and guardian of the bonds of wedlock, representing morality and order. Sister of Freia, Donner and Froh.
Hunding
Chief of the Neiding clan, who burnt down the House of the Wälsungs, and killed Sieglinde’s mother, after which Sieglinde was forced to marry Hunding.
Gerhilde, Helmwige, Waltraute, Schwertleite, Ortlinde, Siegrune, Roßweiße and Grimgerde
The Valkyries, warrior daughters of Wotan and Erda, whose task it is to harvest heroes killed in combat to defend Valhalla from Wotan’s enemies.
Brünnhilde
A Valkyrie, favourite daughter of Wotan who rebels against his will, attempting to protect Siegmund and sheltering Sieglinde, who is carrying his child.
