by Dean Traylor

Created on: February 19, 2010

Brynhild is possibly the most iconic character in opera. Her chain mail dress, horned helmet, blonde ponytail, sword, shield, and a high octave voice have come to personify this musical art form. One doesn’t even have to be a fan to know exactly what this iconic figure looks like or what she represents.

What is not known about Brynhild, however, is that she has had a pivotal role in Germanic literature for many years. Richard Wagner merely reintroduced her to the modern world in the 19th century. Yet, her lineage stretches as far back as the age of the Vikings.

Germanic mythology often refers to Norse, German or Scandinavian folklore and stories. In the various societies that made of this language group, Brynhild’s role was pretty much the same. She was either a shield-maiden or a Valkyrie. Shield-maidens were women warriors. Valkyries, on the other hand, were goddess-like deities who decided who will die in battle and guided these chosen few to Valhalla, the majestic palace hall located in Asgard and ruled by the prime Norse god, Odin.

There are three ancient manuscripts Wagner drew inspiration from.  The Old Norse collection called the “Prose Edda” established Brynhild as a Valkyrie, as well as her relations with the other gods. Also, in the part referred to as “Helreið Brynhildar (Bryndhildr's ride to Hel)”, she was confronted by a giantess who passed judgment on her for living an immoral life.

The most of influential of the three – and  where Wagner got most of his the plot for his four operas from – was the 13th century manuscript “Volsunga” saga. In this poetic saga, Brynhild was a beautiful Valkyrie who had been punished by Odin for disobedience. Her crime was that she killed Hjalmgunnar, the king Odin had promised victory. He sentenced her to be imprisoned in a ring of fire and guarded by the dragon Fafnir. Her only way out of this ring of fire was to find and marry a man who knew no fear.

Eventually, that man, Sigurd, arrived and rode through the flames that enveloped her.  He rode through it, slew the dragon, and took its cursed treasure. Also, he immediately fell in love with Brynhild when they met. He didn’t free her; instead, he left to take care of other tasks. Still, he promised to return for her once those tasks were completed. As a token of his promise, he gave her his magic ring (called Andvaranaut).

Sigurd returned; however, he was in disguise as Gunnar,

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