When it comes to teaching literature and art, it’s important to expose students to different cultural influences and artistic expressions. One such area is the opera, which plays a significant role in the Western theater. And if there’s someone who embodies the essence of opera, it’s Brunnhilde.
Brunnhilde is one of the most iconic characters in operatic history. She is the central figure in Richard Wagner’s four-opera cycle known as the Ring Cycle. In fact, it’s not entirely an exaggeration to say that Wagner’s cycle revolves around her.
It’s crucial to contextualize Brunnhilde’s story within the Ring Cycle. If you’re not familiar with the story, the cycle is based on Norse mythology, and the plot revolves around a magic ring that grants its owner immense power at a detrimental cost.
Brunnhilde is introduced in the second opera, “Die Walkure,” as a Valkyrie, a warrior maiden who serves the gods by bringing dead soldiers to Valhalla. She’s also the daughter of Wotan, the head of the godly pantheon, and is his favorite child. It’s not unreasonable to say she means everything to him, and her role, both in his plan and in the cycle’s plot, unfolds more and more in the later operas.
Once students are familiar with the plot, you can start analyzing Brunnhilde’s character in more detail. She’s fearless in battle, fiercely loyal to her father, and has an innate sense of justice. All that makes her a force to behold.
However, her strength also makes her vulnerable, and when she defies her father’s will later in the cycle, it costs her everything: her powers, her title, and her life. Yet, even in death, her love for her lover Siegfried is strong enough to break the curse that had doomed the cycle.
There’s a lot to unpack in Brunnhilde’s story, and exposing students to her strengths and weaknesses is an excellent way to teach them about character development, symbolism, and dramatic tension in literature. Plus, because the Ring Cycle is part of the opera, it’s an opportunity to introduce students to the music, libretti, and iconic set pieces of operatic history.
Teaching students about Brunnhilde can be challenging due to the complexity and length of the opera. However, by breaking down the plot and examining her character development, students can gain a deep understanding of the themes and motifs present in the work. Not to mention, the lessons learned from this teaching moment will follow them through their lives and spark a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
