THE WALKUERE


A MATCHLESS SWORD

Many years passed. The giants lived on in their beautiful Valhalla.

But their king was sad.

He could not forget Alberich's curse. What if Alberich should in some
way gain possession of the ring again! He would destroy Valhalla.

"Oh, why was I not brave enough to give the ring back to the
Rhine-children!" sighed Wotan.

"If only it might again be a mere thing of beauty to gladden their
hearts, but so long as it is in the world, how many more will it not rob
of their happiness.

"Surely, some great hero must come who will be brave enough to slay the
dragon and give the ring back to its rightful owners."

Said Wotan to himself, "I shall make a mighty sword, and when the hero
comes, his sword will be ready for him."

Then the great Wotan wrought a matchless sword.