She sang of the time when he split from the world's ash tree the piece
of wood from which he made the magic spear, which had ruled the world
for so many hundreds of years.

She sang of Freya's apples, and of the strength and youth of the giant
family.

At length her voice wavered, the strange, weird song ceased, and she
tossed the thread to the second Norn.


A SONG OF THE PRESENT

As the second Norn took the thread in her worn hands, she crooned a
sorrowful song about the present.

She sang of Alberich and the stolen gold. Of the love that he had given
up in order to make the ring.

She sang of Wotan and how he grasped the ring and carried it into the
world, bringing with it Alberich's curse.

Then she told of Fafner.

Mournfully she sang:--

"It has robbed all who have had it of their freedom and happiness.

"It has brought envy and discontent to those who have struggled to gain
it.