ain is encircled
by fire."

And stretching forth his arm, he barred the path with his mighty spear.

Siegfried quickly drew his sword from its sheath.

"This is the magic spear that rules the world!" said Wotan. "Put away
that sword, or the spear that once shattered it will shatter it again!"

"Ha!" cried Siegfried, "then you were my father's foe!"

There was a flash of Siegfried's blade, then a crash that echoed over
mountains and valleys, and Siegfried had shattered Wotan's spear. It lay
in splinters on the ground.

Wotan stepped aside and sadly bowed his head upon his breast.

He knew this meant the downfall of the giants. No longer would the earth
be ruled from fair Valhalla's heights.

SIEGFRIED LEARNS WHAT FEAR IS

Siegfried hurried up the mountain-side.

The fierce flames leaped as if to meet him.

They grew redder, and lapped their fiery tongues.

Siegfried bounded toward them with joy.

Lifting his silver horn to his lips, and blowing his Comrade Call so
sweet and clear, he plunged into their depths.

The maddened flames leaped and crackled as if to devour him.

But on he went, blowing his horn, until at length the sea of flames
slowly sank to earth.

The redness of the sky gave way to blue, and all grew clear and
beautiful.

Siegfried looked upon the sleeping figure.

All the world seemed wrapped in silence. Not a leaf moved on the trees.

There was not a sound to mar that perfect sleep.

Siegfried looked in wonder at the shining coat of mail.

"It is some valiant knight," he whispered.

"How heavy seems the armor. It should be lifted so that he may rest
better."

Carefully Siegfried lifted the glittering shield and laid it to one
side.

Eagerly he raised the helmet. There fell a mass of waving golden hair.
"A burst of glorious sunshine," whispered Siegfried.

Then he sought to loosen the rings that held the coat of mail.

Finding it difficult, he drew his sword and cut them.

The shining armor fell jingling to the ground.

The soft white folds of her woman's gown fell loosely about her.

Siegfried started back and stared in silence.

He trembled from head to foot.

He pressed his hand to his fast-beating heart.

"At last!" he cried. "At last! I know what fear is."

THE AWAKENING

At length Siegfried went softly to Brunhilde's side.

He stood and looked upon her sweet, heroic face, and love came into his
heart.

Bending low, he tenderly kissed her.

Brunhild