In the depths of the Rhine, the three Rhinemaidens guard the Rhinegold, a treasure of immeasurable value. The Nibelung dwarf Alberich is dazzled by the sight of it. The girls explain that whoever wins the gold and forges it into a ring will gain power over the world, but must first renounce love. Frustrated by his unsuccessful attempts to catch one of the girls, Alberich curses love and steals the gold. Wotan, lord of the gods, is reproached by his wife Fricka: he has promised to give Freia, goddess of youth, to the giants Fasolt and Fafner in return for their building a fortress for the gods. When the giants demand their reward, Loge, the god of fire, suggests an alternative payment: the ring Alberich has forged from the Rhinegold, and his other treasures. The giants agree, and Wotan and Loge leave for the Nibelungs’ underground home.
Bryn Terfel
as Wotan
Richard Croft
as Loge
Stephanie Blythe
as Fricka
Franz-Josef Selig
as Fasolt
Hans-Peter König
as Fafner
Wendy Bryn Harmer
as Freia
Patricia Bardon
as Erda
Gerhard Siegel
as Mime
Adam Diegel
as Froh
Dwayne Croft
as Donner
Jennifer Johnson
as Wellgunde
Tamara Mumford
as Flosshilde
