Siegfried, by Wagner

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Siegfried is the third opera in Richard Wagner's four-opera epic, Der Ring, or "The Ring Cycle," as it is commonly called in the United States. Siegfried is a strong-willed and strong-armed youth, and grandchild of Wotan (the king of the Gods). Siegfried and his foster father, the cruel dwarf Mime, approach the lair of Fafner, the dragon who guards the Ring. Siegfried slays Fafner, whose blood bestows on Siegfried the ability to understand the language of birds. The Forest Bird tells him about the treasure Fafner guarded, so Siegfried runs into the cave and retrieves the Tarnhelm and the Ring. Mime tries to kill Siegfried by giving him a poison drink, but Siegfried is able to read his thoughts and kills Mime. Siegfried then finds Brünnhilde, his destined bride, whom he awakens with a kiss. Brünnhilde, now a mortal, abandons herself to worldly passion and love.