Alberich and Friends
by Ian Runcie
Category: Fiction

The characters in Wagner's Ring Cycle each have their own lives, histories, philosophies and psychology. Each may also be a different part of a single entity: struggling to gain the gold of a rounded and contented maturity. In youth, Wotan, chief of the Gods, is interested only in power. In order to obtain absolute power he must fight against the evil Alberich who would steal his crown but there exists an even greater threat to Wotan's supremacy. Together can Wotan and Alberich gain greater riches? The answer lies in the hearts of men. This book takes a character in the operas of Wagner as the subject of each chapter. Characters are expanded and the action discussed. Using strong allegorical connotations, the intention is to allow the reader to get to know the characters and the story whilst absorbing the background introduction to Wagner's psychology and philosophy. By taking Wagner's Ring Cycle as the basis of a novel this book is an important addition to the large body of literature about Wagner's greatest work. As well as acting as a pleasurable introduction to the work it presents experienced Wagnerites with food for thought by presenting Robert Donnington's Jungian exploration in a highly readable and enjoyable form: presenting the operas as a personal journey but with a global message. Web site and e book info http://alberich4.tripod.com/alberich.htm