"I am the War Maiden," she said, "and am sent to warn thee of thy fate. Thine enemy follows hard upon thy heels; and none who look upon my face survive a battle."
"I fear not for the battle," answered Siegmund stoutly. "This magic sword was left me by my father, and with it I must surely be victorious!"
"It will avail thee not; for the gods have decreed that thou must die. But glory awaits thee in Walhalla, whither I am summoned to bear thee after death."
"What is Walhalla?" he asked.
"It is the Hall of Heroes, among whom thou wilt be first."
"Will I find my father there, and my sweet comrade Sieglinde?"
The search for these two had consumed the youthful warrior's whole life, so his voice trembled eagerly as he asked this question.
Brunhilde smiled, then shook her head sadly.
"Thy father?—Yes, in Walhalla shalt thou find him. But Sieglinde cannot come to thee there."
"Then take my greetings to Walhalla!" he exclaimed.