Just then he heard the sound of singing—a melodious but unearthly strain ending almost in a wail. Looking around, he saw three river nymphs rise out of the water and swim toward him. They were the Rhine-maidens, but Siegfried had never seen them before. However, he was undaunted at the vision, and sought to make a jest at their expense.
"Hail, fair maidens!" he exclaimed. "Some elf has led me astray, so I desire your aid. This elf was in the shape of a bear, and if he was not a friend of yours, I wish you would help me find him."
"What will you give us if we help you?" they asked.
"I have nothing to give until I catch him," replied Siegfried laughing. "What do you desire?"
One of the maidens swam to him with outstretched hand.
"A golden Ring enwraps your finger," she said. "Give us the Ring and we will help you find the bear."
"I think I slew a huge dragon to win this Ring," replied Siegfried lightly. "That would be a sorry trade for me to barter it for a bear."
"You are selfish," the maidens sang teasingly. "Be wise and give us the Ring!"
They dived in and out of the water and Siegfried laughed to watch them, secretly resolving to throw them the Ring before he left them, for it had no present value in his eyes. But soon the three maidens swam close to the shore and lifted up their arms warningly.
"Beware, Siegfried!" they exclaimed. "The Ring has a curse upon it! Better give it to us!"