This book, a comprehensive introduction to Richard Wagner's opera 'The Valkyrie', the first evening of the tetralogy 'The Nibelung's Ring', contains the complete libretto with numerous music examples. Kurt Pahlen comments on the work with music-related references as well explanations on the external and internal plot. A summary of the plot and a brief outline of the genesis bring 'The Valkyrie' into relation with the composer's entire oeuvre and his life, thus providing comprehensive, richly illustrated information on this music drama.