- Wotan: I, who rule by contracts, am bound by my own contract. Only one may dare what to me is denied: a hero whom I have never supported, who is free from my power. Unaware, driven by his own purpose, without my command, with his own right arm, can do the deed that I must shun, which I must not demand, though it is my deepest desire. He, opposed to me but fighting for me, the friendly foe, how shall I find him, never shielded by me, in his firm defiance the dearest to me? How create the Other who, not through me, but from his will, shall gain my goal for me? O, godhead's distress! Sorest disgrace! To my horror, I find I only myself in all I create. The Other whom I have longed for, that Other I never find. A free man must create himself; I can only make slaves.
- Brünnhilde: So flee then, quickly, to the east! Bravely endure every suffering: hunger and thirst, thorns and rocky ground. Laugh when your needs and pains wound you! Keep one thing in mind, and focus on it always: the world's most glorious hero is growing in your womb! Keep for him the mighty fragments of his father's sword, which I gladly saved for you. He shall forge them again and wield it. Take his name from me: Siegfried, joyful in victory!
- Sieglinde: Oh highest wonder, glorious lady! I thank you for your comfort. For him whom we loved, I shall save the beloved one. Be well, Sieglinde in distress, blesses you.