Page Layout 4

This week's page is a comparatively simple affair, relative to any of the three preceding ones. For this layout I wanted to focus entirely on the characters, as the sequence we are now entering upon is all about the interactions of these four figures. Additionally, I knew this page would be fairly text-intensive, as the next few will be also. The text was left almost untouched from its first draft incarnation, needing only minor editing and very slight modification to fit the allotted space (final revisions notwithstanding).



In this opening salvo, the three Rhinemaidens are confronted by the repugnant visage of our dwarf intruder, extending a somewhat less than amiable welcome. While none of the replies might be considered kind, each of the three sister nymphs responds as their nature dictates, with the younger sister Voglinda (left) showing some small measure of curiosity after her initial surprise. The middle sister, Velgunda, finds the dwarf repulsive, and Flosshilda (on the right), the eldest and most stern, responds with innate defensive angst.



The story at this point follows Wagner very closely, and I have attempted to retain as much of his wit and humor as possible. Many of the Rhinemaidens' lines are direct translations from the original German libretto. As mentioned in the previous post, I have veered off slightly on my own with regards to Alberich's intentions and motivation. Here I have developed that somewhat further, to the extent that I have given our dwarf a clear initiative: in the opera it is left at best a bit muddled and unclear how this interaction actually begins. Additionally, Voglinda's tinge of optimistic curiosity is entirely my own invention.



Click the image to visit the Fantasy Castle Books pages to read in full resolution, and for more behind the scenes details on the creation of this and all the other page layouts. A number of improvements have been implemented this week to augment and ease the reading experience - click on the left and right page borders to "turn the page" either forward or back. And as always, feel free to let me know what you think!