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Re: The Ride of the Valkyries

From: Phil Rutherford
Date: 2/1/00
Time: 2:33:26 PM
Remote Name: 203.108.176.92

Comments

Aaron,

I don't know if anyone has replied yet or not but the so-called Ride of the Valkyries comes from an ancient Nordic folktale that tells of the Valkyries, a group of nine handmaidens, whose job it was to to select those worthy to be slain in battle and be conducted to Valhalla, the Nordic heaven.

The Ride itself comes from a piece of music written by Wagner in his 'Ring Cycle' - a very long piece of music about Nordic myths and legends. It was made popular (outside of Opera buff circles that is) when it was used in the film Apocalypse Now. In fact, even now when I hear the music I'm reminded of the helicopter assult in the film that was accompanied by the music - a little bit like someone who can't listen to the William Tell Overture and not think of the Lone Ranger.

Hope that helps.

Phil


Last changed: December 29, 2000