Favorite Ring character?

[Rabrrrrrr]

Poll question: Favorite Ring character?

Tough to pick a favorite in this, the most perfect of operas ever composed (let's face it, the Germans perfected opera, leaving the Italians and the French light years behind).

Part of my heart goes to Erda, the only one who doesn't seem to be involved selfishly. Though the Rheinmaidens are also, except for their playing with Alberich, empty of deceit and selfishness.

I wish I had room to give the Rheinmaidens a spot on this list, but I felt the others were more important, especially since those three only form an inclusio, appearing in the first fifteen minutes or so and the last few minutes of the 18 hour opus.

But I also have a soft spot for Alberich - an evil little toad? Sure he is - but on the other hand, did anyone ever help him or give him reason to be anything else? No, they didn't.

But in the end, I come down on the side of Brunnhild. Maybe it's the Bugs Bunny part of my childhood, or maybe it's just her sense of devotion and love to both her father and her Beloved (her nephew, so it turns out - incest abounds in this one!), ultimately deciding for her Beloved and immolating herself, though it brings an end to her race: but gives birth to the new dominance of her Beloved's (that is, her nephew's) race.

So - Brunnhild be mine choice.

What is yours - and most importantly, WHY?!?!?!

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. Kicking