Stories from Wagner

A vivid collection of the ancient myths and legends that sparked Richard Wagner’s greatest operas, this volume brings the old camp‑fire tales of gods, giants and wandering minstrels to life in clear, engaging prose. Each story is paired with striking illustrations that echo the Romantic spirit of the originals, inviting listeners to picture the world of heroic lovers, haunted seas and enchanted forests. The book’s introduction traces how these oral traditions traveled across Europe, morphing into the dramatic narratives that would later be set to music.

Beyond the tales themselves, the author offers a concise portrait of Wagner’s artistic journey, showing how he chose his subjects and reshaped the legends for the stage. Listeners gain a sense of the cultural and historical currents that shaped works such as The Flying Dutchman, Tannhäuser, and Tristan and Isolde, without revealing the operas’ later twists. It’s an ideal companion for anyone who wants to hear the roots of Wagner’s dramas before the music begins.