Hunding

One of the Neidings and husband of Sieglinde, who was forced into marriage with him by his clan. During the wedding feast her father, the God Wotan, plunged the sword Nothung into a tree in Hunding's house.

Siegmund later comes to his house and is treated by Sieglinde, his sister. Hunding is pursuing Siegmund who killed his kinsmen for trying to force a girl into marriage. Hunding allows Siegmund to shelter at his house, but realises who Siegmund is when Siegmund relates his story. Due to laws of hospitality Hunding says he will fight Siegmund tomorrow. She drugs Hunding and elopes with her brother. Wotan intends his son Siegmund to slay Hunding and tells his daughter Brunnhilde to protect Siegmund, saying Hunding will not be taken to Valhalla. Hunding calls on Fricka, Goddess of marriage, for vengeance. Fricka forces her husband to agree to Siegmund's death, or he would be going against the law that gives him power. However Brunnhilde, knowing Wotan loves Siegmund, tries to help him, but Wotan breaks Siegmund's sword with his spear, enabling Hunding to kill Siegmund with his spear. Wotan then kills Hunding, telling him to kneel before Fricka.