_Fricka_ is the protector of the marriage vow, and as such she has come in anger to demand from _Wotan_ vengeance in behalf of _Hunding_. As she advances hastily toward _Wotan_, her angry, passionate demeanour is reflected by the orchestra, and this effective musical expression of _Fricka's_ ire is often heard in the course of the scene. When near _Wotan_ she moderates her pace, and her angry demeanour gives way to sullen dignity.
_Wotan_, though knowing well what has brought _Fricka_ upon the scene, feigns ignorance of the cause of her agitation and asks what it is that harasses her. Her reply is preceded by the stern Hunding motive. She tells _Wotan_ that she, as the protectress of the sanctity of the marriage vow, has heard _Hunding's_ voice calling for vengeance upon the Wälsung twins. Her words, "His voice for vengeance is raised," are set to a phrase strongly suggestive of _Alberich's_ curse. It seems as though the avenging Nibelung were pursuing _Wotan's_ children and thus striking a blow at _Wotan_ himself through _Fricka_. The Love Motive breathes through _Wotan's_ protest that _Siegmund_ and _Sieglinde_ only yielded to the music of the spring night. _Wotan_ argues that _Siegmund_ and _Sieglinde_ are true lovers, and _Fricka_ should smile instead of venting her wrath on them. The motive of the Love Song, the Love Motive, and the caressing phrase heard in the love scene are beautifully blended with _Wotan's_ words. In strong contrast to these motives is the music in _Fricka's_ outburst of wrath, introduced by the phrase reflecting her ire, which is repeated several times in the course of this episode. _Wotan_ explains to her why he begat the Wälsung race and the hopes he has founded upon it. But _Fricka_ mistrusts him. What can mortals accomplish that the gods, who are far mightier than mortals, cannot accomplish? _Hunding_ must be avenged on _Siegmund_ and _Sieglinde_. _Wotan_ must withdraw his protection from _Siegmund_. Now appears a phrase which expresses _Wotan's_ impotent wrath--impotent because _Fricka_ brings forward the unanswerable argument that if the Wälsungs go unpunished by her, as guardian of the marriage vow, she, the Queen of the Gods, will be held up to the scorn of mankind.