At the very beginning of this act the Hagen Motive is heard. Particularly noticeable in it are the first two sharp, decisive chords. They recur with dramatic force in the third act when _Hagen_ slays _Siegfried_. The =Hagen Motive= is as follows:
This is followed by the =Gibichung Motive=, the two motives being frequently heard in the opening scene.
Added to these is the =Motive of the Love-Potion= which is to cause _Siegfried_ to forget _Brünnhilde_, and conceive a violent passion for _Gutrune_.
Whatever hesitation may have been in _Gutrune's_ mind, because of the trick which is involved in the plot, vanishes when soon afterwards _Siegfried's_ horn-call announces his approach from the river, and, as he brings his boat up to the bank, she sees this hero among men in all his youthful strength and beauty. She hastily withdraws, to carry out her part in the plot that is to bind him to her.
The three men remain to parley. _Hagen_ skilfully questions _Siegfried_ regarding his combat with the dragon. Has he taken nothing from the hoard?
"Only a ring, which I have left in a woman's keep," answers _Siegfried_; "and this." He points to a steel network that hangs from his girdle.
"Ha," exclaims _Hagen_, "the Tarnhelmet! I recognize it as the artful work of the Nibelungs. Place it on your head and it enables you to assume any guise." He then flings open a door and on the platform of a short flight of steps that leads up to it, stands _Gutrune_, in her hand a drinking-horn which she extends toward _Siegfried_.
"Welcome, guest, to the house of the Gibichungs. A daughter of the race extends to you this greeting." And so, while _Hagen_ looks grimly on, the fair _Gutrune_ offers _Siegfried_ the draught that is to transform his whole nature. Courteously, but without regarding her with more than friendly interest, _Siegfried_ takes the horn from her hands and drains it. As if a new element coursed through his veins, there is a sudden change in his manner. Handing the horn back to her he regards her with fiery glances, she blushingly lowering her eyes and withdrawing to the inner apartment. New in this scene is the =Gutrune Motive=:
"Gunther, your sister's name? Have you a wife?" _Siegfried_ asks excitedly.