Book excerpt: An exhaustive, three-volume presentation of the totality of mythological thought associated with Wagner's Ring. Volume 1 includes extensive treatments of: the World Ash, the Rainbow Bridge, Donner's Golden Hammer, Valhalla, and the Ring. Volume 2 presents each god in rich detail and unprecedented breadth of coverage. Volume 3 (Parts 1 and 2) includes a supplement on the names presented in the first two volumes with specific examination of every person, thing, or object given a proper name in the drama. Assembles and explicates the many miscellaneous elements, difficult to categorize, that are vital to appreciation of the Ring.