At the dramatic conclusion of Richard Wagner's opera Lohengrin, several key events unfold, marking a tragic end for some characters and a mysterious departure for the titular Swan Knight. The opera culminates in Lohengrin's forced departure, the tragic death of Elsa, and the ultimate defeat of the antagonist Ortrud.
The Opera's Dramatic Conclusion
The final act of Lohengrin sees the revelations that force the mysterious knight to reveal his true identity and lineage, leading to a series of fateful consequences for all involved.
Lohengrin's Departure and Return to the Holy Grail
After being forced to reveal his name and origin as a knight of the Holy Grail, Lohengrin announces that he must return to the sacred castle. The swan that brought him earlier reappears. However, a divine intervention occurs: a beautiful dove descends from heaven and takes the place of the swan at the head of the boat. This celestial creature then leads Lohengrin away to the castle of the Holy Grail, signifying his mystical return to his pure, sacred realm.
Elsa's Tragic End
Elsa of Brabant, who tragically broke her promise not to ask Lohengrin his name, is overcome with immense sorrow and grief at his departure. Stricken by the profound loss and the consequences of her actions, Elsa falls to the ground dead, a poignant end to her troubled journey.
Ortrud's Defeat and Gottfried's Revelation
The malevolent sorceress Ortrud, whose machinations led to Lohengrin's revelation and Elsa's despair, experiences a crushing defeat. As the true identity of the swan is revealed by Lohengrin—that it is Elsa's brother, Gottfried, whom Ortrud had cursed and transformed—Ortrud sinks in despair. Her evil plans are completely thwarted by Gottfried's miraculous return and the divine intervention, confirming her ultimate failure.
The table below summarizes the fate of the main characters at the opera's close:
| Character | Fate at the End of Lohengrin |
|---|---|
| Lohengrin | Led by a dove back to the castle of the Holy Grail. |
| Elsa | Dies of grief after Lohengrin's departure. |
| Ortrud | Sinks in defeat as her curse is broken and Gottfried returns. |
| Gottfried | Reappears, restored to human form from the swan. |
This powerful and emotional ending serves as a testament to themes of faith, betrayal, divine intervention, and tragic love that permeate Wagner's masterpiece. For more details on the opera's rich narrative and musical elements, exploring resources like the Lohengrin opera synopsis can provide further insight.
