What is das rheingold synopsis?

Das Rheingold is the first of the four operas that make up Richard Wagner's epic Ring Cycle. It was first performed in Munich in 1869.

The story is set in a mythological world and revolves around the theft of a powerful ring made of gold by Alberich, a dwarf. The gold is guarded by the Rhinemaidens, and whoever can forge the gold into a ring will become the ruler of the world. However, the ring carries a curse that brings misery to its owner.

Meanwhile, Wotan, the chief of the gods, is planning to build a great hall and seeks a payment from the giants Fasolt and Fafner. The payment is to be Freia, the goddess of youth and beauty. Wotan's wife, Fricka, opposes the plan, and Wotan is forced to seek the help of Loge, the god of fire. Loge suggests that Alberich's ring could be used to pay the giants, but when Wotan learns that the ring carries a curse, he decides to take it for himself and become ruler of the world.

The opera ends with Alberich cursing the ring and with the giants taking Freia away. Wotan is left alone, with his plan to build the great hall in jeopardy and the curse of the ring hanging over everything.