How Do You Spell LOHENGRIN?

Pronunciation: [lˈə͡ʊhɪŋɡɹˌɪn] (IPA)

Lohengrin is a German opera by composer Richard Wagner. The spelling of Lohengrin is pronounced as /ˈloː.ən.ɡʁɪn/. The word begins with an "L" which is pronounced /l/ in German. The "o" in Lohengrin is pronounced /oː/. The two "e" sounds are pronounced separately as /ə/ and /ɛ/. The "ng" sound in Lohengrin is a combination of /ŋ/ and /g/ sounds. Lastly, the "r" sound at the end is pronounced as a trill /r/ in German.

LOHENGRIN Meaning and Definition

  1. Lohengrin is a German noun that refers to a character in Germanic folklore and legends, as well as the title of an opera composed by Richard Wagner. In the legends, Lohengrin is depicted as a knight of the Holy Grail, who is known for his chivalry and noble deeds. According to the tales, Lohengrin arrives in a swan-drawn boat to aid individuals in distress, seeking justice, or battling evil forces. He often appears as an enigmatic figure, donning a suit of shining armor.

    The opera Lohengrin, composed by Wagner in the mid-19th century, further popularized the character and brought him into the realm of cultural mythology. It follows the story of the knight Lohengrin, who appears in a dream to save Elsa from false accusations. Lohengrin's character represents purity, loyalty, and the pursuit of truth. The opera showcases his noble principles and his romantic relationship with Elsa, delving into themes of love, faith, and sacrifice.

    Moreover, the term "Lohengrin" is occasionally employed metaphorically to describe someone who arrives mysteriously or unexpectedly to bring solace, guidance, or assistance during times of distress or conflict. It conveys the notion of a knight-like savior or a symbol of hope and justice.

Etymology of LOHENGRIN

The word "Lohengrin" has its origins in German literature, particularly the operatic works of Richard Wagner. It is the name of the protagonist of Wagner's opera titled "Lohengrin", which premiered in 1850. Wagner drew inspiration for the character from Germanic mythology and medieval legends.

The etymology of the name "Lohengrin" is not definitively known, but there are a few theories. One possibility is that Wagner derived the name from two Middle High German words, "loh" and "engel", which mean "falcon" and "angel", respectively. This interpretation aligns with the character's association with a swan, as falcons are birds of prey and angels are often depicted with wings.

Another theory links "Lohengrin" to the Old High German word "lohhein", which means "loss of honor" or "extinction of honor".