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TheTarnhelm is a magic helmet inRichard Wagner'sDer Ring des Nibelungen (written 1848–1874, first performed 1876). It was crafted by Mime at the demand of his brotherAlberich. It is used as acloak of invisibility byAlberich inDas Rheingold. It also allows one to change one's form:
Finally, it allows one totravel long distances instantly, as Siegfried does inGötterdämmerung, Act II.[1]
The stage directions[citation needed] inDas Rheingold andSiegfried describe the Tarnhelm as a golden chain-mail helmet which covers the wearer's face.
InThe Lord of the Rings,Éowyn adopts the name "Dernhelm" when she masquerades as a man before slaying the Witch-King of Angmar; "Dernhelm" is the Old English equivalent of "Tarnhelm."[2]