Norma
The great Celtic high priestess betrayed by the man she loves — and by her dearest friend
The Gaulish druids hate the Romans and want war. Norma restrains them — secretly because she loves Pollione. Adalgisa confesses to her that she loves a Roman. Norma understands her, almost forgives her — until she discovers that the Roman is Pollione, the father of her own children. The duet between the two women is one of the most beautiful moments in all bel canto history.
Norma considers killing her children — she cannot do it. She considers entrusting them to Adalgisa. Then Pollione is captured. Norma could save him if Adalgisa gives him up. Adalgisa refuses. Norma is transformed: she reveals to the druids that among them is a priestess who has violated her vows. 'Who is it?' 'It is I.' She surrenders herself to the pyre. Pollione, struck by her greatness, asks to die with her. They climb onto the pyre together.
Norma chooses sacrifice not out of despair but out of dignity: she will not betray herself, and will not let her children grow up with a dishonoured mother. She mounts the pyre with her head held high. It is the noblest death in opera.