17 JUNE 2026

‘PARSIFAL’ HOW WAGNER DEVELOPED HIS OWN MYTHIC STORYLINE

BY DR THOMAS LAUNIUS – VIA ZOOM

At 7.00pm [AEST]
on Wednesday 17 June 2026
via zoom

‘Parsifal’: How Wagner developed his own mythic storyline –
a talk by Dr Tomans Launius

$12 AUD

DETAILS ON HOW TO REGISTER – TO COME

When you register for this online talk, 
you will receive the zoom link 
in the Message from the host 
in your confirmation email. 

For those who are unable to participate in the LIVE talk, 
we will be recording the talk,
and will forward the link later
to all those who have registered, 
to view the talk at their convenience.

ABOUT DR THOMAS LAUNIUS 

Thomas Launius was born into a military family and spent his early years living in England, Germany, Japan, and the United States. He came of age in Louisiana and earned a degree in Physics from Louisiana State University, along with a minor in Vocal Performance. Trained as a tenor, he sang in university and regional opera productions for five years before turning to the academic study of story and symbol. He later earned a doctorate in Mythology and spent over three decades as a professional storyteller and speaker. In 2017, Thomas fulfilled a lifelong dream by relocating to Bavaria, not far from Munich. Since 2019, he has worked as a professional tour guide, specialising in historically rich and mythologically resonant experiences throughout Munich, Salzburg, and especially Neuschwanstein Castle – the fairytale fortress built by King Ludwig II as a tribute to Richard Wagner. Drawing on his background in mythology, music, and narrative craft, Thomas creates immersive tours that bring to life the operatic vision behind the castle’s creation and illuminate the deep connections between Wagner’s works and the cultural landscape of Bavaria.

ABOUT THE PRESENTATION

This lecture examines how Wagner reshapes plot, alters motivations, and introduces new material in order to construct his own dramatic storyline and philosophical vision.