It paved the way for Luiz Felipe Scolari's Brazil to put their name alongside the legends of previous teams.
Ronaldo's brilliant second 12 minutes from time was merely a fitting flourish for a talent re-born in Japan.
Germany were gallant, but never rose above the ordinary.
All the finesse came from a Brazil side who may not rank among the greats, but have proved more than good enough to deservedly claim an historic fifth World Cup.
Rudi Voeller's workmanlike team paid the price for failing to tame or contain Ronaldo, who even afforded Germany the luxury of missing three first half chances before destroying them in the second.
And for all the usual German organisation, it was inspiration rather than perspiration that was the deciding factor in a final that was largely low-key, but lifted by the charisma and sheer natural gifts of Ronaldo.
Germany's achievement should not be under-estimated, but when they needed to produce an element of surprise to add to their functional formation, they were found sadly wanting.
Brazil never touched the heights in a stop-start opening first half - but should have been out of sight by half-time.
Ronaldo was the culprit-in-chief as he twice failed to profit from good work by the returning Ronaldinho, jabbing wide when confronted by Kahn.
The man in search of the Golden Boot was disappointed again when he failed to control Ronaldinho's pass and allowed Kahn time to save at his feet.