The story of Swan Lake
Prologue
Three beautiful young maidens wander into the forest on the way to Prince Siegfried’s 21st birthday party They fall under the spell of Von Rothbart, a wicket sorcerer, and he turns them into swans.
Act I: The Prince’s Birthday Party
Prince Siegfried arrives at his 21st birthday celebration on the palace courtyards to find all
of the royal families and townspeople dancing and celebrating, while the young girls are
seeking his attention. During the exquisite celebration, his mother gives him a cross bow
and informs him that because he is of age, his marriage will be quickly arranged. She
leaves, bidding him to enjoy himself but reminding him that he will one day be king
and must prepare to accept adult responsibilities. The next evening at the ball commemorating
his coming of age, he is to choose a fiancée. Siegfried has yet to meet someone
that touches his heart and is saddened that he will lose his freedom. At the suggestion
of his tutor, the prince departs with his mother’s birthday gift to hunt in the solitude
of the forest.
Act II: Some hours later, by the lake
Prince Siegfried enters a moonlit clearing in the forest and discovers a swan gliding across a
moonlit lake. As he draws his crossbow, the bird is transformed into a beautiful woman. She
is Odette, the Queen of the Swans. With gentle patience, Siegfried softens the terror of
the Swan Queen and her flock. He assures her that he will do her no harm and asks her
to explain the marvel he has just seen. Impressed by his gentleness, Odette tells him the
story of her plight: She is a princess of high birth who fell under the spell of an evil sorcerer,
and now her fate is to be a swan. Only in the hours of darkness may she assume her human guise. Indeed, this very lake is filled with the tears of the
maidens’ mothers. She
tells the Prince that only the love of a man who swears eternal fidelity can break Von Rothbart’s
spell. However, if he should foreswear her, she must remain a swan forever. As
dawn approaches, Von Rothbart rises out of the shadows. The prince in his passion reaches
for his crossbow. Odette immediately protects the sorcerer with her body, for she
knows that if he is killed before the spell is broken, she too will die. His magic draws Odette from Siegfried’s arms and summons the maidens back
to Swan Lake.
Act III: The Ball
The Queen has arranged an opulent celebration for the Prince’s coming of age with entertainment
from many lands. She has chosen the most beautiful princesses from around
the world as prospective brides. Siegfried is courteous but indifferent, as he has pledged
his love to Odette. As his mother insists that he choose among the princesses, trumpets
announce an uninvited guest. It is Von Rothbart with his daughter, Odile. The entertainment
continues as Von Rothbart beguiles the prince and his mother with his court
of women. Siegfried is then mesmerized by Odile and tricked into believing that she
is actually Odette. He swears his love for her, and she joyously declares that she will be
his bride. Triumphant, Von Rothbart reveals the treachery. Odette is seen at the castle door
weeping. Leaving the court in an upheaval, the grief stricken Siegfried flees in search of
his true love.
Act IV: The Lakeside
Odette returns to the lake to tell the swans of the terrible deceit. A great storm rages, and Siegfried
bursts into the glade and begs Odette’s forgiveness. Odette declares that she must
kill herself, or she will forever be a swan. Siegfried, knowing that his destiny is forever changed,
decides that he will die with her, thus breaking Von Rothbart’s power over her. As
dawn approaches, Von Rothbart appears. The lovers answer his threat by throwing themselves
into the lake. The sorcerer is vanquished and his power destroyed.
Apotheosis: The lovers are united in life after death.
