Synopsis:

ACT 1
Scene I

Prince Siegfried celebrates his coming of age in a meadow with friends, drinks, and laughter, while the jester entertains. When the Queen is seen approaching, the group scrambles to hide the feast. The jester drops wine goblets, exposing them. Though the Queen is upset, a bouquet from the maidens calms her. Once she leaves, the revelry resumes. As twilight falls and the guests depart, Siegfried spots a flight of white swans. His hunter's instinct awakens, and he sets off into the forest with his bow.

Scene II

In a meadow by the castle, Prince Siegfried celebrates his coming of age with friends. They drink and enjoy the jester's antics until the Queen approaches. The group hurriedly hides the evidence, but the jester drops wine goblets, revealing their feast. The Queen is displeased, but a bouquet from the maidens softens her mood. Once she leaves, the celebration resumes. As twilight falls and guests depart, Siegfried spots a flock of swans overhead. Drawn by his hunter's instinct, he grabs his bow and heads into the forest.

ACT 2

Scene III

At the Queen's ball, Prince Siegfried must choose a bride. Though indifferent to all the maidens, he dances with them at his mother's urging. Suddenly, Rothbart and his daughter Odile arrive. Odile, magically disguised to resemble Odette, captivates Siegfried. Deceived by her appearance, he declares Odile his chosen bride. Rothbart rejoices—Siegfried has unknowingly broken his vow to Odette. But when Siegfried sees a vision of Odette outside the window, he realizes his mistake and rushes to the lake in despair to find her.

Scene IV

At the lake, the swan-maidens mourn as Odette shares Siegfried's betrayal. Siegfried arrives in despair, begging for forgiveness and declaring his love. He battles Rothbart and breaks his wing, destroying the sorcerer's power. With the spell broken, the sun rises on Siegfried, Odette, and the freed maidens.