Swan Lake story guide

ACT I  |  ACT II  |  ACT III  |  ACT IV

The lakeside by moonlight
On arrival at the lakeside Prince Siegfried sends Benno in search of the swans. Left alone he becomes aware of an evil presence - the magician Baron von Rothbart. Suddenly a swan approaches, and Siegfried watches in amazement as it is transformed into a beautiful maiden. She is Princess Odette. She and her companions have been turned into swans by Baron von Rothbart and only at night can they return to human form. Odette's enchantment can be broken only if someone who has never loved before swears an oath of undying love and promises to marry her. Prince Siegfried declares his love and swears to be true for eternity. When von Rothbart appears Prince Siegfried attempts to shoot him, but Odette intercedes explaining that if the magician dies the spell can never be broken. She warns him that if he breaks his vow of love she must remain a swan forever. Dawn approaches. Odette and her companions return to the lake and resume their guise as swans.