Act I

Scene 1
The terrace of the castle is filled with joy and merriment — Prince Siegfried is celebrating his coming of age, his courtiers congratulate him while his mischievous jester entertains the assembled guests. The servants announce the arrival of the Queen, his mother; she presents Siegfried with a crossbow. The Queen reminds her son that tomorrow at the ball he will have to choose a bride. It is getting dark and the guests depart, Siegfried is finally alone with his thoughts and premonitions of what the future may bring. In the twilight, a flock of swans passes over and he rushes to the lake.

Scene 2
At the lake in the heart of the forest, the swans having stepped ashore turn into beautiful young girls. Siegfried, who is about to draw his crossbow, stops fascinated by their beauty. Odette, the Swan Princess, is startled by Siegfried’s presence; he assures her that he will not harm her. Odette tells him of her terrible plight. She tells him that she has fallen under the spell of an evil magician.
She tells him she is bound for eternity by the spell unless an unblemished youth swears eternal fidelity to her. Siegfried swears his eternal love to Odette. The day is breaking, the swans are again swimming on the lake, and Odette bids a sad farewell to Siegfried.

Act II

Scene 3
The ball starts at the castle. The young noblewomen, whom the Queen has chosen as prospective brides, are introduced to Prince Siegfried; he shows no interest thinking only of Odette. The fanfare announces the arrival of new guests. Rothbart disguised as a knight sweeps in with his daughter Odile, Siegfried, dazzled by her beauty and her resemblance to Odette, swears his love and fidelity to her... Rothbart is triumphant. Siegfried is horrified at what he has done. He rushes to the Swan Lake.

Act III

Scene 4
At the lakeside, Odette tells her fellow swans of Rothbart’s devilish trickery and Siegfried’s betrayal. Prince arrives at the shore begging for Odette’s forgiveness. Black swans sent by Rothbart try to separate the couple. Siegfried start his fight against Rothbart. The rising sun gives birth to the new life, happiness and love.