Count Von Rothbart is an evil sorcerer
whose true form is reminiscent of a bird. He lives as a human among the mortals at court,
playing the role of Prince Siegfried’s mentor. Rothbart awaits his chance to fulfill
his promise to his daughter, Odile. No matter what the cost he will marry her to the
Prince and thus allow her to become human. It is the day before the Prince’s coming
of age, a time when he must marry and inherit the kingdom. Prince Siegfried has wandered
ahead of the hunting party. He is soon found by his best friend, Benno, and the rest of
the party. Amidst the youthful merriment, the Queen arrives with an unusual guest.
Siegfried assumes she is just another of the arriving princesses hoping to catch his eye,
but he is caught by her beauty and sensuality. She is in fact Rothbart’s daughter
Odile. As Siegfried dances with her, he realizes that there is an insincerity about this
woman and dismisses her. The Queen is troubled by her son’s actions and points out
that he must marry. She gives him the family ring which he must give to his betrothed.
When the hunt continues, Siegfried remains behind with Benno contemplating his future and
the loss of his youth. Rothbart conspires to lure Siegfried to the enchanted lake. He
presents the Prince with a bow and convinces Benno and Siegfried to follow him. The men
agree, but when the Prince arrives at the lake he finds himself alone. Out of the lake
appears a swan who, upon landing, transforms into a delicate maiden. She is Odette, the
queen of the swans. The Prince has never beheld such a gentle beauty and cannot stay
hidden. Odette is shocked to see a human there and tries to fly back to the lake, but
realizes she cannot fly away. Being night time, her wings have transformed into arms. As
they stare into each others eyes, their love and fate are determined. Sensing the approach
of Rothbart, Odette flees. The other swan-maidens emerge from the lake. They become
frightened when Siegfried appears with his bow. Odette returns to protect her swans, and
together they dance for the Prince. Finally Siegfried confesses his love and begs Odette
to attend the ball the following evening so that he may introduce her as his betrothed.
Siegfried confirms his intentions by giving Odette the family ring. As Odette transforms
back to a swan, she must relinquish the ring she may not wear as a swan. Von Rothbart
steals the ring and gives it to Odile to take to the ball.
Act II
The court is joyously celebrating the
Prince’s birthday and excitedly awaiting his choice of bride. Benno introduces the
princesses as they arrive from Spain, Hungary and Italy eager to win the Prince. With the
herald of trumpets the Queen and her son arrive. The Queen is quick to point out the
would-be brides. The princesses almost attack the prince with their eagerness, but
Siegfried is not interested. The court is surprised by the arrival of Rothbart accompanied
by Odile who pretends to be Odette. The Prince is excited in the belief that Odette has
accepted his invitation to the ball. Just as he would catch her, Odile is gone. The other
princesses take this as their cue to vie for Siegfried’s attention. When the real
Odette appears Rothbart quickly freezes the court and uses Odette to convince the Prince
that Odile is his beloved. This goal accomplished, Rothbart expels Odette and revives the
court. Odile, the black swan, is radiant and proceeds to dance with the Prince. Benno
alone remains unconvinced of Odile’s identity and demands that Siegfried ask Odile to
show the wedding ring which he gave to Odette. Odile slyly walks forwards and presents the
ring for all to see. Siegfried is elated and swears his love to Odile. With success
theirs, Rothbart releases his spell and Odette runs in. Siegfried, totally at a loss as to
what has transpired, follows the horrified Odette out of the palace with Odile and
Rothbart close behind. Back at the lake the swans lament what has taken place and attempt
to console Odette. When Siegfried enters the swans leave, but Odette remains to feel her
loved one’s embrace and to comfort his folly. They are interrupted by Odile and
Rothbart who enter in their real forms. Rothbart reminds Siegfried of his oath to Odile.
Torn between his word and his love for Odette, Siegfried abandons this world by leaping
into the lake. Odile and Odette are both distraught. The swans unite and drive the evil
sorcerer and his daughter into the water. Slowly the flock embraces their beloved Odette
and quiet her cries of sorrow until she accepts her fate in the comfort of their love.
**********
This is only one of the endings to Swan
Lake...there are almost as many endings to this ballet as there are choreographers.
Each one puts their own twist to the ending, some happily and some sadly. But
whichever ending is chosen, it still is my most favorite of all the ballets.
