Once upon a time there lived a young prince. Unhappy that her son is turning eighteen and has not yet found a bride, the Prince's mother plans a grand ball where the Prince will choose a princess to marry. As he sees a flock of wild swans fly overhaed, the Prince and his friends race after them with bows and arrows. The Prince tires and as he rests beside the lake, the beautiful Swan Queen appears and tells him that her and her friends are under the spell of an evil sorcerer. She can take human form every night at midnight but is transformed back into a swan at dawn. The true love of a man is the only thing that can break the spell. The Prince professes his love for the Swan Queen and begs her to attend the ball, where he would introduce her as his bride. The Swan Queen agrees but unbeknown to the two lovers, the evil sorcerer has disguised himself as an owl to eavsdrop on them.

Many princesses dance for the Prince at the ball, but he waits for the Swan Queen. A prince and his beatiful daugher, disguised as the Swan Queen, arrive at the ball. The Prince tells his mother "This is the woman that I love, and that I will love forever". The Swan Queen arrives at the ball, but alas it is too late, for she has seen everything and flees from the castle, betrayed. The Prince races after her and tells her "Whatever happens, I will stay by your side. My love for you is stronger than anything". The evil sorcerer makes great waves appear on the lake that pull the Swan Queen into the water, but the Prince resuces her. This act of love breaks the spell and the Prince and the Swan Queen are married.