Act I

Prince Tamino flees a terrible serpent before three ladies in the service of the Queen of the Night save him. The bird catcher Papageno appears. He claims that it was he who killed the serpent. Hearing Papageno take credit for their work, the ladies return and padlock Papageno’s mouth shut for lying. Turning to Tamino, they give the prince a portrait of the Queen’s daughter, Pamina, who they say is being held prisoner by the evil Sarastro. Tamino falls in love with Pamina’s portrait at first sight. The Queen appears. She grieves over the loss of her daughter and asks Tamino to rescue Pamina. The ladies offer Tamino a magic flute to ensure his safety on the journey, and to Papageno, who will accompany him, they give magic silver bells.

In Sarastro’s palace, the slave Monostatos pursues Pamina, but he is frightened away when Papageno arrives. The bird catcher tells Pamina that Tamino loves her and is on his way to save her.