Prologue

A rocky landscape.

The trolls are piecing together the shards of what they call the Mirror of Evil.

Act I

Introduction

The Lamplighter, our guide through this story, tells us that once upon a time an orphaned boy named Kai found a loving home in the good old town of Odense, where the Grandmother took care about him and little Gerda became his friend.

Scene 1.

Odense.

The townsfolk of Odense are looking forward for Spring to drive away winter’s chill and snow.

Kai and Gerda are carried away with their exciting game. The Grandmother is calling them home, but they don’t hear.

The trolls arrive. They can’t bear the merry mood of the townsfolk, and above all they hate Kai’s cheerful laughter. The trolls want to spoil the festivity, but the townsfolk drive them away. The trolls plot to revenge.