Tamino is saved in extremis from a snake by the Queen of the Night's three ladies-in-waiting. When he regains consciousness, they show him the portrait of Pamina, the Queen's beautiful daughter, with whom he immediately falls in love. To obtain her hand in marriage, the valiant Tamino must free the princess from Sarastro who is holding her prisoner. Armed with a magic flute and accompanied by Papageno, the Queen's bird-catcher, the young man sets out on his journey.