The plot of Mozart's opera is loosely based on a story found in Dschinnistan, a collection of Oriental fairy tales published in German in 1786. The text is by Emanuel Schikaneder. He also sang the part of Tamino, in the first production, in Vienna, 1791.
Opinions about the story vary. Is it an incoherent, pantomimic ragbag, or the perfect vehicle for Mozart's most profound and inspirational ideas ? Should it be set in abstract or naturalistic settings ? Should the director emphasise or duck the masonic references ? And is it, or is it not, offensive to women and black people ?
Tamino, a prince from foreign parts, is attacked by a serpent and faints. The monster is driven off by three ladies, attendants on The Queen of The Night. Papageno, a bird-catcher, turns up. The prince assumes the bird-catcher has saved him. Papageno doesn't deny it. He's punished by the ladies who have returned to show Tamino a picture of Pamina, the queen's daughter.
The prince falls in love with the portrait. The Queen of the Night makes a dramatic entrance and announces that her daughter has been kidnapped by her mortal enemy, Sarastro. Papageno and Tamino set off to rescue her. Throughout their adventure they'll be advised by the three ladies and also by three boys. These guides provide Tamino with a magic flute and Papageno with magic bells.
Pamina is imprisoned in Sarastro's palace, guarded by Monostatos, the nasty Moor. Papageno scares him off and offers to take Pamina to the prince.
Tamino is told that Sarastro is actually a wise priest and a dear old friend of the queen's dead husband. Since his death the queen's got totally out of hand. Sarastro's only taken Pamina for her own protection.
Papageno and Pamina are captured by Monostatos. They escape with the help of the magic bells. Tamino and Pamina meet and fall in love. Before Tamino are the trials without which no-one can join Sarastro's cult.
Sarastro's priests consent to Tamino's initiation. The first trial is a vow of silence. Papageno can't keep it up. The three ladies appear and urge Tamino to flee. Having been warned about women's wiles, he ignores them.
Monostatos tries to assault Pamina. She's saved by her mother, who's not very sympathetic and orders her to kill Sarastro.
Sarastro knows what's in Pamina's mind. She asks mercy for her mother. He tells her that there's no hatred in his holy kingdom.
Confused and hurt, Pamina finds Tamino. He virtuously refuses to speak to her. In despair, she decides to kill herself.
Papageno has been given a magic feast. He's uninterested in the initiation rites. He just wants a wife. An old woman, who's brought him drink, offers to marry him. He reluctantly accepts. She turns into Papagena, a beautiful girl. She vanishes.
The three boys prevent Pamina's suicide and lead her to Tamino. He's preparing for his second trials. She joins him, telling him to play the magic flute. It was carved by her father and will protect them. They pass together through fire and water.
Left alone, Papageno decides to hang himself. The boys advise him to use the magic bells to call back Papagena. She returns.
Monostatos has joined the queen and her ladies. They attempt to penetrate Sarastro's kingdom. They are overpowered and condemned to endless night.
Tamino and Pamina are united in front of Sarastro's temple.
