The scene is set in the court of King Lir, the ruler of the Dé Danann. His children, who he adores, are protected by the magic sword of light and the Tuatha Dé Danann join Lir and his children in a festive dance. Queen Aoife, accompanied by her deformed servant the Goblin, is also present but appears not to be content and is jealous of Lir's outpouring of affection towards his children.
Queen Aoife, possessed with evil, aided by the Goblin and surrounded by her cohorts 'The Sidhe', attempts to steal the magic sword.
Aoife's woeful thoughts and her desire to rule the land are narrated through song.
The deceitful and insanely jealous Queen Aoife finally takes revenge on King Lir and his four children.
The children, now changed into swans and banished to the stormy seas for 900 years dance in their new home by the waters of 'Inis Gloria'.
A song of encouragement for the dejected Lir which entices him not to give up on his quest to overthrow the wicked Aoife and return his children to their homeland.
King Lir rises up, incites his men and prepares to take revenge on the evil Aoife. In order to succeed, Lir must first obtain the magical sword of light.
A lone piper reminds us of Lir's loss and heartfelt feelings for his loved ones.
A selection of the Dé Danann folk engage in a light-hearted and playful dance.
Aoife and the 'Sidhe' attempt to corrupt the minds of Lir's men and distract them from their focus in a dance of seduction, while her servant the Goblin is once again belittled and cast aside.
A new race of invaders known as The Milesians in search of their Island of Destiny arrive in the Land of Erin to the beat of a new rhythm. Aoife's servant the Goblin marvels at the beauty of the Milesian princess Anú and spies on her as she dances alone.
The Milesian princess Anú is fascinated by the unorthodox behaviour and appearance of the Goblin and is drawn towards him as a result of his uniqueness. The Goblin, tired of being ridiculed by Aoife and the 'Sidhe', is enchanted by the princess' advances.
Queen Aoife reappears and shatters the Goblin's dreams as she tears him from the arms of Anú and orders the 'Sidhe' to capture the princess and take her away.
The Milesian warriors, spurned by Aoife's malicious actions, unite with King Lir and demonstrate their power and might as a combined force.
In an exchange of musical styles the Milesian and Dé Danann musicians interact and trade tunes.
King Lir and Queen Aoife, flanked by their advocates, confront one another for the last time. Only the bearer of the Sword bestows absolute power and without the Sword's magic, Lir will be unable to release his children from their terrible curse and free the Milesian princess Anú.
A song about the princess' deep love for the Goblin in good times and in bad. Here too, the Goblin's secret is finally unveiled before his lover's eyes.
The two lovers, united again, demonstrate their love for one another in a sensuous dance.
With the power of the magic Sword of Light, King Lir attempts to transform the swans and return his children to his side again while saving them from an eternity of suffering in ocean waters.
The children awaken in their homeland, embrace their loving father Lir and dance playfully as children once again.
A celebration of King Lir's triumph over evil.