The scene is set in and around the Temple of Isis and Osiris and in the realm of the Queen of the Night, in legendary times.  A young prince, Tamino, set upon by a dragon, faints from fear but is saved by the miraculous intervention of three of the Queen of the Night’s ladies. Upon reviving, Tamino first hides from, but then confronts, Papageno, the Queen’s birdcatcher who enjoys a carefree life, wanting only for a spouse. Papageno claims credit for slaying the dragon. The Queen’s ladies reappear to lock Papageno’s mouth closed as punishment for lying. They present Tamino with a portrait of Pamina, the Queen’s daughter. Tamino falls in love with the portrait. When the Queen herself appears calling on Tamino to rescue Pamina from Sarastro, Tamino is eager to accept the mission. Papageno is pressed into service as Tamino’s companion. Tamino is presented with a magic flute and Papageno is given magic bells for protection. They are promised that Spirits will guide their way.

Pamina is abused by Monostatos, Sarastro’s servant. When Papageno stumbles upon them, his appearance frightens Monostatos away. Pamina, like Papageno, longs for a spouse. Meanwhile the Spirits lead Tamino to the Temples of Wisdom, Reason and Nature where it is claimed that it is the Queen, not Sarastro, who is evil. Tamino plays his flute joyfully as he learns that Pamina lives. Papageno plays a reply. When he and Pamina are beset by Monostatos, now joined by other servants of Sarastro, Papageno’s playing renders the attackers harm­less. Preceded by priests who sing his praise, Sarastro appears to in­form Pamina she will be released and warns her against her mother. Tamino is captured by Monostatos. Sarastro punishes Monostatos for his treatment of Pamina. Meeting for the first time, Tamino and Pamina swear love for each other, but are then separated by the priests.

The priests march in, as Sarastro announces Tamino’s candidacy for initiation, praying for the blessings of Isis and Osiris. Two priests warn Tamino and Papageno of the trials ahead, swearing them to silence. The Queen’s ladies appear, attempting to lure them from their purpose. Tamino stands firm, even when Sarastro separates him from the distraught Pamina. Alone, she is assailed by Monostatos. Then the Queen of the Night gives Pamina a knife to kill Sarastro. In despair, Pamina turns to thoughts of her own death. She is saved by the Spirits and brought to Tamino with whom she must undergo the trials of fire and water.

Papageno has a very difficult time. He doesn’t wish to undergo the initiation, but goes along with it to find a spouse. He fails the test of silence, narrowly escapes the consequences of gluttony, is separated from Tamino and cannot find his Papagena. His mentors alternately reward and punish him. However; his Papagena eventually turns him away from suicide to a fruitful life with her.

As Tamino and Pamina succeed in their trials, Sarastro’s strategy is vindicated. The Queen’s power is destroyed by enlightenment and the sun’s rays which dispel the forces of the night.