Unraveling what happens at the end of Swan Lake ballet is to explore one of the most powerful and debated finales in the history of performance art. The conclusion of this iconic ballet is far more than a simple curtain call; it’s a poignant culmination of love, betrayal, and magic that has left audiences breathless for over a century. To truly understand its impact, we must delve into the heartbreaking story of the swan queen Odette, the conflicted Prince Siegfried, and the wicked sorcerer’s curse that binds them. The ballet’s ending is not a single, settled narrative but a spectrum of interpretations, each carrying its own profound emotional weight and reflecting the artistic vision of different eras and choreographers.
Contents
- A Night at the Royal Opera House: A Viewer’s Take
- The Classic Tragedy: Unpacking the Original Swan Lake Finale
- But Wait, Is There a Happy Ending? The Soviet Revision
- What Happens at the End of Swan Lake Ballet in Modern Productions?
- Who Survives the Final Act? A Character-by-Character Breakdown
- Does Tchaikovsky’s Score Dictate the Ending?
A Night at the Royal Opera House: A Viewer’s Take
I thought I knew what to expect. Having grown up in London, a trip to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden was a special treat, and Swan Lake was the ultimate classic. I’d seen posters, heard snippets of Tchaikovsky’s haunting score, and knew the basic story of a princess turned into a swan. But nothing prepared me for the sheer emotional force of the final act. The entire theatre seemed to hold its collective breath as Prince Siegfried returned to the lake, desperate to undo his terrible mistake. The raw despair of the music, the frantic yet graceful movements of the corps de ballet as the swan maidens, and the heart-wrenching pas de deux between the lovers created an atmosphere of pure tragedy. When the final moments arrived, a wave of stunned silence washed over the audience before erupting into applause. It wasn’t just a sad story; it was a visceral experience of love and loss, a feeling that stayed with me long after I stepped back out into the bustling London night.
The Classic Tragedy: Unpacking the Original Swan Lake Finale
The most famous and widely performed conclusion to Swan Lake is the one rooted in the 1895 revival by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, which has become the definitive version for many. This is the ending that cemented the ballet’s status as a masterpiece of romantic tragedy. It is a finale built on a foundation of profound sorrow, sacrifice, and the idea that some loves are so powerful they can only be fully realised in the afterlife. This version doesn’t offer easy comfort; instead, it provides a cathartic release, immersing the audience in the depths of the characters’ despair and ultimate devotion.
Siegfried’s Fateful Vow and Tragic Betrayal
To comprehend the weight of the final act, one must first appreciate the magnitude of Siegfried’s betrayal in Act III. At his birthday ball, he is meant to choose a bride. The evil sorcerer, Baron von Rothbart, arrives in disguise with his own daughter, Odile, who has been magically enchanted to look identical to Odette. Dressed in a dazzling black tutu, this is the infamous Black Swan. Seduced by her charisma and fooled by the magical likeness, Siegfried publicly declares his love for Odile and vows to marry her, shattering his sacred oath of fidelity to Odette. The moment the vow is made, the spell is broken in the worst way. A vision of the real, heartbroken Odette appears, and Siegfried, realising his catastrophic error, flees the ballroom in a state of utter horror and rushes to the lakeside to beg for forgiveness.
The Final Confrontation at the Lakeside
Act IV opens on a scene of deep despair by the enchanted lake. The swan maidens are distraught, and Odette is inconsolable. She knows that because of Siegfried’s broken vow, the sorcerer’s curse is now permanent; there is no longer any hope of being freed. Siegfried arrives, filled with remorse, and finds Odette. He implores her to forgive him, explaining Von Rothbart’s cruel deception. Their subsequent pas de deux is not one of celebration, but of desperate, sorrowful love. They know their time together in the mortal world is over. Just as they reconcile, Von Rothbart appears, determined to claim Odette forever. He unleashes a furious storm upon the lake, seeking to separate the lovers for good.
A Love That Transcends Death: The Swan Queen’s Fate
Faced with an eternity of being a swan under Von Rothbart’s control, Odette makes the ultimate choice. She believes that only through death can she be truly free from the curse. She throws herself into the raging waters of the lake. The Prince, unwilling to live a life without her, follows his beloved into the depths. This joint sacrifice, an act of supreme love, possesses a magic more powerful than Von Rothbart’s. The sorcerer’s power is derived from his curse, and with its subjects now beyond his reach in death, his spell is broken, and he is vanquished. In the final, ethereal tableau, the storm subsides. The spirits of Odette and Siegfried are seen rising above the lake, united in an apotheosis, ascending to a heavenly kingdom where their love can finally exist, pure and eternal.
“The tragic ending is the very soul of Swan Lake,” states Dr. Alistair Finch, a ballet historian and author. “It elevates the story from a simple fairytale to a timeless myth. The lovers’ sacrifice isn’t a failure; it’s a triumph of love over evil, suggesting that true union can exist beyond the mortal realm. It’s why the story resonates so deeply.”
But Wait, Is There a Happy Ending? The Soviet Revision
Just when you think the tragedy is set in stone, the history of ballet throws a fascinating curveball. For a significant part of the 20th century, particularly within the Soviet Union, a dramatically different ending became the standard. This version eschews the lovers’ tragic sacrifice in favour of a more optimistic, heroic conclusion where good triumphs over evil in the physical world, not just the spiritual one. This alternative narrative offers a completely different emotional journey, one that champions earthly struggle and victory.
Why Change a Masterpiece? The Political and Cultural Context
The shift towards a “happy” ending was largely driven by the cultural doctrine of the Soviet era. The state ideology promoted art that was optimistic, heroic, and reflected the supposed triumph of the collective will over adversity. Tragic endings, particularly those involving suicide and a focus on an otherworldly afterlife, were often seen as decadent, pessimistic, and out of step with the state’s official narrative of progress and strength. Choreographers were encouraged, and sometimes pressured, to re-stage classic works to fit this mould. Therefore, Swan Lake was reimagined to showcase Siegfried not as a remorseful, tragic figure, but as a proactive hero who physically defeats the villain.
How a Different Finale Changes the Entire Story
In this revised ending, when Von Rothbart appears at the lakeside to conjure the storm, Siegfried does not follow Odette into a suicidal pact. Instead, he engages the sorcerer in a direct physical battle. In a dramatic climax, Siegfried fights and rips a wing from Von Rothbart, destroying his power and killing him. With the sorcerer vanquished, his curse over Odette and the other swan maidens is broken. The sun rises on a new dawn, the storm clears, and Odette is restored to her human form permanently. The final scene shows the lovers reunited, alive and victorious, ready to begin their life together. This ending completely alters the ballet’s central theme from one of transcendent spiritual love to one of heroic, earthly victory. It’s less a romantic tragedy and more an action-filled fairytale.
What Happens at the End of Swan Lake Ballet in Modern Productions?
The debate between the tragic and happy endings is far from over. In the 21st century, choreographers and directors feel an increasing freedom to interpret the classics, leading to a wonderful diversity of finales on stages from Manchester to Cardiff. The choice of ending often reflects the specific thematic focus of the production, whether it’s psychological realism, gender commentary, or a return to perceived historical authenticity. This variety keeps the ballet fresh and relevant for contemporary audiences.
Matthew Bourne’s Groundbreaking Interpretation
Perhaps the most famous modern re-imagining is Matthew Bourne’s 1995 production, which features an all-male corps de ballet. His ending is a radical and profoundly moving departure from any traditional version. In his telling, The Prince is a lonely, repressed figure captivated by the wild, masculine power of the swans. The finale sees The Prince, now considered insane and confined to his bedroom, attacked and killed by the swans, who turn on him in a savage frenzy. The Swan he loves tries to protect him but is also overcome. The final, heartbreaking image is of the dead Prince being cradled by the spirit of his beloved Swan, a tragic conclusion that explores themes of societal pressure, mental health, and forbidden love.
The Director’s Cut: Artistic Freedom in Ballet
Today, a ballet company’s choice of ending is a major artistic statement. Some productions, like those often seen at the Birmingham Hippodrome, may opt for the traditional tragic ending to honour the Petipa/Ivanov legacy. Others might choose the heroic Soviet ending for a more family-friendly, uplifting experience. Still others create hybrid versions, perhaps where Siegfried defeats Von Rothbart but Odette still dies from the curse’s lingering effects, leaving the prince alone and heartbroken. This artistic license ensures that each new production of Swan Lake offers a unique perspective on its timeless themes, proving that the story is a living, breathing work of art.
| Feature | The Tragic Ending (1895 Revival) | The “Happy” Ending (Soviet Era) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Action | Odette and Siegfried sacrifice themselves. | Siegfried physically fights and kills Von Rothbart. |
| Fate of Lovers | They die but are united in the afterlife. | They survive and are reunited in the mortal world. |
| Fate of Von Rothbart | His power is broken by their loving sacrifice. | He is physically killed by the Prince. |
| Central Theme | Love’s triumph over evil through spiritual transcendence. | Good’s triumph over evil through heroic action. |
| Emotional Tone | Cathartic, sorrowful, poignant. | Triumphant, optimistic, heroic. |
Who Survives the Final Act? A Character-by-Character Breakdown
For those new to the ballet, keeping track of who lives and who dies can be confusing, especially with the different versions in circulation. The fate of each main character is intrinsically linked to the type of ending being performed, fundamentally shaping the story’s message about love, evil, and redemption.
The Fate of Prince Siegfried
In the most common tragic ending, Prince Siegfried dies. His death is a conscious choice, an act of ultimate devotion. Unable to live without Odette and overwhelmed by guilt for his betrayal, he joins her in drowning in the lake. His death is not just an end but a transformation, allowing his spirit to reunite with hers. In the Soviet happy ending, however, he is the ultimate survivor. He becomes the conquering hero, single-handedly defeating the villain and winning his bride, his bravery securing a “happily ever after.”
“You see, Siegfried’s character arc is what truly defines the ending,” Dr. Finch adds. “Is he a flawed romantic who finds redemption only in death? Or is he an action hero who corrects his mistake through strength? Each interpretation is valid, but they paint a portrait of two very different men.”
The Destiny of Odette, the Swan Queen
Like Siegfried, Odette’s fate hangs in the balance. In the tragic finale, she chooses to die rather than remain cursed forever. It is an act of agency in a life that has been controlled by a malevolent power. Her death is her liberation, leading to her spiritual union with Siegfried. In the happy version, she is the rescued princess. Her survival is dependent on Siegfried’s heroism. Once Von Rothbart is defeated, the curse is lifted, and she is permanently restored to her human form, free to marry the prince who saved her.
The Downfall of the Sorcerer Von Rothbart
One thing remains consistent across almost all versions: Baron von Rothbart does not survive. The method of his demise, however, is key to the story’s theme. In the tragic ending, he is destroyed by the sheer power of Odette and Siegfried’s sacrificial love, a force greater than his dark magic. His end is metaphysical, a demonstration that love is the ultimate magic. In the heroic ending, his downfall is physical and violent. He is overpowered and killed by Siegfried’s strength. This makes the victory more tangible and straightforward, a clear case of the hero vanquishing the monster.
Does Tchaikovsky’s Score Dictate the Ending?
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s score for Swan Lake is one of the most beloved musical compositions in history, a work of staggering emotional depth and complexity. One of the most fascinating debates among musicologists and balletomanes is how the music itself informs the ending. Tchaikovsky’s original 1877 score concluded with the dramatic music for the storm and the final, transcendent B major theme often used for the apotheosis. Many argue this soaring, hymn-like music supports the idea of a spiritual reunion after death, suggesting a tragic but ultimately uplifting conclusion was always intended. However, the score is so rich and emotionally versatile that it can be effectively adapted. The heroic Soviet endings, for example, often re-purpose and re-orchestrate this final theme to sound more like a triumphant, earthly fanfare rather than a celestial hymn. This musical flexibility is a key reason why so many different endings can feel emotionally convincing when paired with the right choreography, allowing Tchaikovsky’s genius to serve a wide range of narrative interpretations.
The enduring power of Swan Lake lies in its refusal to provide a single, easy answer. The story’s conclusion is a rich tapestry woven from threads of tragedy, heroism, and transcendent love. Whether you witness the lovers’ heartbreaking sacrifice or their triumphant victory, the experience is unforgettable. The next time you sit in a darkened theatre and the iconic oboe solo begins, you’ll know that the journey you are on leads to a powerful destination, and you will have a deeper appreciation for the profound question of what happens at the end of Swan Lake ballet.
Comments
Charlotte Webb
★★★★★ (5/5)
Saw the English National Ballet’s production at the Royal Albert Hall last January and it was breathtaking. They went with the traditional tragic ending, and the sight of the lovers’ spirits rising above the lake in that vast space was just magical. I was in tears. A truly unforgettable experience.
Benjamin Carter
★★★★☆ (4/5)
A beautiful performance by the Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Hippodrome two months ago. My only slight critique is they used the “happy” Soviet ending. While technically brilliant, I’ve always felt the tragic version has more emotional weight. Still, a fantastic night out and a great introduction for my kids.
Isabelle Thorpe
★★★★★ (5/5)
I’ve seen Matthew Bourne’s version at Sadler’s Wells three times now, most recently in November 2024. It’s not traditional, but it is a masterpiece. The ending is so raw and powerful, it completely redefines the story. It’s less of a fairytale and more of a psychological drama. Absolutely stunning.
Oliver Davies
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Took my partner to see a touring production at the Manchester Palace Theatre for her birthday in September. The dancing was superb, especially the Black Swan pas de deux. They did the tragic ending, and it was beautifully staged. You could hear a pin drop in the final scene.
Freya Knight
★★★★★ (5/5)
The Scottish Ballet’s interpretation last spring was sublime. They stuck to the classic tragic ending, and the chemistry between the lead dancers playing Odette and Siegfried was electric. The final act felt so intimate and heartbreaking. I highly recommend catching them if you get the chance.
Samuel Reid
★★★☆☆ (3/5)
I appreciate the artistry, but the version I saw at the Sunderland Empire felt a bit dated. It was a very traditional production with the happy ending where Siegfried fights Von Rothbart. It felt a little pantomime-like for my taste, but the orchestra was absolutely incredible.
Eleanor Finch
★★★★★ (5/5)
Just came back from the Royal Opera House performance (March 2025). Words can’t do it justice. The tragedy of the final act is the whole point of the ballet for me. The idea that their love is so strong it breaks the curse through their sacrifice is just so romantic and profound. A flawless production.
Leo Thompson
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Saw a smaller company perform this in Bristol last Christmas. They did a slightly mixed ending where Siegfried defeated Rothbart, but Odette still succumbed to the curse and died in his arms. It was an interesting take, very poignant and left the prince utterly alone. It was very effective.
Grace Patterson
★★★★★ (5/5)
My first time seeing Swan Lake was with the Northern Ballet in Leeds. I had no idea about the different endings! They performed the tragic one, and it was so emotionally devastating in the best way. Tchaikovsky’s music in that final scene is just on another level. I was captivated from start to finish.
Arthur Fleming
★★★★☆ (4/5)
As someone who has seen many productions over 30 years, I find the enduring debate over the ending to be the most fascinating part of Swan Lake‘s legacy. I saw a production in Cardiff where the curtain fell simply as Odette threw herself into the lake, leaving Siegfried’s fate ambiguous. It was very modernist and thought-provoking.
