Synopsis for Idomeneo

ACT I

Ilia, a Trojan princess and King Priam’s daughter, has been taken prisoner in Crete. Surrounded by captured Trojan plunder, she struggles with her guilt at loving Idamante, son of Idomeneo—one of the kings who conquered her homeland. Idamante approaches and tells Ilia that his father’s fleet has been sighted. In honor of this joyful day, and because of his love for Ilia, Idamante frees all the Trojan prisoners. As the Cretan people and liberated Trojans rejoice, Elettra, the daughter of Agamemnon, enters. She has been living in exile on Crete after the murder of her mother Clytemnestra. She objects to the liberation of the Trojan prisoners. As Idamante defends his actions, Arbace, Idomeneo’s chief counselor, arrives with the news that Idomeneo has drowned at sea. Idamante departs, overwhelmed with grief. Left alone, Elettra fears that if the king is dead, her hopes of wedding Idamante will die with him.

Idomeneo’s fleet has been overcome by a storm and driven onto the rocks. Miraculously, Idomeneo and some of his men have survived. After coming ashore, the men leave Idomeneo alone to reflect on the vow he made to Neptune in exchange for the sea god saving his life: to sacrifice to the god the first person he encounters on land. Idamante enters, having sought solitude to ease his grief. He fails to recognize the bedraggled stranger and offers to help. When Idomeneo finally learns that the young man is his son—whom he has not seen since sailing for Troy years earlier—he reveals his own identity. Apalled by the situation, Idomeneo recoils from his son’s embrace and departs, forbidding Idamante to follow him. Idamante is inconsolable at his father’s rejection.

The storm has now abated and the Cretan people gather to praise Neptune and celebrate the king’s safe return.

ACT II

Idomeneo tells Arbace of his vow to Neptune and decides that for Idamante’s safety, he will send him to Argos with Elettra. Ilia appears and tells Idomeneo of her happiness at finding a new homeland in Crete and a surrogate father in Idomeneo. After she is gone, he realizes that she loves his son and he leaves, overcome by the pain and suffering his vow will cause. Elettra enters and expresses her pleasure in having Idamante to herself.

The boat that will take Elettra and Idamante to Argos is ready to set sail, and the people of Crete assemble. All look forward to a safe voyage. Idomeneo arrives to bid farewell to Elettra and Idamante. As the couple are about to embark, a storm suddenly arises. The frightened people realize that someone has offended the gods and they demand to know his name. Idomeneo tells them that he is the guilty one, and as the storm continues, the crowd flees in terror.

ACT III

Ilia can only think of her unhappy love for Idamante. He tells her that he will fight the terrible monster Neptune has sent to plague the island and that he may never return. They reveal their love for each other. Idomeneo and Elettra interrupt the lovers. Idamante begs his father to reveal the reason for his harsh behavior, but when Idomeneo cannot answer, the prince sadly departs.

The High Priest of Neptune demands from Idomeneo the name of the one to be sacrificed to placate the god. Idomeneo at last names his son. The crowd is horrified and the priest asks for mercy for the innocent man.

Solemn prayers are offered to Neptune. A victory celebration is heard nearby, and Arbace enters with the news that Idamante has slain the monster. The young hero returns, knowing of his father’s vow and ready to sacrifice himself to the angry god. As the ceremony is about to begin, Ilia intervenes, offering herself in place of her lover. The entire situation is resolved by an oracular pronouncement: Idomeneo is to renounce the throne, which Idamante is to ascend and there be united with Ilia. At this unexpected announcement, Elettra is left with her worst fears realized and leaves in a rage. Idomeneo presents Idamante to the people as their new king and is hailed by the populace.