For the love for human wood nymph Rosava falls into disfavour with the Forest Queen. Her piper son, Švanda, cannot marry his beloved Dorotka because he is poor. Tempted by ex-serviceman Šavlička's stories he decides to go off to the world to become rich and famous. Before he leaves, the wood nymphs, on Rosava's request, breathe magic sounds into his musical instrument. This brings Švanda success in the world and he even heals princess Zulika of melancholy with his music. Zulika wants to marry him in return. The news of the wedding brings Dorotka, who is searching for Švanda together with musician Kalafuna, to the palace. Švanda's "impresario", jester Vocílka, deceives the king into believing that Dorotka and Kalafuna are crazy. Švanda doesn't protect them. Former Zulika's bridegroom, prince Alamír, doesn't want to give up his bride, bursts into the palace and puts Švanda in prison. The magic pipe helps him out of the prison, but he has to return home without a crown in his pocket. After some time, Dorotka and Kalafuna also find their way back home. Dorotka refuses to hear from Švanda. When Švanda finds himself in grave danger on top of the gallows, however, she saves his life. The Forest Queen, touched by Dorotka's love, pardons repudiated Rosava as well.
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