Two Royal Foes

A quiet October afternoon in 19th‑century Jena finds little Bettina wandering through the forest with her grandfather, old Hans. Their walk is filled with the hum of marching soldiers and the warm chatter of her godmother’s household, but Hans’s favorite pastime is spinning the ancient legend of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa—who sleeps in a mountain cave, his fiery beard tangled with ravens, waiting for a sign to awaken. The tale ignites Bettie's imagination, blending the everyday bustle of market streets with a mythic promise of a great, united Fatherland.

As they arrive at Frau Schmidt’s red‑roofed house, the story lingers in the air, echoing in the carved wooden dolls and the songs the villagers hum. Bettina’s curiosity and the lingering presence of the soldiers hint at a world where history and folklore collide, setting the stage for a rivalry that will test loyalties and awaken old grudges. The first act invites listeners into a richly painted slice of German life, where youthful wonder meets the rumblings of a legend waiting to break its silence.