Norma Synopsis

Act I
In the grove of the god Iminsul, the high priest Orveso and the Druids beg the gods to rouse their spirits and lead them to victory over the Romans (“Ilte sul colle, o Druido”). A Roman proconsul, Pollione has had a love affair with the High Priestess of the Druids, Norma, fathering two children. Pollione confesses to his friend, Flavio, that he has lost his desire for Norma, and that he has grown fond of Norma’s young friend, Adalgisa (“Meco all’altar di Venere”). The chorus of Druids announces the arrival of their priestess Norma. Norma promises her people that when the time is right to revolt against Rome, she will lead the revolt, and she offers up a beautiful prayer (“Casta Diva”). As her people leave the grove, Adalgisa enters and is found by Pollione praying for the strength not to fall in love with him(“Deh Proteggimi, o Dio”). He tells her to break her vow and to elope with him in Rome since he is being recalled by the emperor.

In her quarters, Norma feels the end of her relationship with Pollione coming. She is very saddened by this, when Adalgisa enters and confides in Norma that her faith has been tested by her love for a Roman. Norma sympathizes with the young woman. When Pollione enters, Norma sees who the Roman is that Adalgisa loves and she becomes furious. The act ends in a dramatic trio (“Oh! Di qual sei tu vittima”).

Act II
In order to prevent Pollione from taking her children with him, Norma works up the courage to kill them (“Teneri, teneri figli”). Her motherly instincts, however, prevent her from going through with it. She decides that it is best if Adalgisa adopts them and leaves peacefully with Pollione. Adalgisa has a change of heart and tells Norma she wants Pollione and Norma to reunite (“Mira, o Norma”).

Meanwhile, the Druids are gathered to hear Oroveso’s announcement that there will be a new commander to replace Pollione. Oroveso expresses his passion for their planned uprising against the Romans and tells them they must practice patience until that day comes (“Ah! Del Tebro al giogo indegno”).

Norma hears that Adalgisa’s plea for Pollione to reunite with her was rejected and she becomes irate. She demands an attack on the Romans. Oroveso, who needs a sacrificial victim, discovers Pollione has returned and orders him to be sacrificed. Before the deed is done, Norma has one more moment alone with Pollione. She tells him she will grant him his freedom if he will return to her. When he refuses, she calls the Druids and proclaims that the guilty must be sacrificed. She then confesses to her affair with Pollione and offers herself as the sacrifice. Pollione sees her nobility, and recognizes the love he has for Norma. He decides he must die as well. Norma asks her father Oroveso to look after her children, and she and Pollione walk hand-in-hand into the pyre.