Uthal

Synopsis

Larmor, the old chief of Dunthalmon, has taken refuge deep in the forests, since his son-in-law Uthal, deeming him no longer able to fight in battle and capable only of repose in feasting, has usurped his authority. Taking advantage of night to leave the castle, Larmor’s daughter Malvina joins her father in the hope of calming his anger and persuading him to be reconciled with the husband he gave her, whose only faults are that he is violent and ill counselled. But Larmor, though touched, rejects her arguments. He has sent his faithful bard Ullin to Fingal’s palace, to inform the latter of the injustice done to him. In spite of the festivities going on around him, the illustrious Fingal’s brow darkens. He will not go himself to fight so weak an enemy, but he sends the men of Morven to punish the crime. The warriors soon land on the seashore and Larmor commands them: ‘Steep yourselves in the traitors’ blood.’

Malvina remains alone, filled with despair at the idea that her father and Uthal might face each other in mortal combat. At the same moment, Uthal – who has traversed mountains and forests in search of a wife whom he regards as faithless, but without whom he cannot live – enters the forest and halts there to give free rein to his despondency. Approaching this warrior, whose features are concealed by the darkness, Malvina ventures to request his assistance in order to avoid a fatal outcome. Uthal, his curiosity aroused, initially takes care not to be recognised and is moved by Malvina’s confession. But soon dissimulation becomes impossible, and when Larmor appears at the head of the men of Morven, come to declare war on him, Uthal refuses to submit and chooses an unequal combat.

At the end of a struggle that takes place in the distance, while the Bards try to comfort Malvina by singing her an ancient ballad, Uthal is taken prisoner. Larmor denies him the death he calls for and condemns him to the shame of exile, but when Malvina declares that she will leave the palace to follow the more unfortunate of the two men, her compassion so moves Uthal that he consents to kneel before Larmor. The old chief, doubly touched, grants his pardon.