Princess Jasnenka and the Flying Shoemaker 1987

Dawn interrupted by the cockerel's death

Two witches, a mother and her daughter, kill the rooster that usually heralds the dawn. Without its crowing, the sun does not rise, and the kingdom is plunged into unnatural darkness. The Good Witch of the Sun demands justice from the King, setting the stage for what follows.

King's judgment and the witches' wrath

In the royal court, the King rules in favor of the Good Witch and grants justice for the Sun's failure. The Evil Witch is furious at the outcome and vows revenge. The ruling catalyzes the witches' further schemes against the couple and the realm.

Jasněnka cursed and imprisoned

The Evil Witch curses Jasněnka to marry a shoemaker and, to prevent any chance of royal match, the King imprisons her in a tower. The Princess's isolation removes her from potential suitors and sets the stakes for the upcoming rescue. The move also demonstrates the witches' growing reach over the royal family.

Evil Spirit prompts the shoemaker to craft wings

The Evil Spirit, summoned by the Witch, tricks Jíra into designing and making a pair of leather wings that will let him fly. The wings become the vehicle for the lovers' dangerous escape and the beginning of their romance. The workshop becomes the birthplace of their defiant escape plan.

Love at first flight: Jíra reaches the castle

Wearing the magical wings, Jíra flies over fields and forests and lands at the castle tower where Jasněnka is imprisoned. The two immediately fall in love and decide to marry, defying both the law and the witches. Their union marks a turning point in the story as joy threatens to antagonize the realm's power structures.

Elopement and the witches' fury

Jíra and Jasněnka elope from the castle and begin a life together away from royal oversight. At first, the witches pretend to be delighted, but soon their joy curdles into rage as the lovers’ happiness grows. The shot of rebellion against magic and class lines power escalates quickly.

First sabotage attempt: kitchen chaos

The witches test their power by forcing Jasněnka to create a mess in the couple's kitchen. Jíra arrives and finds it funny rather than violent, but the attempt reveals the plan to undermine the couple. The attempted sabotage only strengthens their bond and resolve.

Market trap and transformation

Disguised as wealthy ladies, the witches visit the market where Jasněnka sells her shoes and cast a spell that turns her into a dove. They imprison her in their dungeon, severing the lovers' access and testing Jíra's courage. The market scene becomes a pivotal moment that reveals the true danger they face.

The rescue quest: ring-guided journey

The Shoemaker sets off on a quest to find Jasněnka, aided by the Good Witch of the Sun who gives him a ring with magical powers. He must overcome the Evil Spirit in a climactic battle and free the Princess from the witches' clutches. The journey demonstrates his courage and the power of magical aid.

Memory erasure potion and its effect

The witches brew an evil memory-erasing potion. Jasněnka unwittingly gives it to Jíra, causing him to forget his identity and fall asleep. The memory spell threatens to erase their bond just as they are close to reuniting.

Imprisonment and the royal wedding plan

The Princess is captured by the King's soldiers and brought back to the castle. The King immediately schemes to marry her off to one of three noble princes to stabilize the realm. The clock ticks toward a formal royal ceremony that could separate the lovers forever.