In the opera, a Prince named Calaf and one of his servants are on the run from some enemies when they come across a spectacle- a beautiful Princess named Turandot is holding a contest for her suitors. While she's very beautiful, she's also very cold. Any man trying to win her hand must answer three riddles she poses; if he can correctly guess the answers, she will marry him, if not he will die by beheading. Calaf sees an unfortunate challenger executed and turns to leave in disgust when he catches a glimpse of Turandot and falls hopelessly in love. In a moment of bravado he leaps onto the platform and says he will accept the challenge, and against all odds he succeeds in unravelling her riddles. The Princess, horrified at the thought of marrying this ragged looking peasant, appeals to her father not to permit the wedding, but a deal's a deal. Calaf offers her a riddle of his own- if she can guess his true name before daybreak he will let her off the hook. Turandot accepts, setting her servants to the task of learning his identity. She further tells them that if they fail, they will all be executed at daybreak!
