Two sailors, Palamède and Cador, work on their boat, the Dedalus, on a northern harbor. Then comes Parsifal, a carefree youth, who forces the two men to disembark. In the local brothel they meet Elsa and Senta, two prostitutes. The brothel's owner, Kundy, is a charming lady who fascinates both men and women, including the mysterious Felipe. She is the only one who seems to know Parsifal's past. Meanwile, Parsifal leaves the harbor and meets Amfortas in an unknown place populated by obscure spirits.