A heroic warrior, Solor, who returns home from a recent conquest, is in love with Nikiya, a famous Indian temple dancer. The Ruler of the land offers Solor the hand of his beautiful daughter, Gamzatti, and Solor is unable to refuse. Gamzatti learns of Solor’s affection for Nikiya, and she sends her a flower basket containing a poisonous snake. The snake bites Nikiya, and kills her. In this scene, Solor dreams of following Nikiya’s shadow (La Bayadère) to the Kingdom of Shades where they reunite one last time.