Giselle - A Tale of Magic and Compassion

One of the most famous stories of all times, the 19th century ballet, “Giselle”, is mainly about forgiveness and true love.

The beloved Anna Pavlova as Giselle

Worth noting is the stark contrast between the first and the second acts…It very much represents our journey in this life. The joy associated with youth, followed by the dark night of the heart – and yet, rising like a bird released from a cage, the redemption and promise of a better life is shown at the end…

Our journey begins as we watch the harvest feast being celebrated by sunny, humble peasants – the celebration of life.

Then, the pretty Giselle falls in love with a handsome stranger…

Who would have guessed the turn of events – as she finds out she has been lied to by her beloved, Giselle’s innocence is lost. The poor girl, whose heart has always been weak, goes insane and finally dies.

What follows is a completely different atmosphere – since all hope is gone, the dream has been killed. We are transported to an eerie, ghostly, foggy cemetery, to meet the Willis – brokenhearted girls who died before they had a chance to get married. These tragic creatures have been filled with sadness and hatred, and thus their clear goal – to haunt and kill every man who crosses their path.

Giselle’s love, however, has always been true…

When her lovely prince approaches her grave to offer white lillies (flowers that have been traditionally associated with forgiveness), Giselle protects him from the evil plan of the Willis…

Her untainted love is able to forgive, and, with a committed heart, she takes care of him until he is safe in the dawn of a new day.

I loved this ballet as a child, and appreciate it even more now – not only for its colossal beauty, eerie atmosphere and stunning music, but also because it deals with two special dimensions of human relationships.

Firstly, our bonds with other humans – adult life teaches us what it means to have a broken heart, to be betrayed and lied to – as well as what it means to forgive and let go… It’s easy to become a hateful creature like the Willis – who could blame and judge them? There lies the true strength and challenge – to love and give unconditionally…

Secondly, our relationship with God – the way He responds to our fights and struggles in this world. No matter how terribly we have behaved, how many sins we have committed – God always forgives and guides us. Like Giselle, His love is pure, eternal, fully committed to loving us until the end – and beyond. We should follow Albrecht’s example and approach God with sincere repentance, offering our own white lillies. He is always there – to listen and never judge but constantly forgive, to protect us from the dangers and evils of this world…

“Then Peter went up to him and said, ‘Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as seven times? Jesus answered, ‘Not seven, I tell you, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21-22)