Gondla is an unenviable groom, he is ugly and hunchbacked, and he is also a Christian, but he is of Irish royal blood. The bride, Lera, is an Icelandic beauty of noble birth. A local groom, Lage, would be more suitable for her. He is strong, handsome and lucky, and worships pagan gods. Lage suggests setting up a duel for Lera’s heart. Gondla refuses to fight, charming the audience with his lute playing, until a detachment of Irishmen appears and Gondla becomes king of the two islands. He is going to baptize the Icelanders, but they resist and, in disappointment, Gondla kills himself with a sword in the name of the Savior.