Act I

In a Scottish cottage, James awaits the dawning of the day of his wedding to Effie. A winged spirit, the Sylphide, gazes at him lovingly.
Effie, her mother and the neighbors arrive to prepare for the wedding. An old witch, Madge, appears and reads their palms. The Sylphide reappears. James follows her into the forest, leaving Effie alone.

Act II

In the mystical forest, James is enchanted by the Sylphide. James gets a magic scarf from Madge, whishing to catch hold of the Sylphide. As he places it around her however, she dies. Madge shows sorrowful James the scene from the marriage between Effie and Gurn, a friend of James who has been in love with her.