Siegfried finds Odette at the edge of the lake and begs for forgiveness. Odette, taking solace in her loved one's embrace, grants him her forgiveness. The swan maidens rush in—Von Rothbart is attacking! Despite the brave efforts of the swans to protect their Queen and her Prince, Von Rothbart is too powerful. 

Mid-battle, Odette realizes that Von Rothbart’s life is bound to hers through his own curse. To save the swans, Odette throws herself from a cliff, killing herself and weakening Von Rothbart. Siegfried follows her, unwilling to be parted from his love. The swan maidens overpower Von Rothbart. On his death, the spell breaks. The swans are finally free. 

Even after death, the love between Siegfried and Odette is too powerful to be separated. The sun rises to show the two happily reconciled in the afterlife.