Rothbart

Rothbart, in ballet, most famously in Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, is an evil sorcerer and antagonist. He is often depicted as a powerful figure capable of shapeshifting, most notably into a large bird of prey, often an owl or raven.

In Swan Lake, Rothbart places a curse upon Princess Odette, transforming her into a swan during the day, allowing her to return to human form only at night near a magic lake. He does this either out of malice, or as part of a power play to control her kingdom or her hand in marriage. The ballet's narrative typically involves Prince Siegfried's attempt to break Rothbart's curse, often through a vow of eternal love.

Rothbart's role varies slightly depending on the production and interpretation of Swan Lake. He may be depicted as a seductive and cunning villain or as a purely malevolent force. Regardless, he serves as the primary obstacle to Odette's freedom and Prince Siegfried's happiness. His defeat, or lack thereof, dictates the ballet's tragic or triumphant ending.

Beyond Swan Lake, the name "Rothbart" has become somewhat synonymous with villainous sorcerers or manipulators in fantasy and fictional works.