Ancient Persia, around 400 years BC King Ahasuerus summons all the virgins in the kingdom to choose the new queen. Mordecai tries to hide his daughter Hadassa, but the soldiers break into her house and take her away. She changes her name to Ester fearing reprisals, since she is Jewish. Ahasuerus spends his nights with several women, but none of them enchant him. However, the king is impressed by Esther's beauty and wisdom, who is indignant at being forced to sleep with him.