When Calaf, the dethroned Mongolian prince who has fled to Beijing, falls in love with Princess Turandot, he puts himself in mortal danger:
For only he who solves the princess’s three riddles can become her bridegroom. Anyone who fails will be executed – like all previous suitors. Calaf’s father Timur and Liù, whom Calaf loves without his knowledge, summon him in vain. He accepts the challenge.
