Plot: It takes place in the early thirteenth century. Tannahuser spends his days on the Hill of Venus, the godess of love.
He however longs for the company of the people, and goes back to the Castle of Wartburg, where he is welcomed. Especially by Elisabeth, niece of Herrmann, Landgrave of Thuringia.
In the past he was popular there in the singer’s contest, and in the coming contest he also takes part.
The subject of the day to be "Love’s Awakening." Elizabeth is to grant a wish to the victor whatever it may be. The singers declare love to be pure, genuine, sentimental emotion. Tannhäuser replies hotly that he finds the highest love only in the pleasure of the senses, and even sings a love song to Venus.
The women, with the exception of Elizabeth, leave the hall in horror, and the knights draw swords upon Tannhäuser. Elizabeth protects him, and since he expresses his penitence, the landgrave allows him to join a band of pilgrims bound for Rome, where he may perhaps obtain forgiveness from the pope...