Plot

This subject is taken from the ancient love legend of Hero and Leander. Hero, the priestess of Venus spurns the attentions and affections of the Archon of Sacrifices, for which slight he has vowed vengeance. During the Olympic Festival a youth named Leander arrives from Sestos (Asia), and is crowned with a wreath of laurel by Hero. The Archon, suspecting that a love bond exists between the two, follows Leander, who, that night, goes to the abode of Hero. The Archon waits for the lovers to caress and then reveals to the Priests the faults of Hero, who, according to her religion, is debarred from earthly love. The sweethearts are separated, Leander exiled and Hero punished. While Hero is lying on the rocks, longing for Leander, he is swimming to her from the opposite shore. This they continue to do night after night until the Archon becomes cognizant of the fact. One night, while Leander is at sea, swimming eagerly toward his beloved, the Archon stealthily comes upon Hero, extinguishing her torch, which leaves them in total darkness. Without any light to lead him, Leander perishes on the rocks, still keeping in death his solemn vow.—Moving Picture World synopsis