The crippled boy Amahl lives in poverty with his mother. He tells her that he has seen in the night sky an enormous star with a long tail. His mother is tired of his wild imagination. Amahl tells her that Three Magis have come to visit them. The Magis enter and tell them that they are following a large star in the sky, on their way to find a new-born king. They show Amahl and his mother the rich gifts they have brought.

Amahl asks the Magis questions about their lives. One of them shows Amahl his box, full of magic stones, beads and candy.

Amahl tells the Magis that he was once a shepherd, but his sheep were sold. Amahl goes out and gathers the neighbors, all shepherds. They present their gifts of special foods to the Magis and perform a dance.

Later that night, Amahl’s mother is tempted to steal some of the Magis’ gold since she and Amahl are so poor. She is caught, but the Magis offer to let her keep the gold, explaining that the king they seek will need nothing but love to rule his kingdom.

Amahl’s mother is overcome with joy when she hears of such a king and implores the Magi to take back the gold. Amahl then offers his crutch, his only possession, as a gift. Suddenly, he finds that he can walk.

He leaves with the Magis to pay homage to the child who has healed him.