* Mythology: Many early operas drew inspiration from Greek and Roman mythology. Examples include:
* Orfeo (1607) by Claudio Monteverdi, based on the Orpheus and Eurydice myth.
* L'Incoronazione di Poppea (1643) by Claudio Monteverdi, featuring the Roman Empress Poppea.
* La Calisto (1651) by Francesco Cavalli, based on the story of the nymph Callisto.
* History: Historical figures and events also provided fertile ground for early opera plots. For example:
* Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria (1640) by Claudio Monteverdi, based on Homer's epic poem, *The Odyssey*.
* Xerxes (1654) by Francesco Cavalli, a historical opera about the Persian king Xerxes I.
* Biblical Stories: Biblical narratives were another popular source for early operas.
* Il Diluvio universale (1649) by Francesco Cavalli, based on the story of Noah's Ark.
* The Creation (1734) by George Frideric Handel, a dramatic oratorio depicting the creation of the world as described in the Book of Genesis.
Other Sources:
* Fairy Tales and Folklore: Some early operas drew on popular folk tales and fairy tales.
* Romances and Literary Works: Literary sources, such as poems and novels, were also used.
* Contemporary Events: Sometimes, opera plots reflected current events or political happenings.
It's important to note that early opera was often influenced by a combination of sources, with stories often being adapted and reinterpreted to fit the theatrical format and the tastes of the audience.