Part 1, Lines 1-82 Summary

An old sailor, or Ancient Mariner, stops one of three young men who are going to a wedding. The Mariner tries to speak, and the man, or Wedding Guest, wants to know why he stops him. The Guest explains that he has to go to a wedding. The Mariner tries to tell him about a ship, but the Guest calls the Mariner crazy and tells him to let go. Even though the Mariner drops his hand, the Guest is captivated by the Mariner's "glittering eye" and listens obediently like a child. The Wedding Guest sits on stone, and the Mariner begins his tale.

The ship has a glorious sendoff. The weather is sunny at first. During the story, the Guest hears a bassoon and wants to go to the wedding, which is described. Still, the Guest stays to hear...