The German libretto is by Reinhard Goering [de], adapted from his prizewinning three-act play Die Südpolexpedition des Kapitäns Scott (published in 1929).
[1][2] Both the play and the opera are based on the Terra Nova Expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott.
Zillig, an admirer of Die Südpolexpedition, asked Goering to adapt his play into an opera libretto in 1930.
Scott states that Oates' frozen feet are hampering the progress of the other three men, but all agree that they must not abandon him.
The chorus of penguins perform a Freudentanz (joyful dance) but then express admiration for Oates' act of self-sacrifice.
Scott, Bowers and Wilson show their respect for Oates and their admiration for his fulfillment of the highest duty.
[3] Although such dodecaphonic techniques were officially considered "degenerate" by Nazi authorities at the time, Zillig escaped censure, and was rewarded by being commissioned to write incidental music for the Reich Theatre Festival in Heidelberg.