Two young women disguise themselves as men to escape a sacrificial ritual mandated by a vengeful sea god. Gallathea and Phillida flee their respective homes to avoid being offered to the deity Neptune, who demands the sacrifice of the most beautiful maiden in the village. As they navigate the woods in male attire, they encounter mythological figures and cross paths with one another, leading to a series of complications involving mistaken identity and divine intervention. The narrative unfolds through the stylized, witty dialogue characteristic of Elizabethan court drama, exploring themes of gender fluidity and the intersection of human desire with supernatural decree.

Readers and scholars frequently highlight the play's significance as a precursor to the gender-bending comedies of William Shakespeare. Discussion often centers on the sophisticated use of language and the artificial, courtly atmosphere that defines Lyly's dramatic output. Critics note that while the plot relies heavily on classical tropes, the thematic exploration of love and identity remains distinct within the Elizabethan canon. The work is often studied for its structural influence on the development of English romantic comedy.