After meditating for several hundred years , a magical white snake transforms into a beautiful woman . Her competitor , a black snake , do likewise . The two compete for the love of a man named Khouw Han Boen . Ultimately Khouw agree to marry the ( former ) white snake , but when her true identity is revealed he attempt to cancel their wedding . The snake @-@ woman , crying , tell Khouw 's boss that they are to be married , and ultimately Khouw is guilted into marrying her .