Introduction (01)
The Episodes (02-03)
Would the Real Amazons Please Stand Up? (04-11)
Incomparable Amazons (12-18)
An Amazon Named Cyane (19-24)
A Different Mold (25-27)
Evil is as Evil Does (28-31)
Xena - The Amazons' Amazon (32-38)
Gabrielle, Reluctant Amazon (39-55)
To a Strong Amazon Nation (56)
Notes
Articles
Biography

"To a strong Amazon nation."
--Gabrielle in TO HELICON AND BACK (127/615)

Introduction

Gabrielle braves Greek Fire and many other obstacles as a leader of her people in TO HELICON AND BACK.

^[01] My intent in this article is to summarize and highlight the contributions made by Amazons as individuals and as various tribes or groups to the mythos of Xena: Warrior Princess. There are a number of excellent articles about Amazons in previous issues of Whoosh! ^{[Note 01]} For example, the most recent general survey of the Amazons was Bret Rudnick's article in Issue 49 October 2000. I recommend readers interested in this topic peruse these articles. Questions about the relevance of actual myths about Amazons to Renaissance Pictures' version have been dealt with handily in previous issues of Whoosh! ^{[Note 02]}, and I will not repeat that information here.

The Episodes

"This fiction stuff can be really fun."
--Gabrielle in THE QUILL IS MIGHTIER (56/310)

^[02] I have listed below ^{[Note 03]} the Xena: Warrior Princess episodes that feature stories about Amazons, even if the Amazon plotline was thin. There are other episodes that have an Amazon in a significant supporting or guest role (e.g., Ephiny, Alti, or Amarice) but the story is not about Amazons. I will mention some of those in the course of discussing individual Amazons.

^[03] The first Hercules: the Legendary Journey's movie was Hercules and the Amazon Women, which established for the most part the Renaissance Pictures' version of the myth. There were only two Amazon episodes on Hercules: the Legendary Journeys: PRODIGAL SISTER (H66/407), which had a cameo appearance by Ephiny, and LOVE AMAZON STYLE (H105/602). Ephiny was in another Hercules episode that was not about Amazons (SKY HIGH, H93/512).

Would the Real Amazons Please Stand Up?

"Amazon? Do you think we'll see any?"
--Gabrielle in HOOVES AND HARLOTS (10/110)

Gabrielle encounters Amazons for the first time.

^[04] Ask ten Amazons to define "Amazon," and you would get ten different answers. Some, such as Ephiny, preferred to live in peace with their neighbors and interact with them. Others, such as Hippolyta (Hercules and the Amazon Women), preferred to live completely separate from men and use them as the need arose. Many Amazons seemed to prefer a middle course, not rejecting all contact with mainstream society, but defining themselves separate from that society.

^[05] It is reasonable to view the Amazons as a warrior people, yet not all Amazons fought first and asked questions second. Varia, for example, usually fell within the "fight first" camp, while Gabrielle most often fell within the diplomatic camp. Others let the situation determine their actions, i.e., fight if needed, and if not, then talk. Ephiny was a good example of the middle ground approach.

^[06] Not all Amazons were cut out for serious fighting. TO HELICON AND BACK showed the response of individuals to a very nasty war. Some found their courage early and never lost it (e.g., Cyane); others let the situation drive them to foolish, ultimately fatal, behavior.

^[07] From the Amazons' own lips, here are a few quotes defining Amazons and the reasons for their existence: Queen Hippolyta in Hercules and the Amazon Women:

"Just because we are not the kind of women you would like us to be, make no mistake, these are women. Women who will not be controlled by men, not beaten down, not bought and sold like oxen. Men will never dominate these women."

In HOOVES AND HARLOTS (10/110), Terreis explained to Gabrielle:

"It's a man's world, Gabrielle. Not because it should be, but because we let them have it. It's based on a woman's weakness. The Amazon world is based on truth, on a woman's individual strength."

In ADVENTURES IN THE SIN TRADE I (69/401), the Amazon Queen Cyane told Xena:

"We live for each other, not ourselves."

^[08] To be an Amazon did not necessarily mean being big and tough. That this was understood by the writers and directors was one of the best things about the portrayal of Amazons in both series and the telemovie. Some of the most effective queens were rather diminutive, or of average height at best: Hippolyta, Melosa, Ephiny, Chilapa (Ephiny's lieutenant in ENDGAME, 88/420), and Gabrielle. To be a leader was as much about force of personality as it was about physical prowess, and physical prowess was not so much about size as it was skill and will.

^[09] In Renaissance Pictures' version of the Amazons, the gods had little influence on the women's day-to-day lives. In Hercules and The Amazon Women, Hera dominated Hippolyta, but was ultimately checkmated by Zeus. Artemis was mentioned in several Amazon episodes, but we never saw her interacting with the Amazons. In COMING HOME (113/601), Ares claimed his sister Artemis appeared to him in a vision and told him she had given some ambrosia to the Amazons for safekeeping. Later, in Season Six, Ares took an interest in Varia's Amazons, only to be foiled by Xena. In general, though, the Amazons lived by their own rules.

^[10] Amazons were not afraid to make major changes in defining themselves or their tribe. This was shown by Ephiny's attempt to negotiate peace with the Centaurs in A NECESSARY EVIL (38/214). In addition, Varia brought several different tribes together in PATH OF VENGEANCE (126/614) and in TO HELICON AND BACK to ensure the safety of all.

^[11] In other words, Amazons were a group like any human group, with a distinct identity, but also with a great deal of latitude for individual variation.

Incomparable Amazons

"When you need to make a decision, think of Ephiny. Do what she would do."
--Gabrielle in ENDGAME (88/420)

Known variously as the 'flag' scene or 'midriff' scene, Gabrielle and Ephiny engage in deep conversation.

^[12] There were many outstanding Amazons, some appearing in two or more episodes, others appearing only once. Let us first look closely two of the most outstanding Amazons, Ephiny and Varia.

^[13] From her introduction as one of Queen Melosa's warriors in HOOVES AND HARLOTS, Ephiny became queen in her own right and close friend to Xena and Gabrielle until her death in ENDGAME. She returned as a spirit to defend her son Xenan in THE LAST OF THE CENTAURS (129/617).

^[14] As portrayed by Danielle Cormack ^{[Note 04]}, Ephiny was strong and brave, serious in battle but with a sense of humor, intelligent and wise, a good friend, comrade, and mother. Much of who she later became was evident from the start. In HOOVES AND HARLOTS, she was instantly suspicious of Xena, failed to see Gabrielle's potential as an Amazon, and hated Centaurs. Yet, over the course of the episode, she helped Xena find evidence to prove Phantes' innocence, joined the Centaurs in fighting a common enemy, and gave her fighting staff to the young bard.

^[15] Complex, flexible, an outstanding warrior and exceptional Queen, Ephiny represented the best of the Amazons in many ways. It is not surprising that she was featured in more episodes than any other Amazon, and that she was the only Xena-originated Amazon to cross over to Hercules.

^[16] No other Amazon had quite the impact Ephiny had on the series, but Varia ran a close second. As a complex character who evolved a great deal over the course of her appearances in various episodes, Varia was Ephiny's true heir among the Amazons.

^[17] As portrayed by Tsianina Joelson (who, like Victoria Pratt, has a physical fitness background), Varia was as physical a woman warrior as anyone could wish. In a classic fight with Xena (PATH OF VENGEANCE), it was not hard to believe that she actually held her ground against the more experienced, more talented warrior. (It is assumed that Xena was holding back, since the point was to teach Varia a lesson, not to defeat her.)

^[18] Varia's learning curve was much longer than Ephiny's, and the threat of backsliding was still very real, as when she tried to kill Gabrielle in TO HELICON AND BACK, albeit for what she saw as the greater good. Varia did not always make the best decisions, but lacking personal ambition, she never stopped trying to protect her people, no matter the odds.

An Amazon Named Cyane

"I've been encouraging them to respect their traditions."
--Gabrielle in KINDRED SPIRITS (107/517).

^[19] In a remarkable display of consistency of storytelling, there were four Amazons named Cyane. The first was Victoria Pratt's Cyane in ADVENTURES IN THE SIN TRADE (69-70/401-402). Despite appearing in only two episodes, Pratt created one of the most charismatic and memorable Amazons in the series. Cyane's physical, mental and spiritual powers were great. In one scene, she won a fierce spiritual battle with Alti. However, she was no match for the evil duo of Alti and Xena.

^[20] A young, ambitious, but ultimately good Cyane was portrayed by Shelley Edwards in LIFEBLOOD (106/516) and KINDRED SPIRITS (107/517). Although in my opinion, she had far less impact than the other Cyanes, she demonstrated an ability to learn and grow that made her a worthy heir to the line. Her ambition, unlike that of Amazons who turned bad, had an understandable source: "All I wanted was to keep us strong, keep our heritage alive." (KINDRED SPIRITS)

^[21] The first Cyane historically, but the third to appear in the series, was Selma Blair as the Utma, aka Cyane, in the Amazon High segments of LIFEBLOOD. An unlikely choice to be the new leader of the ancient Amazons, as they first defined themselves as a group, she managed to evolve from Valley Girl to Amazon leader through sheer guts and persistence (and outstanding dance moves).

^[22] The fourth Cyane was portrayed by Morgan Reese Fairhead in PATH OF VENGEANCE and TO HELICON AND BACK. Though her part in both episodes was not big, it made an impression. If the Amazons were to survive as a distinct people, it would not be just because of the fighters like Varia, but also because of those like Cyane, who were less likely to rush to judgment. For example, this Cyane objected to Varia ordering the execution of the captured Roman soldiers who had protected Eve (PATH OF VENGEANCE), but at the same time she was a fearless and accomplished warrior.

^[23] Other Amazons had an effect well beyond the length and depth of their role. Solari was introduced early on and lasted until ENDGAME, when we saw only her body on the battlefield. Jodie Dorday, who portrayed Solari, had other roles in Xena and Hercules. I enjoyed her sense of humor that always seemed to be right under the surface.

^[24] Otere, played by Sheeri Rappaport, appeared in ADVENTURES IN THE SIN TRADE as a young, intense Amazon who became Queen thanks to Xena's tutelage. Unfortunately, she did not appear again, and was replaced as Queen of the tribe by the shaman Yakut.

A Different Mold

"Joxer, she's a rocker chick. What do you expect?"
--Gabrielle in LYRE LYRE HEARTS ON FIRE (100/510)

Amazons sing and dance in LYRE, LYRE.

^[25] A few Amazons did not quite fit the mold we had come to expect. Amarice served a role much like that of Joxer for a time, and Amoria appeared in only one episode, but like Victoria Pratt's Cyane, stole whichever scenes she was in.

^[26] Amarice, portrayed with energy and wit by Jennifer Sky, first appeared in Season Four's ENDGAME, and was last seen alive in THEM BONES THEM BONES (95/505), her death reported by Yakut in LIFEBLOOD. She was the only Amazon to travel for a time with Xena and Gabrielle, sharing in their adventures and meeting friends such as Joxer and Eli. In a sense, she was a female version of Joxer--loyal and steadfast, but pretending to be something she was not. Unlike Joxer, who never really became a warrior, Amarice was an outstanding fighter and eventually become an Amazon. I think of her as being an Amazon in spirit from her first appearance, even if the official designation did not come until much later. She had a complex relationship with Gabrielle, whom she knew as an Amazon Queen during Gabrielle's pacifist phase, and Amarice could not understand an Amazon who eschewed fighting. Despite her misgivings, she followed orders (most of the time), and eventually learned to appreciate Gabrielle, though her true enthusiasm for Gabrielle did not start until Gabrielle took up warrior ways (CHAKRAM 92/502).

^[27] Amoria appeared in only one episode, LYRE LYRE HEARTS ON FIRE, as the leader of a small band of Amazons in competition with Draco for Terpsichord's lyre. I liked her because she was so different from most Amazons. There was something about her style--flamboyant, humorous, seductive--yet I never considered her as anything other than a real warrior.

Evil Is As Evil Does

"I knew you were evil, but you were obnoxious, too?"
--Gabrielle in FORGIVEN (60/314)

^[28] Bad Amazons tended to have ambition as a common trait. In THE QUEST (37/213) and A NECESSARY EVIL (38/214) Velasca, who had earlier killed Queen Melosa, led a faction against Gabrielle and Ephiny and their supporters to gain the throne for herself. Defeated by Gabrielle, whose fighting skills were enhanced by the temporarily dead Xena's spirit, Velasca ingested ambrosia, became a god, and was eventually exiled to a lava river. Melinda Clarke's Velasca was as nasty as they come, on an individual level as well as politically. She positively glowed while beating the bound and helpless Autolycus, and enjoyed tormenting Gabrielle.

^[29] An even more evil Amazon was Alti who introduced herself to Xena as a former shaman exiled from Cyane's tribe in ADVENTURES IN THE SIN TRADE. Alti indulged in dark magics to ensure that her soul would survive through time and space to bedevil Xena and Gabrielle in their various incarnations:

"I want to tap into the heart of darkness, the sheer naked will behind all craving, hatred and violence. I'll become the face of death itself, capable of destroying not only a person's body, but their soul. Help me, and I'll make you destroyer of nations." (ADVENURES IN THE SIN TRADE I)

^[30] And did she survive! From the start of Season Four until one of the last episodes in Season Six (SEND IN THE CLONES, 128/616), Alti managed to find a way to be a thorn in the sides of Xena and Gabrielle almost to the bitter end. To an extent, Alti replaced Callisto as Xena's number one recurring nemesis, and Hudson Leick's Callisto was a very tough act to follow. (Callisto later returned, of course, but presented a different kind of threat than she had before her permanent death and eventual redemption.) My initial response to Alti was that she was a mere one-note villain. Over time, though, she grew on me, and I came to appreciate Claire Stansfield's broad portrayal.

^[31] I could argue that Eve was an evil Amazon, at least for the time she was Livia, but I do not think that is quite fair. Eve never knew she was the recipient of Gabrielle's right of caste, and therefore never consciously became an Amazon.

Xena - The Amazons' Amazon

"Does an Amazon Queen beat a Warrior Princess?"
--Gabrielle in A NECESSARY EVIL.

^[32] Why was Xena not an Amazon? Amazons who met her thought of her as an Amazon:

Melosa: "We've heard of you, Xena. To some of us you're a hero, a true Amazon at the head of the mightiest army the world has known." (HOOVES AND HARLOTS)

Ephiny (to Xena): "You're sure you're not an Amazon? Very few people know that escape." (HOOVES AND HARLOTS)

Cyane: "You know you have the potential to be the greatest of women warriors. At heart you're an Amazon, whether you believe it or not." (ADVENTURES IN THE SIN TRADE II)

^[33] Xena taught the young Amazons in ADVENTURES IN THE SIN TRADE about their tradition. She showed Otere what she needed to know to be the leader of the group, and taught Yakut the ways of the shaman. Xena served as the older, more experienced Amazon who passed on her knowledge and skills to those coming after her. At the end of the second part, Xena said to Otere: "Tonight your destiny is fulfilled. You take my power as leader of the Amazons."

^[34] KINDRED SPIRITS was pivotal in showing that Xena's inability to nest had little to do with her quest for redemption, and much to do with her inability to share with anyone other than Gabrielle. (And who can blame her?) In several scenes, Xena was shown struggling with the idea of staying with the Amazons:

Xena to baby Eve: "Here you're safe from the Greek gods, Gabrielle's happy. The place is loaded with babysitters. Could work."

^[35] But later:

Gabrielle: "Xena, I can make a difference with this tribe. You do understand that, don't you?"

Xena: "No, I don't. ... This is just not me, all right? This whole place, the shared meals, communal bathing, group laundry day. All this togetherness is making me sick I can hardly breathe."

^[36] Ambition and greed kept Xena from joining the Amazons before meeting Gabrielle. In response to Cyane's offer to Xena to join the Amazons (ADVENTURES IN THE SIN TRADE II):

Xena: "Not for me, Cyane."

Cyane: "Join us. We can teach you a new way, a new code to live by. We live for each other, not ourselves."

^[37] Gabrielle was the last in a long line of people who tried to teach Xena a "new way," and her lesson took hold. As Xena said in ADVENTURES IN THE SIN TRADE I to the absent Gabrielle:

"You know nothing would make me happier than seeing you again. You are my light. But I just realized what it was that you gave me: a light of my own."

^[38] In KINDRED SPIRITS, after reading Gabrielle's scrolls Xena told her partner:

"I think that anyone who writes like you can, who can find grace and meaning in everything that happens, she's sure to make a wonderful queen. That's worth sticking around to see."

Xena might never have been an Amazon in a technical sense, but in most ways she was THE Amazon.

Gabrielle, Reluctant Amazon

"I want to read philosophy and learn about history and science. But they didn't consider me a normal girl."
--Gabrielle in HOOVES AND HARLOTS.

Amazon fitting is a tough job but someone has to do it.

^[39] Who was Gabrielle? She was the Bard of Poteidaia, the lifelong (and beyond) companion of Xena. Occasionally, she was queen of an Amazon tribe, though which Amazon tribe depended on the season. In this section, her role as Amazon, not her travels with Xena, is the focus, although the two roles at times intermingle.

^[40] Gabrielle became an Amazon in HOOVES AND HARLOTS by risking her own life to save the life of a woman who happened to be an Amazon princess. Terreis died, but not before giving her right of caste -- basically her place among the Amazons -- to a reluctant Gabrielle. With no training or experience as an Amazon, and with an antipathy toward most weapons, Gabrielle became a de facto Amazon princess.

^[41] She refused to learn edged weapons, did not even take Terreis' winged-hilt sword with her, but instead learned the staff, and accepted Ephiny's gift of her family's staff. Gabrielle's initial contact with the Amazons was brief but effective. In her very first battle, she acquitted herself well. For several years, the Amazon staff was an integral part of who she was until she threw the staff away in THE WAY (84/416), although there were later occasions when she used a staff in battle.

^[42] Gabrielle returned to the Amazons in THE QUEST and the following episode, A NECESSARY EVIL. The challenge to Gabrielle's place among the Amazons was evident from the start, in Velasca's unctuous welcome and her insincere arguments that she was the better leader for the Amazons. Gabrielle listened to Ephiny, however, and was willing, even eager, to take her place among the Amazons. But once she restored Xena to life with ambrosia, Gabrielle left the Amazons in the capable hands of her regent, Ephiny.

^[43] Her next contact with the Amazons was not until Season Three, shown in the intense episodes MATERNAL INSTINCTS (57/311) and THE BITTER SUITE (58/312). Distraught over the deaths of Hope and Solan and her separation from Xena, Gabrielle sought refuge in the only place she could, Ephiny's village. The Amazons tried to protect Gabrielle but could not stop a grief-crazed Xena from literally dragging Gabrielle away from them. All's well that ends well, but the resolution of the soulmates' conflict was in Solan's hands, not the Amazons.

^[44] Gabrielle had a part in ADVENTURES IN SIN TRADE, but only as Xena's heart or conscience (or both). Her role as Amazon was not a factor in the episodes.

^[45] The next episode featuring Gabrielle as Amazon queen was ENDGAME (88/420), which saw the death of Ephiny during battle. Despite being in her (fortunately brief) pacifist phase, Gabrielle served her Amazons with distinction. She used her diplomatic skills to deal with a rash young Amazon (Amarice) and a hardened Roman soldier (Brutus), moderated Xena's battle plans to be a bit less brutal, and took her place just behind the battlefield (but not out of danger) directing the attack. In the end, she gave the queen's mask to Chilapa, telling her to "do what Ephiny would do."

^[46] Gabrielle was introduced to the Northern Amazons in THEM BONES THEM BONES and became a shamanness to fight the evil Alti in the spiritual realm. It was Gabrielle's role as Xena's companion that counted the most in this episode, however, and mentor to Amarice.

^[47] In the companion episodes LIFEBLOOD (when we learn that Yakut has been killed in battle) and KINDRED SPIRITS, Gabrielle took leadership of Yakut's tribe. The occasion was to adopt Baby Eve into the tribe and give her Gabrielle's right of caste.

^[48] One of my few criticisms of the Amazon tales may be hardcore nutball nitpicking, but it is hard to ignore. Gabrielle became Amazon Princess of one tribe of Greek Amazons (HOOVES AND HARLOTS). Years earlier Xena killed the queens of the Northern Amazons, a separate group from the Greek Amazons. As the dead Queen Cyane explained to Xena, her tribe could not pass through the gate to eternity. "Our tribe can't. The other Amazon tribes from Greece and Mesopotamia, they can." (ADVENTURES IN THE SIN TRADE I). Yet Gabrielle inherited Cyane's tribe in LIFEBLOOD and KINDRED SPIRITS.

^[49] That anomaly aside, these two episodes are enjoyable for their views of daily Amazon life and Gabrielle's (and Xena's) part in that life. It would be easy to imagine Gabrielle in such a setting permanently, guiding the Amazons, respecting but updating their traditions.

^[50] Season Six presented a different set of challenges for Gabrielle. COMING HOME (113/601) reintroduced the Greek Amazons, 25 years after Gabrielle and Xena were frozen in Ares' cave. Their queen was Marga, whose lieutenant was Varia. Marga acknowledged Gabrielle to be an Amazon queen in her own right, but not specifically a member of Marga's tribe, so it is likely this tribe was different from Ephiny's. In this episode, Gabrielle's role was primarily to resuscitate Xena. Her Amazon role was not the focus, but the episode was important in setting up the new Amazons and their situation.

^[51] In DANGEROUS PREY (123/611), Gabrielle and Xena returned to the same Amazon tribe to find that Marga had been mortally wounded and turned leadership over to Varia, asking Xena to help guide the young warrior. (This is a Gabrielle-light episode because Renee O'Connor directed the episode.)

^[52] In PATH OF VENGEANCE, Varia recognized Xena's daughter Eve as the murderous Roman Livia who killed Varia's sister years ago. A number of different Amazon tribes had joined to fight common enemies, and Gabrielle asserted her role as a queen in an attempt to protect Eve. She tried persuasive argument first and when that failed, resorted to the Queen's challenge. In an exciting fight, Varia defeated Gabrielle, but not easily. I felt, watching the scene, that Gabrielle did not want to win her point through a physical challenge, but rather, wanted Varia to recognize Eve's innocence on her own. Xena eventually saved the day, but I like to believe Gabrielle set the stage for that to happen by appealing to Varia's heart.

An ever-shrinking group of Amazons in TO HELICON AND BACK.

^[53] The final Amazon episode, TO HELICON AND BACK, took place right after PATH OF VENGEANCE. Bellerophon, the son of Artemis, attacked the Amazons for Xena's killing of Artemis, and the Amazons for not following her ways. Varia was captured. Gabrielle took over leadership of the combined tribes and led the war against Bellerophon.

^[54] This episode is a fitting final tale for Gabrielle as an Amazon Queen, because she was never more imposing as a leader or as a fighter. She struggled, as always, with the need to commit violence against other people, and her anguish pushed her over the edge. She had to be called back by Xena from killing a soldier who was running away. Killing would never come easy for Gabrielle, no matter the cause.

^[55] Gabrielle's evolution from innocent peasant girl to mature warrior queen is one of the most fascinating story arcs in Xena: Warrior Princess.

To a Strong Amazon Nation

^[56] The Amazons, as is true of Xena and Gabrielle, continue in fan fiction and the virtual (online) seasons. I like to think that after Xena died that last time (A FRIEND IN NEED II, 134/622), Gabrielle found a way to ensure the survival of her beloved Amazons. I believe they still exist somewhere, out of time, hidden in space, still dancing to Joseph Lo Duca's wonderfully evocative music.

Notes

Note 01:
In September 1997, Issue 12, Whoosh! presented the first All-Amazon issue. Other articles have appeared in subsequent years. A search of Whoosh! will provide titles.
Return to article

Note 02:
Several of the Amazon-related articles written for Whoosh! contain very useful information regarding the likely sources of the Amazon myth and their relevance to the version presented by Renaissance Pictures. The following is not a complete list of Whoosh! articles helpful in that regard, but will provide a start for the interested reader.

"The Horse Nomads of Asia, The Real Amazons and THE DEBT", by Stephen W. Richey, Issue 23, August 1998, provides an overview of the lives of ancient people who might well have been the source of Greek tales of Amazons.

"Amazons: Beyond Fiction Into Existence", by Donna Plourd, Issue 12, September 1997, links the historical evidence for Amazons with their portrayal in Xena: Warrior Princess.

"Amazon Portrayal in Xena: Warrior Princess", by Robin Reed, Issue 12, September 1997, also describes ancient views of Amazons and compares them with the televised version.

"Brave Women Warriors of Greek Myth: An Amazon Roster", by Julie Ruffell, Issue 12, September 1997, lists a number of Amazon warriors from mythology.

"Anachronism Be Damned: A Xena: Warrior Princess Historiography Part II: The Intersection of Myth and History", by Carolyn Bremer, Issue 27, December 1998, emphasizes Greek storytelling tradition and its role in the Amazon myth.

Return to article

Note 03:
The Xena: Warrior Princess Amazon episodes are:

HOOVES AND HARLOTS (10/110)
THE QUEST (37/213)
A NECESSARY EVIL (38/214)
THE BITTER SUITE (58/312)
ADVENTURES IN THE SIN TRADE I (69/401)
ADVENTURES IN THE SIN TRADE II (70/402)
ENDGAME (88/420)
THEM BONES, THEM BONES (95/505)
LYRE, LYRE, HEARTS ON FIRE (100/510)
LIFEBLOOD (106/516)
KINDRED SPIRITS (107/517)
COMING HOME (113/601)
DANGEROUS PREY (123/611)
PATH OF VENGEANCE (126/614)
TO HELICON AND BACK (127/615)

Return to article

Note 04:
A number of the actors and stunt people as well as many of the behind-the-scenes staff were interviewed for Whoosh! A search on the individual's name will direct the interested reader to the article. For example:

"An Interview with Danielle Cormack", by Bret Ryan Rudnick, Issue 12, September 1997.

Return to article

Articles

Gail Futoran, "Joxer: Defender of Subtext" Whoosh! #55 (04/01)
Gail Futoran, "ONE AGAINST AN ARMY: Love and Redemption in Xena: Warrior Princess" Whoosh! #64 (01/02)
Gail Futoran, "Timeless Elements Of Xena: Warrior Princess" Whoosh! #71 (08/02)

Biography

Gail Futoran
I have been a SF/fantasy fan for nearly 50 years, and a feminist for almost as long. I am retired from college teaching but interacting with other XWP fans provides intellectual stimulation as well as fuel for various "obsessions". These include rose gardening dominated by "theme" beds where roses represent various XWP characters. Our Tonkinese cats are named Lao Ma and Ephiny, and our Calico cat is Minya. I have made two month-long trips to New Zealand (1998, 2000), an intention I formed in the 1960s but did not act on until XWP reminded me of the beauty of the country and the friendliness of the Kiwis. My husband does not share any of my obsessions, but he is supportive.

Favorite episode: ONE AGAINST AN ARMY
Favorite line: Xena to Gabrielle: "You gave my life meaning and joy, and you will be a part of me forever." SACRIFICE II
First episode seen: late Season One
Least favorite episode: THE KEY TO THE KINGDOM