alt.tv.xena FAQ X:WP About the Show
blue...@aol.com
Archive-name: xena-wp/About
Posting-Frequency: semi-monthly or whenever
Last-modified: 01/30/97
Version: 2.0
Copyright (c) 1997 A. J. Firebaugh
Copyright (c) 1996 Michael L. Martinez
Maintainer: A. Firebaugh (Blue...@aol.com)
URL: <none>
NOTE: This document is not intended to infringe upon MCA or
Universal Studios in any way.
=================================================================
Portions of this document are Copyright (C) 1996 by K. Wieczerza
and used by permission. This file may be freely copied and
redistributed. All I ask is that it remains whole and intact and
that this notice is not altered.
The original FAQ was written by Ted Turocy (arb...@nwu.edu) and
K. Wieczerza -- aka "Kicker" (wie...@telalink.net). Kicker
maintained the original FAQ on her web site,
http://www.telalink.net/~wieczek/Xwpfaq.html, which now says
something like: NOTE: This FAQ (by Kicker) has been turned over
to the people at WHOOSH! The new URL is
http://www.thirdstory.com/whoosh/faq/index.html.
This version of the FAQ has been written and formatted
specifically for distribution on the Usenet. Additional note:
I, A.J., new FAQ maintainer, have no idea who Kicker is, but I
am somewhat *very* loosely associated with the people who run
WHOOSH!
=================================================================
This document is intended to provide answers to certain questions
that come up regularly on the alt.tv.xena news group. People who
are new to the news group are encouraged to read this document
before posting questions to alt.tv.xena.
This FAQ was originally created by Michael Martinez in accordance
with the prevailing traditions and customs of the Internet, which
place high value on the free dissemination and exchange of
information. I then trashed that FAQ and rearranged it to suit
myself, making the large lengthy FAQ into smaller documents. To my
knowledge, I breeched no birthing procedures when I did this.
This is a living document. As new information is made available
by the producers of XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS I'll try to update
this file. Also, corrections will be made as I discover or am
informed about errors. Please feel free to notify me of any
errors you find. (Blue...@aol.com)
=================================================================
Disclaimer:
All previous FAQs were butchered in the creation of this
document. However, their next of kin have all been notified and
negotiations between their people and our people are underway
(except those I can't find). Be Nice.
=================================================================
FAQ Heir Apparent:
There is none. If you are interested in the position please
e-mail Blue...@aol.com. If you take the job, your name goes
HERE.
=================================================================
This FAQ is NOT currently available via ftp.
=================================================================
This document uses the following conventions:
Names of television shows are given in ALL CAPS.
Names of episodes are given in "quotes".
X:WP is an acronym for XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS.
H:TLJ is an acronym for HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS.
X is sometimes used for "Xena", especially in making
reference to both Xena and Gabrielle (as "X and G").
There are occasional goofy remarks buried in the answers.
Some stylistic changes have been made to passages
from the original FAQ. However, most addenda are placed at
the end of these passages, marked by a header: (Additional
Information) and/or (Other Stuff).
=================================================================
Table of Contents
=================
About XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS
1. How did the show get its start?
2. Where and when is the show available?
3. Okay, so what can you tell me about the main character?
4. What can you tell me about Gabrielle?
5. Are there any other reoccurring characters?
6. Where does XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS take place?
7. When (in history) does X:WP take place?
8. Does X:WP jibe with "traditional" mythology and actual
history?
9. How is X:WP like Hercules the Legendary Journeys (H:TLJ),
and how is it different?
10. Where is X:WP filmed?
11. Do X:WP and Hercules (TLJ) share the same writers and
production team?
12. Was there ever a real Xena?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
About XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1. QUESTION
~~~~~~~~~~~
How did the show get its start?
1. ANSWER
~~~~~~~~~
Xena was introduced as a character in an episode of HERCULES: THE
LEGENDARY JOURNEYS in the 1994-5 season (the first season). Lucy
Lawless played an evil warlord who decided she needed to take out
Hercules before she could conquer the territories he normally
protected. So she pretended to be a maiden in distress, seduced
Iolaus into joining her army, and nearly tricked him into killing
Herc (and Iolaus had a good shot at killing his friend).
The name of this episode was "The Warrior Princess".
Although there was nothing redeemable about Xena's character, the
fans loved her and demanded to see her again. The show's
producers brought Xena back for two more (back-to-back) episodes
that season. Hercules and Xena were brought together as allies
by Salmoneus to fight Darphus, Xena's former lieutenant who had
taken over her army. They destroyed the army and Xena decided to
reform herself.
These episodes, forming a two-part story, were called "The
Gauntlet" and "Unchained Heart".
-----------------------------------------------------------------
2. QUESTION
~~~~~~~~~~~
Where and when is the show available?
2. ANSWER
~~~~~~~~~
A complete list of times and stations is available on MCA's web
site at http://www.mca.com/tv/xena/stationlist.html
Xena is now available in most (but not all) cities via broadcast
stations.
It also now being broadcast in New Zealand and a few other
countries.
Starting in 1998, the USA Cable Network will carry the series,
beginning with the first season.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
3. QUESTION
~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay, so what can you tell me about the main character?
3. ANSWER
~~~~~~~~~
Paraphrasing (in some cases *very* loosely) from two documents
at the official MCA web site...
The following is from http://www.mca.com/tv/xena/chars/xena.html
Xena was a peasant girl until raiders attacked her village,
killing her younger brother, Lyceus. Since no one else would
stand up to the raiders, she learned the arts of war,built an
army, and defeated the raiders. To make sure no one would be
able to attack her village again, she conquered the surrounding
lands. Eventually, she began fighting for no more than love of
power, and her ruthless army caused her name to be
held in fear by the known world.
Then she ran across Hercules. See Question #1 above.
The following is from http://www.mca.com/tv/xena/overview.html
Xena is capable of amazing skills in the arts of combat and
warfare. It is not clear where and how she received this
training, but to defeat her foes, she uses strategy, agility,
acrobatics, martial arts, and several weapons. Most often we
see her with her sword and chakram, a razor sharp discus-like
weapon. She is skilled in the use of pressure points and has
been known to carry a whip. All in all not a woman to be
trifled with!
(Other stuff)
However, in the second season two-part episode "Destiny" many of
the answers to Xena's origins are answered, at least in terms
of how she became an evil warlord.
And finally from somebody's head... (Original FAQ comment)
No description of Xena would be complete without at least
mentioning Gabrielle. Gabrielle is Xena's best friend and
traveling companion. Check out the next "answer" to find out
more about the spirited young bard/Amazon Princess!
(Additional Information)
Xena comes from Amphipolis, a village in Thrace. Her parents are
named Atrius (we think) and Cyrene. She has an older brother,
Toris, and a younger brother, Lyceus, who is now dead. Atrius
was impersonated by Ares in the episode "Ties That Bind" when he
tried to get Xena to serve him again.
Xena also has a son named Solan. Solan's father was named
Borias. Borias was murdered by Dagnine, one of Xena's warriors,
and she gave the infant Solan to a centaur named Kaleipus to
raise as his own son.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
4. QUESTION
~~~~~~~~~~~
What can you tell me about Gabrielle?
4. ANSWER
~~~~~~~~~
Gabrielle comes from a walled village of simple people,
Poteidaia, that Xena saved from destruction by the forces of
Draco. It was one of Xena's first "village" rescues after her
conversion to good. Gabrielle wanted to go with Xena to lead a
"more exciting life" and gradually insinuated her way into
Xena's company.
Gabrielle is a talker. She has turned this into a skill and is
quite a story teller. She has earned money as a bard and even
won the right to study at the Academy for Performing Bards. She
turned it down to "live the stories" with Xena. Originally
Gabrielle had no fighting skills, but in the "Hooves and Harlots"
episode she became an "Amazon princess" and chose to learn the
staff as her primary weapon.
Gabrielle and Xena are now "the best of friends" in the highest
and best ways that we can understand this phrase. Gabrielle also
plays an increasing role in helping Xena to see the good and the
light in all they encounter.
(Additional Information)
Gabrielle's parents are both alive, as well as her sister. Her
sister's name is Lila. (Names of parents escape me.)
She was engaged to a farmer named Perdicas when she met Xena. He
showed up later in the "Beware Greeks Bearing Gifts" episode as
an officer in the Trojan Army.
In "The Return of Callisto", Perdicas tracked down Xena and
Gabrielle. He asked Gabrielle to marry him and when she saw how
sickened he was by killing she consented. Callisto killed
Perdicas in an attempt to draw Xena into a final confrontation.
Perdicas was played by Anotn Bentley in "Sins of the Past", but
he was played by Scott Garrison in "Beware Greeks Bearing Gifts"
and "The Return Of Callisto".
-----------------------------------------------------------------
5. QUESTION
~~~~~~~~~~~
Are there any other reoccurring characters?
5. ANSWER
~~~~~~~~~
Yup. Let's see there's...
Marcus (Bobby Hosea): A mercenary companion from her dark days,
Marcus encounters Xena (this is the first time the fans meet him)
in "The Path Not Taken". He obiviously feels strongly for Xena.
At the end of this episode Marcus is turning to the "good" -- but
is killed. We meet up again with Marcus in "Mortal Beloved".
Xena travels to the underworld to help Hades get things in order
again. Marcus is temporarily brought back to life to help.
It is in this episode that Xena and Marcus express their love for
each other. The end of this episode is VERY powerful.
Salmoneus (Robert Trebor): Everyone's favorite traveling
salesman. Salmoneus is always looking for a quick way to turn a
buck -- or in this case, a dinar. He is not very strong or very
brave, but has proven trustworthy when it counted. Salmoneus
considers himself a good friend to both Xena and Hercules
(especially when he's in trouble!) and they find it hard to stay
irritated with him for long. He went from being strictly comic
relief, to being many viewers' favorite reoccurring character.
(Other Stuff)
Robert Trebor reprises his role as Salmoneus on X:WP in the
second season despite rumors to the contrary. He is in at
least one show, "Here She Comes ... Miss Amphipolis." Meanwhile,
the character of Joxer has been added to fill the comic relief
role the character of Salmoneus performed.
Ares (Kevin Smith): God of War -- major hunk. Sorry, had to
pause there to wipe the drool from the corners of my mouth...
Where was I? (Biological reaction from original FAQ.) Oh yeah,
Ares wants nothing more than for Xena to lead his armies and
go back to her good old villainous warlord days. He even posed
as her father in "Ties That Bind" trying to manipulate her.
Watch out. I don't think he's done with our warrior princess....
(Other Stuff)
Indeed. Ares shows up again in "The Xena Scrolls," wherein
the God of War finds himself locked in a tomb in 1942 with
a descendent of Xena's.
By the way - this guy also plays Hercules' brother, Iphicles, in
HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS. No, I am not kidding, it is
the same guy!
Charon (Michael Hurst): Under all that make-up it is Michael
Hurst (whom we all know as Iolaus in H:TLJ) playing this
hilarious role. Charon's job is to carry the dead across the
River Styx, but Xena and Hercules have both crossed when they
were still alive and didn't even pay the customary coin! Listen
to Charon's constant muttering and occasional song -- he is
wonderfully funny!
Autolycus (Bruce Campbell): The wily, the charming, the
borderline egomaniac...yes...the one, the only, King of Thieves.
Autolycus is basically a good guy. He is always trying to look
out for number one, but has shown himself to be a valuable ally
to both Xena and Hercules on separate occasions. He might even
have a light(?) crush on Xena... A skilled thief and fighter
Autolycus succeeds in being both charming and humorous.
(Some original FAQ commentary snipped.)
(Other Stuff and Additional Information)
Autolycus appears again on XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS in
"Destiny," part two and one other second season episode. He was
brought in to help out when Lucy Lawless had an accident
in October, 1996, which required much time away from her duties.
Hades (Erik Thomson): The God of the Underworld, is probably
my least favorite. I think that this character comes off as
being pretty wimpy for a god.(Disdainful reaction taken from
original FAQ.) Both Xena and Herc have had to help him out.
I guess the best thing about Hades (other than the actor
playing this role) is that he seems to admire/appreciate Xena.
(Additional Information and Other Stuff)
Joxer (Ted Raimi): A wanna-be warrior who first appeared in
"Callisto," this charactor reappears again in "Girls Just Wanna
Have Fun", "Return of Callisto", "Warrior...Princess...Tramp",
"Intimate Stranger," and "The Xena Scrolls,". Early reports
indicated he would be in about 1/3 of X:WP shows during the
second season. Lucy's unfortunate accident meant we have
seen more of him this season.
Cyrene (Darien Takle) -- Xena's mother. She appeared in "Sins of
the Past", the series opener, and now also has appeared in
"Intimate Stranger".
Some of the villains have recurring roles, although they may not
appear in more than two episodes. Myzantius was an arms merchant
in "The Path Not Taken". He was brought back for an "alternate
reality" check in "Remember Nothing" along with "Krykus", the
evil warlord from "Hooves And Harlots". "Mortal Beloved" had
several men whom Xena had killed in previous episodes. King
Sisyphus also returned in "Ten Little Warlords."
Callisto (Hudson Leick) has appeared the most often of Xena's
villains (except for Ares): "Callisto", "The Return Of Callisto",
"Intimate Stranger", "Ten Little Warlords". Hudson really played
Xena-in-Callisto's body in most of "Intimate Stranger" and all of
"Ten Little Warlords". Lucy played Callisto-in-Xena's body in
"Intimate Stranger". We think a body double for Lucy played
Callisto-in-Xena's-body-in-Tartarus and Xena-with-Gabrielle
-on-the-beach in "Ten Little Warlords".
Just go with it.
(Other Stuff)
For the heck of it, Callisto also makes an appearance on
H:TLJ during this show's third season.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
6. QUESTION
~~~~~~~~~~~
Where does XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS take place?
6. ANSWER
~~~~~~~~~
The official MCA web site says that X:WP is:
"...set in the 'Golden Age' of myth, long before ancient Greece
or Rome, on the distant frontier of known civilization far away
from the land of mighty Hercules."
-- http://www.mca.com/tv/xena/overview.html
**BUT** there is also this information that was taken directly
from Arbiter's original FAQ. (Special thanks to
rca...@indirect.com for the following information):
X:WP is set in Ancient Greece - but they do move around...
Lacking graphics for a map, think of the ancient Greek world as
an upside-down "U". The left leg represents the Greek peninsula,
and the right leg represents Asia Minor (currently Turkey) --
number and letters are included as very rough guides.
E
XXXXX
XXXXXX 5 XXXXX
D XXXXX 4 6 XXXXX F
XXXXX XXXXX
C XXXXX 3 7 XXXXX G
XXXXX XXXXX
B XXXXX 2 8 XXXXX H
XXXXX XXXXX
A XXXXX 1 9 XXXXX I
For reference:
Athens is a little north of (1);
Sparta is a bit southwest of (1);
Troy is in the neighborhood of (7)
Xena was born in Amphipolis (5).
What happened to her between her leaving Amphipolis, and her
resurfacing in the Hercules episode "The Warrior Princess" is a
little vague. We do know that she fought many wars in or around
Corinth(1-inland) which is in Arcadia (A/1) -- including one
against the Centaurs ("Hooves and Harlots"). This placing of the
centaurs is a little odd being that the centaurs are from the
state of Thessaly (3).
We first meet Xena somewhere around Hercules' hometown of Thebes
(2), and from there she takes Iolaus to Arcadia before Hercules
ruins her plans.
Soon after she turns to good, Xena returns to Amphipolis. Since
Gabrielle followed her, presumably mostly on foot, Gabrielle's
home village can't be too far away from Amphipolis. Certainly no
farther away than Thessaly (3/4).
In "Death in Chains", X & G are once again in Corinth (1-inland),
where Sisyphus is King. In the next episode shown, X & G are in
the realm of the Amazons (east of G).
However, since Centaurs are nearby, it implies they are still
near Corinth, or possibly now somewhere in Thessaly -- maybe
this is a rogue group of Amazons....
(Additional Information)
In "Orphan of War" we learn that Xena's army fought a second
group of Centaurs led by Kaleipus. On that occasion she had been
seeking the Ixion stone, a Centaur relic which possessed all the
evil of their race.
In "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" we learned that Xena's army fought
Bacchus and was apparently almost wiped out (and yet she seems
to have won the battle).
For an extensive examination of Xena's history, review the
"History of Xena", available on the web at
http://biz.swcp.com/~michaelm/Xenahist.htm (also available for
download from Compuserve's SFMEDTWO forum's Herc/Xena library
and posted to alt.tv.xena about twice a month).
-----------------------------------------------------------------
7. QUESTION
~~~~~~~~~~~
When (in history) does X:WP take place?
7. ANSWER
~~~~~~~~~
The official MCA web site says that X:WP is:
"...set in the 'Golden Age' of myth, long before ancient Greece
or Rome..."
- http://www.mca.com/tv/xena/overview.html
**BUT** there is also this information that was taken directly
from Arbiter's original FAQ. (Special thanks to
rca...@indirect.com for the following information)
The time frame is difficult to pin down since the series presents
contradictory material.
Since so much iron is used in weapons (we'll assume it's iron and
not steel), the time can't be significantly earlier than about
1500 B.C. -- as that is the time when iron started being produced
in quantity.
The latest historical reference made in the series so far (Dec.
1995) was in the episode "Death in Chains", where there is
mention of Sophokles (496-406 B.C.). This places the series
probably no later than about 380 B.C.
There are several mentions of heroes of the Trojan War (e.g. in
"The Reckoning"), and this places things sometime after c.1184
B.C. (the traditional date of the end of the Trojan War).
We could be comfortable with this except for one thing: Herakles
(Hercules) is computed as dying some 79 years before the start
of the Trojan War -- and obviously Xena and Gabrielle are
contemporaries of the legendary hero. This places the time
period somewhere between 1300-1250 B.C.
At of this writing, if we ignore the Sophokles reference, the
series probably takes place sometime between 1300-850 B.C.
(Other Stuff)
Not to get to technical, but the writers of X:WP have now thrown
in Julius Caesar and a holiday episode which appears to portend
the birth of Christ. Suffice it to say, Xena goes where Xena
wants to, and it doesn't matter what time line we go by.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
8. QUESTION
~~~~~~~~~~~
Does X:WP jibe with "traditional" mythology and actual history?
8. ANSWER
~~~~~~~~~
In some cases yes and in some (many) no. Read the two answers
above this (I.6 and I.7), and you will understand. The show
plays around with actual places, events, people, and myths, but I
don't think they (meaning the producers, writers, etc.) choose to
be bound to or by them.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
9. QUESTION
~~~~~~~~~~~
How is X:WP like HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS, and how is it
different?
9. ANSWER
~~~~~~~~~
This is VERY rudimentary -- any helpful rephrasing, comments,
suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
How the shows are alike....
(1) The characters know each other and "exist" in the same
time frame.
(2) Each show incorporates mythological tales/concepts.
Both have a primary star/character who roams the countryside
righting wrongs with their best friend, who usually travels
with them. Xena and Herc are both capable and accomplished
fighters who are brave and true.
(3) By the way have you noticed that both Iolaus and
Gabrielle are shorter, more light-hearted/carefree, and of
lighter complexion than Herc and Xena?
How the shows are different...
(1) Let's get the obvious out of the way: Herc and Iolaus
are very male. Xena and Gabrielle are unquestionably female
-- duh!
O.K. so what else?
(2) Herc is half god. Xena (as far as we know) is not.
(3) Herc is in lots of fights, but he doesn't seem to
"enjoy"/revel in it as much as Xena does. (Although more
and more it seems Xena is trying to avoid unnecessary
confrontations.)
(4) Xena is much more the warrior -- complete with armor and
weapons.
(5) She definitely has a dark and horrible past/side that
she is trying to live down and deal with. Herc has had some
bad things happen, but *he* has always been a good guy. I
think that it is this darkness, their very different pasts,
that helps the writers to create the distinct
tones/moods/environments that makes the two shows more
different than I have been able to put into words here.
(Additional Information)
(1) Xena usually kills or maims a minimum of 2-3 people per
show. (Note: There is an apparent decrease in this kind of
behavior in the 2nd season.) Hercules will knock a half
dozen heads together but seldom actually kills or seriously
wounds anyone.
(2) Xena rarely takes on monsters. She focuses on warlords.
Hercules usually takes out the monsters, gets embroiled with
the gods, and generally deals with situations where mortals
(except for Xena) are outclassed. Xena DID defeat a very
nasty Titan, and she and Herc together helped to free
Prometheus. As noted above, she has also gotten involved
with Ares and Hades a few times.
(3) Finally, the sidekicks differ tremendously. Iolaus is a
warrior and hunter. Gabrielle is just learning to find her
way through the world but is trying NOT to become a warrior.
Iolaus was taken down a notch by the Gods on a couple of
occasions becuase of his tremendous ego, Gabrielle has not
developed that problem.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10. QUESTION
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Where is X:WP filmed?
10. ANSWER
~~~~~~~~~~~
It is filmed on location in and around Auckland, New Zealand.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
11. QUESTION
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Do X:WP and H:TLJ share the same writers and production team?
11. ANSWER
~~~~~~~~~~
No. There is very little crossover. Same company -- different
staffs.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
12. QUESTION
~~~~~~~~~~~
Was there ever a real Xena?
12. ANSWER
~~~~~~~~~
Do you mean a person who actually lived "way back when" with the
name Xena? Who knows? Do you mean a female warrior whose life
resembles *our* T.V. Xena in some way? No. The T.V. Xena is not
based on historical accounts and/or myth. I guess my favorite
answer would be: "Yes, (fill in your name here). There is a
Santa Claus."
OOPS! Strike that. It was supposed to be: Yes, (fill in your
name here). There was a Xena."
"Xena" resounds in the souls of her fans. There is something
there we recognize and gravitate toward. The strength, the
courage, the beauty, the challenge of righting your past
misdeeds, the struggle to trust and care, Lucy Lawless and the
whole production team bring to us these things, and it appeals
to us in a way that goes beyond the sum of the parts.
So yes, I'd like to "pretend" that Xena existed and still does in
many of us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Who contributed to this document?
ANSWER
~~~~~~~~~~
Amita Guha <am...@amarex.com>
A. J. Firebaugh <Blue...@aol.com>
K. Wieczerza -- aka "Kicker" <wie...@telalink.net>
Kym Masera Taborn <kta...@lightspeed.net>
Michael Martinez <mich...@basis.com>
Pat Casciano <pcas...@niagara.rivier.edu>
rca...@indirect.com
Ron Murillo <te...@uclink4.berkeley.edu>
Ted Turocy <arb...@nwu.edu>
According to Michael, there are other people whom Kicker
mentioned but for whom I don't have email addresses. Also a
couple of people who have no idea that we lifted some info
from their articles are probably still around.
As to why this document is so long -- I don't know, except
we're quite involved with the show and believe in what we
do or some such thing. Plus, when I took it over it had that
"don't change much" statement at the beginning and it scared
me...
To my knowledge, no one was injured or insulted when I trashed
the previous version of the FAQ to come up with this one, since
it's basically a snipped part of the old one.
---------------------------END OF FAQ-------------------------------------
Bluesong
"You know sometimes if I listen real close
I can hear the dark side of the moon -- " -- M. Etheridge, "Watching
You"