Amazons

Amazons were a race of female warriors living in Scythia. They are fierce warrior women who fight ferociously and are loyal to their kind and their queen. They worship Artemis, the moon goddess and, when one of their kind dies, they burn a funeral pyre so the Amazon's spirit is released from their body and they can then reach the afterlife of the Amazons. When Terreis is killed, Gabrielle accepts her 'right of caste' which means that she must avenge her death and take her place as an Amazon princess, next in line for the right to rule as queen. The traditional enemies of the Amazons are the Centaurs.

Amazon Funeral
In an Amazon funeral, the body is carried on a bier to a pyre and then burnt. The Amazons prepared Xena's sarcophagus for an Amazon funeral. Ephiny tells Gabrielle that Xena's soul will be "released to soar".

Amazon Holy Word
Alti has discovered the Amazons' Holy Word, which has allowed her to gain power over the Northern tribe. Xena tells Cyane she should make a new Holy Word. Cyane tells her their Holy Word was 'Courage' and that nothing is stronger than that. Xena suggests that it should be changed to 'Love'.

Amazon Symbol of Peace
Hands clasped with palms together above the head. Xena knew this sign when first entering Amazon territory. It is later used by Gabrielle on her journey into Amazon country in "The Quest".

Amazon Teachings
Terreis tells Gabrielle "Philosophy and History are among the first things taught to Amazon children. The Amazon world is based on truth and a woman's individual strength".

Amazon Volunteer
Gabrielle asks for a volunteer to act as a distraction for Bellerophon's troops (i.e. to be cannon fodder for his catapults!). This is the unlucky 'red shirt' who volunteers and, as all red shirts do, ends up dead. The Amazon's name is Trudis but she is listed as 'Amazon Volunteer' in the end credits.

Amazon Warfare
Gabrielle says the Amazons invented the technique of fighting from trees.