G'Kug was a member of the Horde who was captured while battling members of the Athenian Infantry under Xena's command. Xena put "the pinch" on him and tried to get him to tell her where the Horde army was based. He refused.
Later, G'Kug was calling for Kaltaka which led Gabrielle to understand that it meant "water". G'Kug was released in order to bring the Hordemaster to battle Xena one on one.