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Xena is once again haunted by her past, as she is forced to put a right something that happened a long time ago, during her days as one of Odin's Valkyrie. She leaves Gabrielle when the Norse warrior Beowulf approaches her for help and travels north to Norseland on a suicide mission, but Gabrielle follows.
Cast[]
Main Cast[]
Guest Stars[]
- Renato Bartolomei as Beowulf
- Brittney Powell as Brunhilda
- Alexander Petersons as Odin
- Glen Levy as Grindl
- Luanne Gordon as Grinhilda
Co-Starring[]
- Marama Jackson as First Rhein Maiden
- Lucy Thomas as Second Rhein Maiden
- Stephanie Bertram as Third Rhein Maiden
- Guus de Koster as Merchant
- Jonathan Blick as First Viking
Summary[]
[]
Xena, 35 years ago with the Rheingold Ring.
In a flashback 35 years ago of Xena crafting a ring and fighting a monster. Wearing the ring, Xena claims she is invincible but just as Xena pushes the monster into a cage, it succeeds in biting the ring off of Xena's finger. Xena locks the cage with a lock with two ravens crafted into it. Xena tells the monster that her chains will trap her forever, preventing her from using the ring’s powers. Suddenly, a horse descends from the sky, and Xena mounts it. As the horse flies away, Xena laughs triumphantly while the monster remains bound by the double raven lock.
A man from the Norselands, Beowulf, brings Xena a broken lock.
In the present time, as Gabrielle and Xena eat in a tavern in the north. They banter over food. Xena complains about the small portions and wants Gabrielle’s food, but Gabrielle refuses. Their conversation is interrupted when Xena's past comes back to haunt her when a man from the Norselands, Beowulf, brings to her a broken lock with the depiction of two ravens in it. Xena's face becomes serious, and walks off to go talk to Beowulf, leaving Gabrielle looking at the lock, and puzzled.
Act One[]
Still keeping secrets from me after all these years.
Gabrielle examines the lock while Xena speaks briefly with Beowulf. Troubled, Xena keeps quiet to Gabrielle when she returns from speaking to Beowulf. When Gabrielle asks what's going on, Xena brushes it off. Gabrielle offers her food, but Xena declines, saying she’s lost her appetite. At the tavern later that night Gabrielle gets into her bed as does Xena, and Gabrielle is unhappy that Xena continues to keep secrets from her after all these years. Xena tells her it is something she did a long time ago, and she isn't interested in talking about it right now.
This mission is so dangerous, I'm afraid I won't survive and I can't ask you to die with me once again. Whatever happens, know that my love for you is endless. Xena.
Xena keeps quiet to Gabrielle and sneaks away in the morning leaving Gabrielle behind. Gabrielle discovers a note from Xena. In the note, Xena implies she is on a suicide mission, admonishes Gabrielle to stay behind and ends with a heartfelt farewell. But, despite Xena's wishes, Gabrielle sets out to follow her friend. Gabrielle refuses to just stay behind, and starts her journey to find Xena.
Gabrielle journeys to find Xena far north for weeks
Gabrielle writes in her scrolls revealing that she knows Xena wouldn't have done what she did, if she didn't have a reason. Gabrielle couldn't respect her wishes and not follow her. Gabrielle continues to write in her scrolls revealing she has been following Xena for weeks, and her trail has taken her the north and the farthest she has ever been.
Gabrielle learns about the story about Xena in the Norselands.
As Gabrielle enters the land of the Asgardian gods, she arrives in a village and ties up her horse. As she walks through the village, she overhears someone asking, “Is there more?” and notices she is being watched by a woman named [[Brunnhilda]], who pretends to browse a fur pelt while secretly observing Gabrielle. Gabrielle notices a tapestry depicting Valkyries—Odin’s elite mortal warriors who ride flying horses. A merchant explains their connection to Odin and the magical runes he teaches them. Gabrielle points out a Valkyrie with dark hair who looks different. The merchant can’t recall her name. At that moment, Brunnhilda speaks up and reveals the name: Xena. Shocked, Gabrielle approaches Brunnhilda. She can share the legends of Xena from the Norselands with Gabrielle.
The history is that on her way back from Chin, Xena came to the Norselands and met Odin. Lusting for power, she became a Valkyrie in his service but went on to trick Odin into disclosing the location of the Rheingold much to the dismay of Grinhilda, the once leader of the Valkyries before Xena came along. It is here that we discover the meaning behind the opening flashback. The Rheingold is a mystical gold that Xena crafts into a ring which makes her invincible.
A group of Vikings, facing overwhelming odds in battle, considers surrendering. Just then, Xena rides in and challenges their fear, rallying them to fight and die gloriously for Odin instead. Grinhilda arrives and offers a contrasting view, suggesting surrender could allow survival and mercy. Xena rejects the idea, arguing that dying in battle brings honor. Inspired by her speech, the Vikings charge into battle, shouting "Odin!" and seem to gain the upper hand—but ultimately, they are all killed. Grinhilda watches, disapproving.
Later in Valhalla, Xena and Odin dine together while Grinhilda arrives late, having fulfilled her duty of escorting the slain to their afterlife. She criticizes the needless deaths caused by Xena’s manipulation. Xena defends greed and power as natural parts of life, while Grinhilda argues these values betray their sacred role. When Odin sides with Xena, Grinhilda, heartbroken and disillusioned, leaves. Odin admits he once loved her, to which Xena coldly responds that he can live without love.
Gabrielle learns about Xena's Norse past from Brunnhilda.
A voice-over from Gabrielle follows, expressing sympathy for Xena. Brunnhilda questions Gabrielle’s understanding, but Gabrielle insists that Xena is incapable of living without love. She asks for help in finding her. Brunnhilda agrees to visit Gabrielle’s camp that evening and share more information.
That night, Gabrielle writes in a scroll by the campfire, reflecting on Xena’s quest for redemption. She believes Xena is trying to atone for a terrible past wrong but may never forgive herself. Suddenly, Gabrielle hears movement in the woods, calls out for Brunnhilda, and draws her weapons in anticipation as something—or someone—approaches.
Act Two[]
Brunnhilda suddenly attacks Gabrielle, leading to a fierce fight. Gabrielle manages to wound Brunnhilda on the leg using Brunnhilda’s own sword but is eventually knocked to the ground. Impressed by Gabrielle’s skill, Brunnhilda admits she can’t tell who is better without a deadly outcome, which she doesn’t want. When Gabrielle demands an explanation, Brunnhilda says she only attacked to prove she is worthy of fighting beside Xena. Gabrielle reluctantly accepts her hand, and they reconcile.
Later, sitting at a campfire, Brunnhilda shares her excitement over the possibility that Xena is still alive—fulfilling her dream of meeting the legendary warrior. She offers to help Gabrielle find her, claiming she knows the area well. Gabrielle asks for everything Brunnhilda knows about Xena and the Valkyries, to try and piece things together.
Flashback to Xena’s past: After winning Odin's favor away from Grinhilda, Xena pushes for more power. Odin begins teaching her magic with runes, including the ability to generate magical fire. Xena presses him to reveal the secret of the Rheingold, using false vulnerability and feigned love to manipulate him. Though Odin initially resists, Xena pretends to be heartbroken and walks away, prompting him to give in. As he hugs her, she secretly smiles, revealing her tears were fake.
Meanwhile, Upon hearing that Xena is moving up the Rhein River in search of the Rhein Maidens and the Rheingold, Grinhilda angrily confronts Odin, accusing him of telling Xena about the Rheingold. She explains Xena tricked him by pretending to love him, knowing he’d only reveal the gold’s secret to someone he believed had forsaken love. Odin reluctantly acknowledges the mistake. Grinhilda insists she must be reinstated as Valkyrie commander to stop Xena. Odin agrees.
Xena, now riding a flying horse, searches for the Rhein maidens to guide her to the Rheingold. Grinhilda and other Valkyries pursue her. A dramatic mid-air chase ensues. Xena cleverly defeats three Valkyries—cutting one’s saddle, elbowing her off the horse, and knocking two others to their deaths with her swords. Grinhilda then engages Xena directly. After a brief sky battle, Grinhilda disarms Xena, jumps from her horse, and tackles her mid-air, sending them both plummeting.
Act Three[]
After a fierce mid-air battle, Xena and Grinhilda fall through tree branches that break their fall. Though injured, Grinhilda bravely faces Xena. Instead of killing her, Xena knocks her out and flies off, continuing her quest for ultimate power.
In the past, Xena steals the ring from the three Rhein Maidens.
Xena swims into the domain of the Rhein maidens, mystical beings guarding the Rheingold. She deceives them with charm and flattery, pretending she wants to become one of them. One maiden, enchanted by Xena, secretly shows her the treasure. Despite being warned of its danger—especially to those who haven’t truly forsaken love—Xena claims she has, then violently attacks the maiden and steals the Rheingold. With the powerful gold in her possession, Xena forges it into a ring that grants invincibility. Her transformation into a nearly unstoppable force is complete.
Back in the present, Gabrielle and Brunnhilda talk by the campfire. Gabrielle defends Xena’s strength and character, insisting she doesn’t need a ring to be powerful. Brunnhilda sees how deeply Gabrielle loves and admires Xena. Gabrielle acknowledges their bond is priceless, though not without cost. Brunnhilda suggests Xena must care for Gabrielle just as deeply—especially since she left her behind to protect her during such a dangerous mission. Gabrielle hopes that’s true, quoting Xena’s farewell note.
Meanwhile, Xena, hiking along the Rhein River with Beowulf, have a tense conversation where Beowulf acknowledges that Xena misses her friend Gabrielle. He remarks on Gabrielle’s beauty and how special she seems, even though Beowulf only met her once. Xena agrees and says Beowulf would like her if he knew her better. Beowulf grimly predicts that neither he nor Xena will live long enough to see Gabrielle again, hinting at the dangerous path they’re on. He also mentions that the people in the north view Xena as a demon, a label she accepts.
Elsewhere, Brunnhilda talks with Gabrielle, asking if she has any clues about why Xena came north. Gabrielle can’t think of a reason, except when she mentions Beowulf and the lock, Brunnhilda declares that Xena has embarked on a "suicide mission."
Xena and Beowulf approach a house with bloody limbs strewn about the yard. Beowulf declares it the “end of the line,” and Xena, turning away from him, draws her sword, signaling she’s ready to face whatever awaits. Before stepping forward, she sends a quiet encouragement to Gabrielle to stay strong, underscoring the emotional weight of the situation and the severity of Xena’s mission. Bravely the two enter and wait for the beast to emerge.
Act Four[]
Xena and Beowulf wait in a homestead surrounded by signs of destruction. Beowulf sharpens his sword and tells Xena about the brutal fate of twenty-three warriors—some killed immediately, others dragged away to be eaten alive by a beast named Grindl. Beowulf reveals that many of the victims were his friends, including two brothers, and that he’s willing to die seeking vengeance. Thunder rumbles ominously as the growl of Grindl echoes nearby. Xena reassures Beowulf that she’s with him no matter what. When Beowulf asks about the beast, Xena reveals she knows Grindl well—because she created it. She draws her sword and moves toward the door, ready to confront the monster.
Meanwhile, Brunnhilda briefs Gabrielle on Grindl, the creature Xena locked up more than three decades earlier in the mine. Brunnhilda explains that legend has it that Grindl was once a loving creature, but finally gave up love after such lengthy imprisonment and was then able to use the power of the ring to escape.
Grindl attacks Xena and mercilessly.
Inside the house, Grindl attacks Xena and Beowulf mercilessly, overpowering both Xena and Beowulf despite their efforts. Xena fights skillfully, using flips, sword strikes, and her chakram, but Grindl’s thick hide resists their blows. Beowulf joins the fight, but Grindl continues to slam Xena around the homestead, injuring her badly. After knocking Beowulf aside and causing part of the roof to collapse on him, Grindl advances on a wounded and struggling Xena, who prepares for the final confrontation.
Tag[]
Gabrielle finds Xena's breastplate and her fate is uncertain...
Brunnhilda and Gabrielle arrive at the homestead, knowing the danger ahead. Gabrielle expresses her commitment to Xena’s path despite the risks, and Brunnhilda admits she wishes she had a friend like Gabrielle—who reminds her that she does. When Gabrielle and Brunnhilda finally arrive inside, they find a bloody Beowulf, who sadly tells them that Xena was hauled off by the monster. Gabrielle finds a bloody breastplate of Xena's.....
Disclaimer[]
No flying horses were harmed during the making of this motion picture, although several villages were bombarded with aerial manure.
Background Information[]
Mythology[]
- The Rheingold and Brunhilda are taken from the Ring Cycle, a collection of Norse legends surrounding the Ring of the Nibelungs and the associated treasure. The Ring Cycle was adapted into the 19th century German opera Der Ring Des Nibelungen and is rumored to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkein's The Lord of the Rings.
- Beowulf, Grindl, Grinhilda and their storyline are taken from the Old English epic peom Beowulf.
Behind the Scenes[]
- Tsianina Joelson was up for the part of Brunhilda, but they decided that she wasn't right for it. They loved her so much though that they created the part of Varia with her in mind.
- Joseph LoDuca was nominated for the 2001 Emmy Award for "Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore)" for this episode.
- Lucy Lawless made the "sealed with a kiss" mark on the note Xena left for Gabrielle as a joke.
- The Ring Trilogy was supposed to have been a part of the Hercules: The Legendary Journeys Norse duo of episodes, but there was no way to easily reconcile the Ring Cycle with the Ragnarok storyline, so they reused the idea for Xena: Warrior Princess.
- This episode takes its main plot elements from Wagner's opera cycle "Der Ring des Nibelungen", which contains four parts: Das Rheingold (The Rheingold), Die Walkuere (The Valkyrie), Siegfried, as well as Goetterdaemmerung (Twilight of the Gods). The opera is based loosely on Norse mythology and folklore. The story tells of:
- A magic ring that grants the power to rule the world, which was forged by Alberich the Nibelung (a night-dwarf).
- Alberich had stolen the gold from the Rhine maidens, after renouncing love.
- Odin fights him for possession of the ring.
- The hero Siegfried wins the ring with Odin's help, but is eventually betrayed and slain.
- Finally, the Valkyrie Brünnhilde, Siegfried's lover and Odin's estranged daughter, returns the Ring to the Rhine. In the process, the gods are destroyed.
- This episode borrows from the old English epic "Beowulf". This story takes place in Denmark and Sweden, as well as tells the tale of the hero Beowulf fighting and killing three evil monsters:
Grendel, who has been attacking a mead hall and those inside, Grendel's mother, as well as finally a dragon.
Key Events[]
- This episode is the first to be set in the Norseland since Somewhere Over the Rainbow Bridge and the first of the so-called Ring Trilogy.
- This episode marks the first appearance of Odin since Somewhere Over the Rainbow Bridge. His character is considerably different in this appearance.
- This episode marks the first appearance of Brunhilda.
- This episode marks the first appearance of Grinhilda.
- This episode marks the first appearance of the Valkyries.
- This episode marks the first appearance of Beowulf.
- This episode marks the first appearance of Grindl.
- This episode marks the first appearance of the Rhien Maidens.
- This episode marks the first appearance of the Rheingold.
- This episode marks the first appearance of Xena's Ring.
- This episode reveals that Xena was given the Chakram by Ares after the death of Borias and before she met Odin.
Goofs[]
Trivia[]
- Chakram count: 1
- To harm Grindl.
References[]
People[]
Gods[]
Places[]
Other[]
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| << Season Five | Season 6 | |||||||
| #01 | Coming Home | #09 | Return of the Valkyrie | #17 | Last of the Centaurs | |||
| #02 | The Haunting of Amphipolis | #10 | Old Ares Had a Farm | #18 | When Fates Collide | |||
| #03 | Heart of Darkness | #11 | Dangerous Prey | #19 | Many Happy Returns | |||
| #04 | Who's Gurkhan? | #12 | The God You Know | #20 | Soul Possession | |||
| #05 | Legacy | #13 | You Are There | #21 | A Friend in Need Part I | |||
| #06 | The Abyss | #14 | Path of Vengeance | #22 | A Friend in Need Part II | |||
| #07 | The Rheingold | #15 | To Helicon and Back | |||||
| #08 | The Ring | #16 | Send in the Clones | |||||