Wednesday, September 28, 2011

"X" is for Xena



Xena is a fictional character from Robert Tapert's Xena: Warrior Princess franchise. She first appeared in the 1995–1999 television series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, before going on to appear in Xena: Warrior Princess TV show and subsequent comic book of the same name. Xena was played by New Zealand actress Lucy Lawless who commonly wore a tight leather skirted outfit with silver accents.

Xena is the protagonist of the story, and the series depicts her quest to seek redemption for her past sins as a ruthless warlord by using her formidable fighting skills to help people. Xena was raised as the daughter of Cyrene and Atrius in Amphipolis. She has a brother who is dead; she visits his grave to speak with him often. In Hercules, during her two first episodes, Xena was an outlaw, but in the third (and last), she joins Hercules to defeat despicable warlords. Aware that the character of Xena had been very successful among the public, the producers of the series decided to create a spin-off series based on her adventures.

The original choice to play Xena was the British actress Vanessa Angel, but she fell ill and was unable to make it to the set. The role was also offered to four other actresses. Ultimately the role was given to Lawless as she was already a resident of New Zealand. Lawless had several problems playing the character due to the violent scenes, getting cut by swords and being hit in the head, and also in 1996 while rehearsing a skit for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", she fractured her pelvis when she was thrown clear from her horse. As a result, several episodes of Season 2 had to be edited to accommodate her recovery, and some of them were changed so Lawless could have a very slight appearance, and the crew created some brand new episodes.

Let me introduce you to my Xena, and her brother, Luke Skywalker, and brother, Kenny from South Park, and sister, Black Kitty!



Brought to you by Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday. Click on the logo below and see what other fascinating "X" stories there are for your entertainment!

Jenny Matlock

Information obtained from Wikipedia.

10 comments:

Judie said...

Our daughter dressed as Xena for Mardi Gras one year!! She is a beautiful woman with a great figure, and she really looked the part!

Wonderful "X" post!!

Jeanie said...

I didn't know all that Xena information, but I think your Xena, with her "friends" is as cute as can be.

21 Wits said...

My daughter and hubby, well and my two sons couldn't miss this show...I really don't understand why? LOL great post...you caught her in a great mid pose action and thoughtful shot! X-ON Xena- X-cellent!

Unknown said...

What fun! She has a wonderful variety of costumed friends!

Susan Anderson said...

Love those superheroes!

=)

ellen b. said...

Wow it's dangerous being Xena! Those trick or treaters look fabulous!

Dazee Dreamer said...

you know. that is one show I never really go in to. But interesting that she got hurt so bad.

I think your daughter was a much prettier Xena BTW.

Unknown said...

Great little family pic there:-)

Chris H said...

cute kids! I loved Xena!

Jenny said...

I always thought Xena was neat!

One year I pretty much browbeat my oldest daughter into dressing up as her for Halloween.

I think she's still mad at me...she wanted to be a vampire.

Sigh.

Thanks for an Xcellent link to the letter X.

A+