Where Was Xena Going? (01-02)
Anatolia (03-05)
The Amazons (06-08)
Biography

Where Was Xena Going?

Xena visited exotic locales in ADVENTURES IN THE SIN TRADE.

^[01] There is some confusion about Xena's destination in the ADVENTURES IN THE SIN TRADE (69-70/401-402) episodes. It is never stated exactly where Xena is in these episodes, but the montage of scenes from the first episode hints that she headed back east. Her shamaness costume, Alti's similar outfit, and the fur clothing of the native Amazons definitely says she went to a land with a cold climate.

^[02] Because of the shamanism involved in these episodes, most have guessed her destination was Siberia, and that following their raids on China, Xena and Borias may have headed northwest into the steppes. The steppes are flat, treeless plains, another Siberian trait. The Amazon Land of the Dead is cold, windy, and made of snowy mountains.

Anatolia

Flying Carpet is apparently an option for travel by Hindu gods.

^[03] However, in the controversial episode THE WAY (84/416), the Hindu god Krishna advises Xena to seek the Way. Her remark is "I've heard about the Way in Greece, Ch'in, Anatolia, and now India." Her mentioning of Greece probably refers to the Hestian Virgins, mystery cults, and gods she encountered back in her homeland, while her adventures in China led her follow a spiritual path aided by Taoist mentor, Lao Ma. Anatolia is the only place of question, and it appears that it is the mysterious land where Xena developed her shamanic powers and encountered Alti.

^[04] Geographers sometimes apply older names used for regions to modern ones. Ireland for example is Hibernia, Spain and Portugal make Iberia, and so on. Anatolia is a name for ancient Turkey, one of the bordering nations of the Roman Empire.

^[05] From The Meridian Handbook of Classical Mythology: "Anatolia. Asia Minor. Anatolia (meaning 'the East' in Greek) is the great peninsula bordered by the Black, Aegean, and Meditteranean seas that now comprises the greater part of Turkey."

The Amazons

^[06] In classical mythology the Amazon nation was not in Greece, as many think. The Amazons were a race of female warriors living in the outlands of Turkey, then Asia Minor. The shamanic Cyane (there are many Cyanes!) states that her tribe could not cross into eternity, but that "the other Amazon tribes from Greece and Mesopotamia" could. ^[07] Gabrielle's Amazons are meant to be living in Greece, and we have not heard of Mesopotamian ones, though Nebula might be a member. Asia Minor is not occupied by any other characters, which could mean the shamanic Amazons are Anatolian rather than Siberian. Asian shamanism which began in Siberia did spread as far west as Asia Minor.

^[08] Another factor is that Xena remembers a time when she and Borias attacked Otere's village, which Borias said was "the last of the villages before Amazon territory". It probably refers to the shamanic Amazons, though earlier they were discussing allying with the Greek Amazons' enemies the Centaurs. If indeed Otere's village was in Asia Minor it makes sense that the shamanic amazons are in Anatolia. Not only does it fulfill Xena's statement in THE WAY, but it also matches the classical location of the Amazons as well as proving that Otere's village was near the shamanic Amazons' territory.

Biography

Eric Chor
I am an avid Canadian Xena fan interested in martial arts, spirituality and mysticism. My hobbies include reading, writing, soccer, films and music. I am currently entering my final year of high school with plans to major in Classical Studies including Greek, Latin, History and Mythology.
Favorite episode: Any of Xena's spiritual quests (DEBT, SIN TRADE, India eps, etc.)
Favorite line: Lao Ma: "You've been a dead woman for a long time now, Xena. I'm offering you the chance to live." DEBT II
First episode seen: ATHENS CITY ACADEMY OF THE PERFORMING BARDS
Least favorite episode: ATHENS CITY ACADEMY OF THE PERFORMING BARDS!