In which Beowulf meets Sleeping Beauty, and the Rhinegold is restored.

Beowulf and the young Viking Wiglaf (Dean) fail to stop yet another warrior from entering a mystical fire to reach sleeping beauty Gabrielle, also guarded by the monster Grinhilda. Seeking help in Denmark, Beowulf recognizes King Hrothgar's mysterious bride Wealthea as the long lost Xena. Wiglaf stops Beowulf from making a scene during the wedding ceremony, but later Beowulf convinces Xena to leave with them

While sailing back to Germany, Wiglaf explains to the mystified Xena that the Vikings are all excited to meet a legend and can't wait to see her in action. On shore, when another warrior challenges Wiglaf, Xena breaks up their fight, but Wiglaf eagerly explains that fighting is what Vikings do...it gives their lives meaning. He is crestfallen when Xena says it sounds stupid. Beowulf reminds her that these violent ways are her legacy.

After a confrontation with Odin and the Valkyries, Beowulf, Xena, and Wiglaf go to the enchanted fire circle. When the Valkyries attack again, Wiglaf is wounded as he throws the unarmed Xena his sword. Monster Grinhilda impales Beowulf. Xena leaps across the flames and as her lips touch Gabrielle's they both come to themselves and embrace.

The power of the magic flame goes into the Ring, returning it to its elemental form and restoring Grinhilda to her human form. The burst of magic also seems to heal Beowulf and Wiglaf's injuries, and they watch in awe as the women ride off into the dawn toward Valhalla. Xena finally takes the Rhinegold back to the Rhine Maidens, telling them as she looks at Gabrielle that it was not magic that made her forego its terrible power.

CAST

Lucy Lawless : Xena
Renee O'Connor : Gabrielle

Dean O'Gorman : Wiglaf
Brittney Powell : Brunhilda
Roger Morrissey : Monster Grinhilda
Renato Bartolomei : Beowulf
Alexander Petersons : Odin
Victoria Hill : Waltraute
Luanne Gordon : Grinhilda
John Leigh : Hrothgar

CREW

Written by Emily Skopov
Directed by John Fawcett
Music: Joseph Lo Duca

Gabrielle meets Orion (Dean) who tells her about the competition to enter the Bards' Academy.

They both go to the audition. Orion's father is a classic stage parent, browbeating his son through the competition. He informs the authorities that Gabby has crashed the audition, and she is disqualified. The other competitors go on strike in protest, and she is allowed to compete. Orion is fed up with his father and quits, but Gabby talks him back into the final round. All the competitors' stories are illustrated with film clips: Gabby's from Xena episodes, Stallonus's from sword-and-sandal B movies, Orion's from the Stanley Kubrick classic Spartacus.

Orion is accepted into the Academy. Gabby decides to go back on the road with Xena. As they bid farewell, Orion admits his real name is Homer, but he is called the Blind Bard because he recites with his eyes closed. Orion gives lucky Gabby a hug and kiss goodbye.

Lucy Lawless : Xena
Renee O'Connor : Gabrielle

Dean O'Gorman : Orion
Grahame Moore : Polonius
Patrick Brunton : Stallonus
Lori Dungey : Kellos
Alan De Malmanche : Docenius
Joseph Manning : Euripedes
Bernard Moody : Drunk
Andrew Thurtell : Twickenham
David Weatherley : Gastacius

CREW

Written by R.J. Stewart and Steven L. Sears
Edited by Doug Ibold
Directed by Jace Alexander
Music: Joseph Lo Duca