#sphaerus

The charioteer of Pelops, his name is either Cillas or Sphaeris.

Sphaerus

Introducing Sov's only offspring, Sphaerus! This is his true form, his human form is more Greek aligned, heritage wise.

I don't have much on him other then him being a great warrior that fought many battles. He was dubbed the Prince of Harpies by locals.

I said I would write an analysis on why ‘Chariots Of War’ is one of my TOP 10 favourite episodes of the whole show and I’ve finally gotten the time to do it. 

Okay, so aside from the fact this episode deals with themes and situations very close to home for me in that it’s about compliance and expectations from relationships that affects our choices and perceptions of reality, which I’ve written about elsewhere and won’t go into in great depth here.... it does something very clever in how Xena and Gabrielle’s respective male love interests in the episode are written and honestly the writer, Josh Becker, deserves all the credit for this. 

Let’s put aside the fact Darius and Sphaerus are male for a second and instead look into who they are as people, what they want and care about, what their background is, even what their jobs are because this is what tells you not only who Xena and Gabrielle are as of the time of this episode, but also who they become in their character development throughout the show. As well as how they connect with each other as friends and also as soulmates.

Darius is a father of three children. He once went to war, left and then vowed to live only for peace. He lost his wife. He looks for work as a farmer or carpenter. He takes Xena in when she is wounded as of a result of trying to save his young son. He and his village are constantly attacked by a local warlord named Cycnus. He tries to tell Xena that fighting isn’t the only way to win a battle. By the end of the episode he realizes he wants a woman in his life again. He wants and needs to care for Xena. He wants Xena to stay with him and his children.

Sphaerus is a warrior in training. His father, Cycnus, is a warlord. Cycnus is constantly grooming and corrupting him and telling him that he does not have what it takes to be a warlord for Ares, unlike his older brother, Stantor, who was much more ruthless and was killed in battle in Corinth. He feels he needs to avenge him. He feels he needs to become him. He is later told by Cycnus that Xena fought against Stantor and killed him. He is pressured into doing things he does not like doing and is morally conflicted on doing them but feels he has to to earn his father’s honor and respect as a warrior, as a killer, as someone who will take his place. When he meets Gabrielle he reveals to her that he regrets the things he’s done. By the end of the episode, he is on the path of reformation and redemption because Gabrielle showed him the way. 

Now let’s look into their appearance and personality. 

Darius wears regular villager clothing. Although he was once a solider for Athens, there’s nothing even remotely threatening or dangerous about him. His attire is of a peacemaker. He has dirty blonde curly hair. His eyes are green. He has no experience with physical healing or medical skills. His children likes listening to stories, which presumes Darius often tells stories to them frequently. He is a caregiver. He is sensitive. He is kind. He is generous. He is soft spoken. He is very much in touch with his emotions and shares them with Xena. 

Sphaerus wears a warriors uniform. He is the leader of Cycnus’ army yet he does not have a killer’s instinct and does his damnest to avoid killing at all costs. He has long brunette hair that is braided. He has blue eyes. He is stoic. He is a good listener. Although awkward and skittish, he is clearly very mentally endowed. A quick thinker. Strategic. Meant to lead and teach. He is someone that has not yet realized his full potential because he struggles with his self-esteem. He is guilt-ridden. He isn’t happy being a fighter for the wrong side but doesn’t know how to change his ways. He really needs a moral compass. And Gabrielle literally falls into his lap.

Do you get it now? Do you see why this episode is written so brilliantly? At first glance, yes, it does look like an episode to push the narrative of two women getting close and falling in love away... but it isn’t... especially when you consider the ending. Both of them leave their respective male love interests and continue to travel together... Now knowing what each other want and need in their life.

Xena: “Do you ever miss your family?”

Gabrielle: “Sometimes. But not as much when I’m with you.”

In only the 2nd episode the writers set up the idea of Xena and Gabrielle being each other’s yin and yang before they even realize that for themselves. And they do it by using none other than their MALE COUNTERPARTS. Which intentionally appeases the studio censors at the same time. Ingeniousness! 

now (if they’re? comfortable with it) I must give Sphaerus a hug

or just head pats

either one but I’m prolly like an average sized stuffed bear to both Sphaerus AND Sov

Sphaerus is very good looking btw, good job

sorry this was long lol

Yeah! I adopted this character quite awhile ago and didn't really have a place for them until now! Sphaerus, much like Sov, is overly comfortable with physical touch, so hugging is okay in private moments. However, any PDA is a big no no.