Why did they hate Gabrielle?

Both Callisto and Ares have always shown an intense dislike for Gabby. In former episodes, they have made remarks about her such as:

Ares to Xena: What do you see in HER?

Callisto to Hope: Why do you want to look like HER?

Do you think they hate Gabby because she is a "good person" and a threat to their evil plans, or do you think maybe they are jealous of her influence over Xena? Maybe they're both green with envy because Xena loves her and because she's helped Xena turn her life around towards the good.

Could it be possible that Ares is really in love with Xena (and quite possibly Callisto was?) Did you hear her giggling when Gab fell into the pit in Sacrifice II. She said "I finally have a reason to live," and she looked at Xena, so what did THAT comment mean?

Interested in your opinions -

Leigh-Leigh

Why did they hate Gabrielle?

(labyrinth) writes:
>
>
> >
> > Hey Labyrinth:
> >
> > I think the second part of what you said may be the answer. She was probably thinking, "now that Gabrielle is gone, Xena will return to her evil self...hee-hee ."
> >
> > So you think Ares is definitely head-over-heals for Xena? What about the theory that he could be her father?
> >
> > L.L.
> >
>
>
> Whoops, I forgot about that! Of course, if I remember my mythology right, a little incest never stopped any of the gods, hmmmm? *S*
>
> Much of what Ares says and does about Xena could be construed as a father pride over his daughter becoming just like him, then being angry because she later refused to "take over the family business," heehee! HOWEVER, there *is* a sexual element there that cannot be denied (in particular, Intimate Stranger and Ten Little Warlords).
>
> I dunno. It's definitely there. So if Ares really is her father, he's even sicker than I thought! lol
>
> Thanks for a thought provoking question--
>
> L.

Hey I want in on this discussion. This is just my opinion of course. I think Callisto felt joy over Gabrielle's death because she was the closest person to Xena - the person she loved most. I am not trying to diminish Xena's love for her son or her anguish over his death. It's just that she didn't raise him so the bond didn't grow - mature. Gabrielle was Xena's soul - Callisto said it herself. Without her, maybe Xena will be a shell, just as empty as Callisto was.

Ares is without a doubt in love with Xena. Gabrielle stood in the way of getting Xena back. He knew he could never personally eliminate her - Xena would never forgive him. He tried to get Callisto to off her in Intimate Stranger - almost got Xena to off her in Bitter Suite - but came up with the perfect plan to get her to elmiminate herself in Sac 2 keeping himself blameless.

Now that incest thing. I came up with the theory that Dahok could be Xena's father. Right now he seems to be trapped - imprisoned. What if at one time he was free - took Atrius' form and visited Cyrene - creating Xena. Xena does have to struggle with the darkness/evil in her soul. Such a struggle makes sense if Dahak is her father.

Dahak's actions in season 3 were attempts to get Xena to revert back to her evil self. Why not just kill her if she is an obstacle to your evil plans - unless you are her evil father and want your daughter by your side. Maybe Hope's purpose was originally Xena's and Hope was just a replacement because Xena turned good but Dahok, like Ares, can't give up on Xena. This is just my crazy theory but it certainly would be an audience grabber.

havilah