The series, set in Ancient Greece, focuses on Xena (Lucy Lawless), a ruthless warrior seeking redemption for her past actions.

Throughout her adventures, she is accompanied by her best friend & soulmate Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor), who assists her in recognizing and pursuing the greater good.

In the episode, upon meeting a warrior named Beowulf, Xena decides to travel to the Norselands without Gabrielle to right one of past misdeeds.

Praise went to Lawless' portrayal of "Evil Xena" during flashbacks as well as the usage of Norse mythology, Beowulf and Das Rheingold.

In a flashback taking place 35 years ago, Xena is shown crafting a ring and then fighting a monster.

Back in the present, when Gabrielle mentions Beowulf and the lock, Brunnhilda declares that Xena has embarked on a "suicide mission".

When the Maiden warns her not to touch it, Xena cruelly tosses her aside, declaring that the Rheingold can do her no harm since she's already forsaken love.

When Gabrielle and Brunnhilda finally arrive, they find a bloody Beowulf, who sadly tells them that Xena was hauled off by the monster.

[7] The episode was first released for home media use on VHS in the United Kingdom as part of a four-episode collection with "Who's Gurkham", "Legacy" and "The Abyss".

[1] Similarly, Don Houston of DVD Talk described the episode and story arc as one of the most notable from season six, praising its thematic value.

She praised the flashbacks depicting Xena as a villain, saying that she always enjoyees seeing "her seduce, battle, and overshadow the great heroes of mythology", as well as her seduction of the Rhein maidens.