Nemesis (Xena and Hercules)

Nemesis (Greek: Νέμεσις) was a character in Greek mythology. She was also a recurring character in the 1995-1999 television series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.

Mythological background

In mythology, Nemesis was the Greek goddess of retributive justice or vengeance. She acts as the executioner for the twelve Olympian Gods, dealing out justice on those mortals who became too proud in their ways or in some way anger the Gods. Hera gave her this job because she, along with her father, sided with the Titans in Zeus's war to overthrow his father in a struggle for power.

On television

In the television series, Nemesis and Hercules were childhood friends and sweethearts and were shown as being married in the Season Two episode, "The Fire Down Below". Nemesis helped Hercules save Iolaus from Hera's wrath in Season One's episode "Pride Comes Before a Brawl". In Season Four's episode, "Two Men and a Baby", Nemesis enlists the help of Hercules to protect her child, Evander, from his father. Evander was conceived after Ares promised Nemesis he would restore her to Godhood if she produced an heir for him.

Actresses who have portrayed Nemesis

• Young Hercules, Episode #25, "Herc's Nemesis": Charmaine Guest (as young Nemesis).

In Hercules Legendary Journeys:

• Season One, Episode #7 "Pride Comes Before a Brawl": Karen Witter.
• Season Two, Episodes #9 "The Fire Down Below" and #13 "The Enforcer": Teresa Hill.
• Season Four, Episode #6 "Two Men and a Baby" and Season Six, Episode #8 "Full Circle": Kimberley Joseph.