Eli (Xena: Warrior Princess)
| Eli | |
|---|---|
| First appearance | Devi |
| Last appearance | Seeds of Faith |
| Created by | Robert Tapert |
| Portrayed by | Timothy Omundson |
| Information | |
| Species | Human |
| Occupation | Healer, holy man, prophet |
| Affiliation | Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer, Amarice |
Eli is a fictional character from the television series Xena: Warrior Princess. He is portrayed by American actor Timothy Omundson. He was loosely based on Jesus.
When Xena and Gabrielle travel to India, they meet an illusionist named Eli. While watching him perform, Gabrielle becomes possessed by the demon Tataka. The demon in Gabrielle's body, Tataka, begins healing people and deceives the people into thinking she is a devi, a divine healer. Tataka then proceeds to use her adoration in an attempt to destroy Xena and Eli, who discover in the temple that Gabrielle has been possessed. Armed with holy water, they go to save Gabrielle from the grip of the demon and discover that Eli is the true "devi". Eli uses his powers to free Gabrielle from her demonic possession. Gabrielle and Xena thank Eli for his help, say goodbye, and continue on their travels.
After Eli saves Gabrielle from Tataka, the people now believe that Eli is an Avatar, a god in human form. When Xena and Gabrielle see Eli again, he is speaking to a group of people asking for his help. He is successful in healing a little girl, but he is still trying to accept that he is the avatar, and is unsure of his new-found powers, telling Gabrielle: "When I thought you were a devi. You seemed to have the power to heal people. That thing I sought after all my life. I envy that. Now I have this power to heal people and cast out demons, give people hope. And it terrifies me." A little later they meet Hanuman, who tells Eli that the Demon King Indrajit is hunting him, and that he should seek the assistance of Krishna. As they travel to Krishna's temple, Eli tells Gabrielle about his way of life, and that there is only one universal truth, and that is reverence for life, and that fighting is never allowed. Referencing Gabrielle's question of someone harming him: "[U]nder no circumstances would I fight back. If I did I would simply be perpetuating the cycle of violence that has ravaged the Earth for centuries. That cycle has to be broken, Gabrielle. And the truth is that that can only be done through nonviolence." When they arrive at the temple they are confronted by minions of Indrajit, Xena battles them as Eli, Gabrielle, and Hanuman flee into the temple. Indrajit attacks villagers outside the temple to lure Eli out and captures both him and Gabrielle.
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