[ Announcer ] Previously onHercules.
Welcome to Eire.
- I take it you're one of the Druids. - Our way of life is in danger.
That is why we brought you here. You must help us restore justice to the land, Hercules.
I call upon your strength, Cernunnos,
as I renew my vow to find the Druids...
and put an end to their blasphemy.
When you find your illumination, you will hear the sound of faith once again.
Illumination? The power to harness the energy that flows from the land.
The cries of the dead surround you, child,
but you do not listen.
[ Grunts ]
[ Yells, Grunts ]
- You are one of us now. - What are you talking about?
To kill a Druid is to take his place.
[ Yells, Grunts ]
If Morrigan dies, the spirit of justice dies with her.
[ Moaning ]
I hope Mabon is right about you.
[ Man ] Morrigan! Morrigan!
Morrigan? Where is she? Get out of there!
Come on! Hurry up! Come on back. Get her out here.
They're evil. Come on, boys.
Bring her out! Something I can do for you gentlemen?
We've come for Morrigan. The council has decreed she's to be executed.
[ Men Muttering ] I won't let you do that.
She's one of the Druids now.
They chose her to be the Guardian of Justice. But that's impossible!
I wouldn't lie to you, Bronagh.
But she's in league with the god Cernunnos.
- Together, they've called up an army to destroy us. - What army?
On my way back from a fishing run, I saw an armada...
about a day off our coast. Describe the ships.
I'll tell you this... they weren't merchant vessels.
They were warships, four symbols on the sails.
Four symbols?
- Like this? - How did you know?
[ Hercules ] They're Roman letters.
Julius Caesar... is on his way.
[ Man Narrating ] This is the story of a time long ago,
a time of myth and legend,
when the ancient gods were petty and cruel,
and they plagued mankind with suffering.
Only one man dared to challenge their power...
Hercules.
Hercules possessed a strength the world had never seen,
a strength surpassed only by the power of his heart.
He journeyed the earth, battling the minions of his wicked stepmother, Hera,
the all-powerful queen of the gods.
But wherever there was evil,
wherever an innocent would suffer,
there would be... Hercules.
- [ Screeching ] - [ Roaring ]
Hail!
You did a fine job of tending to her wounds,
but there is still much work to be done.
Mabon, I have to be honest.
I really think you're wasting your time trying to reform Morrigan.
I'm not going to reform Morrigan. You are.
Yeah. Like I said, I think you're wasting your time.
She has a mortal heart, and with your help,
she will learn to embrace it.
You said the gods fortified her strength.
How? Through offerings of blood from the god Cernunnos.
Though it gives her great power, it clouds her mind.
- He will not let her go easily. - I still think you're wasting your time.
You used to see a little good in everyone, Hercules.
Why can't you see it in her now?
[ Moans ]
[ Angry Grunt ]
[ Moans ]
[ Sighs ]
Drink this.
So... you don't like tea.
Tidying me up for a proper execution, are ya?
Huh.
Not that you'd notice, but I'm saving your life.
[ Laughs ] If that means I'm to tolerate the displeasure of your company,
I'll take death, thanks.
That can be arranged.
I know a couple of people outside who'd love to get their hands on you.
Ooh, by all means, bring 'em on.
I've been meaning to show the Celts some real justice.
[ Grunts ] If you think I'm gonna let you hurt anyone else,
you're in for a big disappointment.
[ Groans ]
[ Angry Grunt ]
Now, isn't that endearin'... the way you watch over these mortals,
like a shepherd to his flock?
Turns my stomach.
Sounds like you hate yourself as much as the Celts do.
Is that supposed to pass as insight?
Call it what you want.
You're half mortal, and you despise yourself for it.
Because it makes me weak... like you.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but... you're the one in bed.
[ Laughs ]
Don't make the mistake of thinking there's good in everybody, Hercules.
If anything, the opposite's true.
Even the best man's got a touch of evil in him,
and it's just waiting for the right time to show itself.
It's always a pleasure. Get some rest.
- I won't be here when you get back! - [ Sighs ]
Yes, you will.
[ Sighs ]
Blow it out your pipes, Niall.
The men of Armagh won't serve under the likes of you!
And who's gonna lead us against Caesar? You?
You couldn't lead a horse to water.
All right, all right. Break it up!
Hey! Go on!
Lads! That's enough!
Break it up! That's enough!
This is exactly what Caesar wants.
We told you not to interfere, Hercules.
I'm telling you. If you don't join forces, you'll never defeat Caesar.
Maybe we won't have to. Every man has his price.
We'll scrape together as much gold as we've got,
and I'll sail out and negotiate with him.
You're not listening to me.
- It won't matter. He'll take your gold anyway. - You've had your say.
Now get out of the way, chosen one.
Connor! We don't need his help, boys.
Emperor, half the fleet is headed to the north shore and will advance to Meath.
Very well. We'll continue south and surround the island.
Emperor, the Celtic diplomat requests an audience.
I'm Connor, Chief of the Clan of Armagh.
It is always an honor to meet a foreign dignitary.
What will it take to get you to turn your ships around?
My request is simple.
Unconditional surrender.
My fleet will turn around when every man, woman, child in the land of Eire...
swears their allegiance to Rome.
Perhaps I can offer you a different kind of bounty.
Tell me, Chief, do you care for your people?
Of course. Sure, isn't that why I'm here?
Then you must betray them. There's nothing you can do to stop my conquest.
The more your people resist, the more they will suffer.
You will save many lives if you persuade them to submit.
And how will I live with the shame of what I've done?
I know how hard this gold was to come by.
I can offer you three chests just like it...
to help ease your wounded conscience.
My conscience couldn't possibly settle for any less than 10.
Very well.
But at that price, you'll have to begin immediately.
I'd like you to deliver a message for me.
[ Angry Grunting ]
Hmm. [ Gasps ]
Hmm.
I call upon your strength, Cernunnos.
Please, my power is weakening.
I need your blood.
- [ Thunderclap ] - [ Screaming ]
All good things to those who wait.
Let us make sure that this new title...
doesn't go to your head, Morrigan.
Or should I call you Justice?
[ Chuckles ] How could you let the Druids do this to me?
You let your feelings get the better of you, just like a mortal.
I'm nothing like them.
Then prove it.
A man called Caesar has come from across the oceans.
I want you...
to offer your services. Hmm.
When he enslaves the Celts,
the gods of Eire will surely hear their prayers once again.
I'll do whatever you want.
[ Chuckling ]
I see begging is no longer beneath you.
I warn you...
don't let your emotion lead you astray.
You won't like the consequences.
[ Thunderclaps ]
[ Grunting ]
Care to tell me what you're doin'?
Drawing a line in the sand.
Did you want to help?
Ooh, I'd love to, Hercules. I really would.
But thanks to you, I haven't got the strength.
Yeah, I guess you're just not yourself without that morning cup of blood.
Ooh, let me guess. Your little Druid friend told you all about me.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out...
that sweat on your forehead isn't from running.
You don't know what you're talking about. [ Grunting ]
Is that why you're shaking?
Get your hands off me! You're going through withdrawal.
And it's gonna get a lot worse. I said let go!
Cernunnos has you in the palm of his hand.
And until you break free of him,
you'll never find your true strength.
It's Connor.
Looks like Caesar sent a message.
I think you're right.
[ Niall ] Sean! Sean!
Have you seen my little boy?
Sean! Sean. [ Woman Crying ]
Where are you, son?
[ Chuckles ] Seems to me...
the Romans ignored your line in the sand.
My son Sean.
Sean.
What have they done to you, boy? No.
Stay here. These people have been through enough. They don't need to see you now.
With pleasure.
We better start burying the dead.
You can't. There isn't any time.
Damn you. My son will get a proper burial!
Niall, I know how you feel, but there's no time for grief, not yet.
This is only the beginning. You're inhuman!
Hercules is right. We should have listened to him in the first place.
Well, you can listen to me now.
You have two choices. You can run or you can stand and fight.
What do you think we should do?
If you decide to fight, many of you will die.
If you run, you'll have to live with the knowledge...
that Caesar took your homeland from you.
I can't tell you what to do.
But no matter what you decide, I'll help.
My father taught me...
that the only way to take a man of Eire out of his home...
is to drag his dead body out the door,
and that is exactly what Caesar will have to do!
[ Cheering ]
All right, all right. Now, listen up!
Bronagh, take a group of men, dig as many tunnels as you can outside of Innisfree.
Angus, I need 20 of the strongest swimmers you can find to meet me on the beach.
Go.
Niall, bring all your supplies here to Meath.
Romans won't think to look in a town they've already sacked.
When you're done, you can bury your son.
Let's go!
Quickly now!
Emperor, our northern fleet has destroyed Meath.
Dispatch a message to all forces.
Care must be taken to minimize enemy losses.
Dead slaves are of no use to us.
This could be the shortest conquest in Roman history!
A word of caution, scribe.
Never celebrate victory until it is assured.
In any battle scenario, there's always one variable you cannot predict.
[ Chortling ] Come on in!
[ Yelling ]
[ Screaming ]
Come on!
Signal the fleet! All stop!
A challenge.
So rare these days.
How invigorating.
Help us! Help us!
[ Angus ] Hercules, you did it! The fleet's turning about!
[ Cheering ] Don't celebrate yet.
They won't land here. They'll land someplace else.
What's she doing here? Wait, wait! Nobody touches her.
Don't do me any favors.
You're burnin' up.
Well, what are you all staring at?
If you're gonna do something, do it.
Look, she's my responsibility.
I know she deserves whatever punishment you have in mind,
but she's not your problem right now.
We'll leave you alone, for now.
Come on. Let's go.
[ Moaning ]
Good afternoon.
Water.
Your fever broke.
People will say we're in love.
I, uh... I doubt it.
I promised Mabon I'd take care of you.
Oh, so that's it, then?
I'm nothin' but a debt you owe to the Druids.
I saw your face at Meath.
Watching those people standing over the bodies of their children affected you.
I used to hunt the Celts for sport.
What makes you think their suffering would affect me now?
[ Gasps ] [ Chuckles ]
Nice reflexes.
[ Gasps ]
Your hands aren't shaking anymore, are they?
The blood's wearing off, and without it,
you're more human than you like to admit.
These men were captured outside Armagh.
Put them to work on our damaged ships.
Come on. Get moving! [ Grunts ]
So, you're what all the fuss is about.
[ Yells ]
Enough. I don't remember inviting you to my island.
Well, you must forgive my rude intrusion, but if I'd waited for an invitation,
I wouldn't have the pleasure of your fine company.
I'm Caesar, Julius Caesar.
And I am not impressed. You will be.
You haven't seen all my assets.
- I'd break you in two. - I couldn't think of a better way to die.
You'll have to settle for a secret.
I hope your price is more reasonable than the last leader I encountered.
The information is free.
The leader you're looking for is Hercules.
[ Chuckles ] You know him.
Only by name.
His legend extends almost as far as my own.
He's with the Celts, digging tunnels outside Innisfree.
Hiding in tunnels. How disappointingly predictable.
If I am to accept this information at face value,
I insist upon knowing the reason for your generosity.
Let's just keep this between me and Hercules.
Very well.
I sincerely hope that we never come to blows...
unless, of course, they're below the belt.
[ Men Chuckling ] I'll leave you with your thoughts now.
I'm sure you could use the time alone.
[ Sniffs ] Oil?
[ Men Screaming ]
Retreat! Retreat!
Fall back!
Fall back! Fall back!
Cernunnos,
I've done what you asked me to do.
Now keep your promise.
[ Frustrated Yell, Panting ]
You have no right! And you have no shame.
I knew I could count on you to betray us.
You used me to trick Caesar! [ Grunts ]
You can't run away from yourself.
Why won't you leave me alone?
Because I know what you're doing.
You went to Caesar to prove to yourself that you're still the same old Morrigan,
but you're not.
Enlighten me then. Who am I?
You're waking up to the fact that all the pain you've brought to the world...
does affect you.
Your life is about to change forever,
and you're scared.
You think you know what you're talking about, but you don't.
You don't need Cernunnos, Morrigan. He's using you.
[ Chuckling ]
If anything, I used him.
I felt the kind of power mortals only dream of.
You're lovers, aren't you?
That ended a long time ago.
Then why does he still have such a hold on you?
I have to obey him.
I don't.
Cernunnos!
[ Thunderclaps ]
Ah, the newly crowned champion of the people.
But how long will you hold the title?
Long enough to make sure you never hurt Morrigan again.
Seems you've become quite attached to her.
I do hope you've been a gentleman. That's why I'm here.
- To teach you some manners. - Let's strike a compromise.
You can have her body,
but her soul remains with me.
How 'bout this?
She keeps her body and her soul, and I let you keep your teeth.
You can never come between us.
We share a bond even you cannot break.
Let me introduce you to her.
This is Brigid.
She's our daughter.
Now do you understand?
Yes, I do.
Is she all right?
She seemed... fine,
under the circumstances.
Cernunnos has kept her from me...
for a long time.
Are you all right? [ Chuckles ]
I feel like... I'm waking up from a bad dream...
into a worse one.
You were right, Hercules.
Cernunnos is using me.
If I do his bidding, he promises not to hurt Brigid.
I have no choice. But you do now.
The Druids gave you a gift. You've got to learn how to use it.
You can take your daughter back. I'll help you. No!
I have to do it alone.
Morrigan!
Good luck.
Are you telling me, Centurion,
that we have lost an entire battalion?
Yes, Emperor. They surprised us.
The tunnels were a trap.
I do admire this Hercules.
It takes a man of the highest caliber to anger me.
Pity. He would have made an outstanding Roman.
And what of the second and third legions?
They fared well. Over 300 Celts captured.
Excellent.
Release half.
After you cut off their right arms.
Brigid?
You don't remember me?
dd Sleep, oh, babe dd
dd For twilight falls dd
dd 'Cross the land dd
dd Of Eire dd
dd The crickets dd
dd Sing you dd
dd A lullaby dd
dd Beside the dying dd
dd Fire dddd
Mommy!
Oh, my precious baby.
You're so big. You used to be a wee girl.
Mommy, why are you crying?
[ Cernunnos ] Because her weak mortal side is showing!
Maybe this will help.
- I don't need that anymore. - You still want it though.
All I want is my daughter.
She's my daughter too.
Would you like a sip, precious,
just like the adults?
No!
[ Chuckling ]
There, there, little one.
No use crying over spilt blood.
You were right, Cernunnos.
I'm not above beggin'.
If we leave Eire, there'll be no justice.
Please let me take Brigid with me.
You can have what you really want.
You're a desperate woman, Morrigan,
and desperate women always lie.
You have no intention of leaving.
Your mortal heart wouldn't let you.
Hardly the woman I fell in love with. It wasn't love.
No. But it was fun.
What I want...
is to have things the way they were.
But for that to happen, you have to start drinking again.
Don't decide now.
I'll give you a little time to think about it.
But only a little.
- [ Thunderclaps ] - [ Laughing ]
Emperor, the number of campfires in the valley below has been reduced by half.
That's why you released those disfigured men...
to scare the Celts into desertion.
Well done, scribe.
Well done. I see you've been paying attention.
Prepare the men for attack.
[ Stifled Grunting ]
Whisper. [ Angry Grunt ]
Why are you out here alone and freezing,
when you could be by the fires with the rest of the men?
I'm not alone.
Fewer fires.
It's to make Caesar think we've had deserters.
I've been to Caesar's camp.
We are outnumbered at least five-to-one.
What? You said "we. "
[ Chuckles ]
I won't get Brigid back without a fight.
My offer to help still stands.
You don't have to do this alone.
I was hoping you'd say that.
So...
still think there's a touch of evil in everyone,
or was that the blood talking?
This time I think we were both right.
There's good and evil in everyone.
It's just a matter of which side you choose to nurture.
[ Whooshing ]
No. Wait.
Are you just gonna stay here and let those men die?
The Celts are retreating into the woods.
Sound the trumpets!
I'll observe from here.
You men, fan out west.
This man was killed on the ship.
There's something wrong with this.
These men were already dead!
It's a trap!
You catch on quick.
[ Man Shouts ] Rise up!
[ Bronagh ] Archers, fire!
[ Ferocious Yell ]
Nice move.
Well, same to you.
[ Yells ]
- Brigid! - Look there.
Emperor, only one legion remains now.
One legion won't be enough to secure this campaign.
Take me to my ship.
Mommy. I'm here, sweetheart.
- Don't be afraid. - Have you made up your mind yet?
Yes. I'm taking my daughter with me.
Well, if that's your decision,
I shall have to respect it.
I'll miss you, Morrigan.
I'll miss you both.
[ Brigid Screaming ] No!
Mommy!
No!
Are you all right? Mm-hmm.
Take care of her.
[ Grunting ]
- You'd kill your own child. - I can always have more.
Not if I can help it. [ Yells ]
Hercules!
[ Yelling ]
Whoa! [ Grunts ]
Morrigan, grab it!
[ Gasps ]
[ Groaning ]
Your rage is like none I've ever seen.
Join me, and we can divide the world!
- I've got a better idea. - Hercules, no!
Trust me, Morrigan.
Nobody will mourn the loss of one more god.
You can't just kill him in cold blood. You know that.
Hercules.
Is this what you really want?
You're lucky she's here.
Brigid? She's safe.
[ Grunting ]
[ Yells ]
[ Screaming ]
Blessed be.
Justice has been served.
You have fulfilled your destiny, Morrigan. You are truly one of us now.
I won't let you down.
I promise.
B... But, Emperor,
that's the record of our entire journey!
You will start a new journal,
and you will write that the legions of Caesar never landed...
on the island of Eire.
But don't the people of Rome have a right to know the truth?
The people of Rome have the right to be secure in the knowledge...
there is no enemy they cannot conquer.
Even if it means lying to them?
You're an honorable man, Hirtius. Thank you, Emperor.
I shall miss you. No. No...
No, wait! No! Come here.
- You can say whatever you want... No, please! I can't swim! - [ Splashing ]
[ Cheering ]
These are the traditional clothes...
of a Celtic leader.
Please accept them as a token of our thanks.
I'll wear them with honor.
I've missed so much of her life.
It's never too late to make up for lost time.
She'll learn about the terrible things I've done.
I can't even explain them to myself.
How do I explain them to her?
Brigid deserves a mother, doesn't she?
You can't take back what you've done,
but you can make this land a safe place for your daughter to grow up in.
I believe in you.
Mommy, look what I found.
Ah, it's beautiful, sweetie.
It's just beautiful.
Come here.
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