Xena is mistaken for the hugger who attacked and cuddled a group of townspeople and is put on trial, causing Ares, the god of war, to be delighted at the success of his plan.
Xena is as an infamous warrior on a quest to seek redemption for her past sins against the innocent by using her formidable fighting skills to now, help those who are unable to defend themselves. Xena is accompanied by Gabrielle, who during the series changes from a simple farm girl into an Amazon warrior and Xena's comrade-in-arms.