Role Model: Autolycus

Autolycus, “King of Thieves” is a role model from Hercules Legendary Journeys and Xena Warrior Princess. Like Robin Hood he robs from the rich and gives to the poor, keeping a little of the wealth for himself. He began his quest after his family was swindled from a warlord. He eventually faces off with him with Xena and Gabrielle.

Autolycus has an ego, for how many men after committing acts of thievery would pronounce themselves the “King of Thieves”. He has such an ego due to the fact that he enjoys perfecting his craft, between the costumes and knowing how to pick locks and being able to identify them takes lots of practice and study.

How do we know that Autolycus is a good man? In Scyros he robs King Menelaos of the prize “dragon eye” scepter ruby, while escaping he runs into Iolaus who helps him get away, but in getting away Iolaus is charged with the stealing of the ruby. Hercules goes after Autolycus and because of his good heart he turns himself in for the crime. Not willing to accept death for the crime he committed he gets away and lives to rob another day. The peasants all love him. At times he is the antihero.

Autolycus at times does get a little over his head when it comes to taking on the grandness of thieves but is always willing to lend a helping hand to Xena or Hercules when the time calls. It is because of his heart that Xena is always willing to help him because he does the right thing when it comes right down to it. he can be looked upon as a friend.