When Gargoyles first appeared on television in 1996, it was considered almost a 'breakthrough" in cartoons. Like Japanese anime which was only in the beginning of its American popularity, Gargoyles was aimed primarily at older children--specifically teens--and its content consisted of more than just violence and falling anvils to generate entertainment. Gargoyles was a rich blend of drama, romance, and comedy, more like an animated show than an actual 'cartoon.' Its popularity was both swift and enduring.
One of Gargoyles' most interesting aspects was its inclusion of mythology and literature. Not only were those elements included in the show, they were actual important plot elements, which drove the story along. Shakespearean allusions play the most significant role in the show, with MacBeth, Puck, Oberon, and Titania each having vital roles in the progression of the series. However, the creators, particularly the director Greg Weisman, made sure to include myths and stories from around the world. Japanese mythology, Cuchulain, Anubis, and even Anansi from African mythology make sporadic appearances throughout the show.
Major allusions and themes present even in the first season of the show include:
David Xanatos-- An Americanized version of Thanatos, Greek for Death, Davis is the brilliant, ruthless, cunning and debonair villain of the first season. His name is a deliberate play on words, as Xanatos is devoted to searching for a spell that will grant him immortality. His hobbies include plotting, working towards immortality, time-travel, and various other nafarious schemes. Even though he is no longer a villain at the end of the show, he retains his 'interesting' moral code.
MacBeth--The immortal king of Scotland is another of the first season's villains. Far more sympathetic than Shakespeare's original character, he holds to his personal code of honor, even while plotting the Gargoyles' destruction. Granted immortality by the Wyrd sisters, he is bound to Demona--whenever they are within a certain vicinity they can feel one another's pain, and they cannot be killed unless one slays the other.
Puck--David's emotionless valet, Owen, is actually the mischievous Puck (yes, from A Midsummer Night's Dream) in disguise. As all of the fey have been exiled to Earth for a thousand years, Puck has been amusing himself by playing with human affairs. He meets his match with Xanatos, and finds working with him to be more fun than even tormenting Demona!
The Wyrd Sisters--Call them the Fates, the Norns, the triple-aspect of the Moon, even the Furies. These three sisters show up sporadically throughout the series, and whenever they do, it means mischief is afoot. Perhaps the most powerful of Oberon's Children, they seem exempt from his rule about interfering with the lives of mortals as it is they who enchant MacBeth and Demona, as well as being the guardians of Avalon. Vindictive, calculating, and inscrutable, the sisters are a menacing match for any character in the series.
But there are many other myths and characters who make appearances throughout the show, particularly during the 'Avalon World Tour' story arc. Some of the characters are as follows:
