As far as we know only one Vampire Slayer has ever been a mum, and that was Nicky, the Seventies afro-ed black Slayer whose son Robin turns up in Season 7, as the headmaster of the new Sunnydale High.
What I want to know is, how on earth did Nicky manage?
Firstly, there are all sorts of physical limitations on any mother-to-be during pregnancy. Did Nicky just take it easy on the patrolling side of things for nine months? It wouldn't have been easy training while suffering from morning sickness, for instance, and her doctor's instructions to avoid heavy lifting would surely preclude her from most slaying duties. Her third trimester must've been been pretty unproductive; imagine attempting Buffy-style gymnastics at a time when bending over, walking around or even prolonged sitting, are really quite uncomfortable.
I bet being a Slayer would have helped immensely during Nicky's childbirth though. Slayers heal quickly, and probably don't hurt as easily as normal people. Perhaps she would have had to be really careful pushing little Robin out though, with her superhuman strength and all. We wouldn't want her baby scooting out so fast he ends up shooting out the door of the delivery suite.
However, I doubt that the effects of sleep deprivation during Robin's babyhood, could have been avoided - even by someone with Slayer power. Perhaps that's why Spike was able to kill her in the end - the stresses and strains of early motherhood compromised the Chosen One's ability to keep on top of her game.
Maybe this is why only one Slayer ever managed to produce offspring.
9 comments:
I have always figured that since Robin looked to be about four, and that Slayers have notoriously short tenure, that she had already had him when she was called up.
And that her watcher often doubled as her sitter.
I was going to say the same thing! Dammit! :-)
Remember Nikki was about 17 when she had Robin. Sleep deprivation isn't the same kind of issue for the young and spry as it is for the rest of us.
nigel and casyn: She would have had to have given birth pretty young - 15 or 16!
mtnw: good point
mlwhitt: I was sorry he'd killed the Chinese slayer too - for obvious reasons...
I never really watched that show, even though so many of my friends got into it.
At least your daughter will think you are a hip mom for liking it ;)
hehehe... poor thing, you would have thought they wouldd give the slayer some maternity leave, its the least one can expect really, what with saving the world every fortnight and all that
xxB
jon: it's hard to believe, since you seem cool enough to appreciate the show. Maybe you need to give it another try ;-)
boudica: maybe that's why the Watcher's Council subjected Slayers to the test when they turned 18 - to minimise the chances of them living long enough to get involved in children and careers...
Back then instead of all the acrobatic fighting they just stood around slowly swinging weapons at each other. You know, like in Star Wars.
glomgold: or like in tai chi?
Post a Comment