After rescuing a young boy from a well, Hercules (Kevin Sorbo) and Iolaus (Michael Hurst) are approached by Imuru (Ross Duncan), an emissary of King Gilgamesh (Tony Todd) of Sumeria. Imuru explains that their gods have turned against the people, leaving their cities in ruins. Hercules immediately offers his help, but Iolaus, shocked to find out that deities other than Greek gods exist, expresses his concern. Hercules convinces him they should everyone, regardless of their beliefs. Realizing that they will need a ship to make the journey, Hercules sets out to find the beautiful pirate captain Nebula (Gina Torres). When Imuru sees Nebula, he recognizes her to be Gilgamesh's sister. Hercules and Iolaus are astonished to find out that Nebula is a Sumerian princess.
The fiercely independent Nebula is reluctant to return to Sumeria because of her homeland's archaic views about women, but Hercules finally persuades her to make the journey. Upon their arrival, the foursome is shocked by the sight of the entire town hiding into Gilgamesh's castle, with food and supplies running low. Gilgamesh tells Hercules that he lost faith in the gods when his family was slaughtered while he was away defending the temples. The gods are now punishing him and he has been told that there is only one way to end their wrath. Someone with the blood of a god must retrieve a chalice holding a sacred nectar, which is hidden in a pyramid and protected by a series of trials. Accepting the challenge, Hercules and Gilgamesh set out for the pyramid. Meanwhile, Iolaus and Nebula, who find themselves powerfully attracted to each other, begin fixing the town's aquaduct to restore the water supply.
Once inside the pyramid, Hercules and Gilgamesh skillfully complete an array of physical trials and find the chalice. Gilgamesh suddenly knocks Hercules down, drinks the nectar and crushes the sacred cup with his bare hands. Enraged at this betrayal, Hercules learns that Gilgamesh is now a disciple of the demon Dahak and by drinking the nectar, he has destroyed his gods. Proclaiming that the last thing required for the Dark One's arrival is the sacrifice of a warrior heart, Gilgamesh disappears in the darkness. Hercules returns to the palace where he finds Nebula bound to an altar and Gilgamesh about to plunge a dagger into her heart. An epic battle ensues as Iolaus races to untie Nebula. As Nebula declares her love for Iolaus, Dahak causes the dagger to levitate off the ground and heads straight towards her. Iolaus pushes her out of the way, only to take the dagger himself. Hercules destroys Gilgamesh and rushes to his fallen friend, but he is too late -- Iolaus dies in his arms.
Starring: Kevin Sorbo (Hercules), Michael Hurst (Iolaus)
Guest Starring: Gina Torres (Nebula), Ross Duncan (Imuru), Tony Todd (Gilgamesh), Tony Billy (Guard), Ian Miller (Pirate Captain), Barry Duffield (Pirate), Tom Kane (Lookout), James Gaylyn (Villager), Zo Hartley (Mother), Tyler Read (Child)
Written by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci
Directed by Michael Hurst
Trivia: Dahak is the first of many manistifations of the Devil to appear on "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" and "Xena: Warrior Princess".