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For the TV Series Universe counterpart, please see Connor MacLeod (TV Series)
For the Animated Series counterpart, please see Connor MacLeod (The Animated Series)
Connor MacLeod was an Immortal, and the first Immortal to bear the moniker of "Highlander." He was a powerful individual, known for being a strong mentor and a charismatic friend. He was taken in by Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez after his First Death in the 16th century. He eventually won the Prize in The Gathering of 1985, and defended it again in 2024.
Biography
Note: The biography is a combination of the first two films, as well as the novelization of the first movie, plus the flashback sequences from the original Highlander 3 script, as well as the prequel comic book.
The Dawn of Time
In a time long before known history, in a place lost in time and a civilization long forgotten in time, Immortals and mortals lived with one another under the rule of Immortal dictator General Katana. However, an early incarnation of Ramirez had started a movement against him at some point, and eventually that movement had amounted to a full-scale rebellion against him.
Connor and Ramirez in the Distant Past.
In a gathering of the rebels, that incarnation of Ramirez had an early incarnation of Connor MacLeod to be the leader of a rebellion against the rule of the evil General Katana. Ramírez, who seemed to possess seemingly-magical powers, made a magical bond with Connor that could never be broken. Whenever Connor needed his help, Ramirez would come. However, despite their best efforts, the rebellion failed and Ramírez and Connor were exiled by Priests, who acted as Katana's council, to be reincarnated in the future, so they would fulfill their Gathering in a time much more distant to their own, effectively securing their power and ensuring that The Game would go on for a long time. Whichever of the two had managed to actually make it to the Gathering and win the Prize, would also have the additional choice of returning to their time with their faith and freedom restored.[2](NOTE: This is not considered canon)
Early life
Connor preparing for his first battle in 1536.
Following his exile, Connor MacLeod was reborn in A.D. 1518 in Glenfinnan, Scotland, near the shores of Loch Shiel. He was raised by his father and his mother, Caiolin MacLeod.[1] In 1528, in celebration of Connor's 10th birthday, his cousin Dougal caught a salmon for him that they soon ate.[3] As a prominent member of the clan, he was quickly betrothed and married to a neighboring clanswoman, Katherine.[1] When the Clan MacLeod went to war against the Fraser Clan in 1536, he departed eagerly with Dougal, and rode at the side of Angus, the clan chieftain. As the battle began, Connor took the field readily, however he started to feel very strange like he was sensing something at the battle. It was there that he saw lightning in the sky and The Kurgan on top of a hill. Despite his demands, not one Fraser would face the young Highlander. Without warning, The Kurgan rode up directly to Connor, dismounted, and easily dealt a mortal wound to his stomach. As The Kurgan prepared to deliver a beheading stroke, Dougal and Angus rushed in, leaving the young Highlander to pass out on the battlefield.[1]
Connor senses the Kurgan
Connor was brought back to a deathbed by his kinsmen, where a weeping Kate watched over him. When Connor did not die, the townspeople (including his wife and cousin) believed his recovery was the work of witchcraft, and threatened to burn him at the stake. Dougal, especially adamant for Connor’s death, viciously beat his cousin with fists, head-butts, and rocks. Angus, however, decided that Connor be banished. Swearing never to forget his chieftain, Connor staggered out of Glenfinnan, vowing never to return.[1]
Immortal Beginnings
Connor and Ramirez
Connor wandered around the land until he met Heather MacDonald, the daughter of a blacksmith. Under her father, Angus MacDonald's training, Connor learned the art of blacksmith for himself, and he and Heather soon fell in love. In 1539, the two married and that same year Angus passed on.[3] With Angus's death, Connor took over the business, beginning a secluded yet passionate lifestyle with his new bride.[1]
Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez and Connor
In 1541, Connor and Heather received a visitor: Immortal Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez, who told Connor about his Immortality and offered his services as a mentor. Under his guidance, Connor learned discipline, physical conditioning, advanced sword fighting, the way of Immortals, and The Game and its assorted Rules. Ramírez also told Connor more about The Kurgan, admitting that the evil Immortal's interest in Connor was what led Ramírez to seek the Highlander out himself. Ramirez also brought a grim reality to The Highlander’s attention: his marriage to Heather was dangerous and fruitless, as she would be a target for his enemies, and he would most certainly outlive her, and would never be able to provide her children. Despite Ramirez’s warnings, however, Connor elected to stay at Heather's side.[1]
One night, the Kurgan, while Connor was absent, found his home, killed Ramírez, and raped Heather. When Connor returned, he found his tower in ruins from the fight, and his friend and brother dead. He would not learn of Heather's rape, however, until centuries later.[1]
One night, Heather cut a piece of her hair to give to Connor. When he asked why, she said that it was the only part of her that would never grow old.[4] Decades passed and, as Ramirez had warned, Heather grew older and more frail, while Connor retained his original appearance. In 1590, Heather died of old age in her husband's arms, her last request being to light a candle for her every year on her birthday. Heartbroken, Conner buries her next to Ramirez using his claymore as a headstone. He later finds Ramirez’s katana near the croft and uses it as his own sword from then on. Connor stays at the croft for two years before burning it down and leaving to see the world .[1]
Wanderings in the 16th & 17th Centuries
Six months later, he worked as a field hand on a farm where the farmer’s daughter Sarah showed interest in Connor, but he feared to fall in love again after what he experienced with Heather and only thinking of her as a sister. Then, two warriors on horseback ride up to the farm house. One of the warriors tries to rape Sarah and carries her to the barn but is stopped by Connor who violently throws the warrior out of the barn. Connor steps out of the barn holding his katana ready for a fight. The warrior charges at Connor who kills him with a slash across the chest. The second warrior shocked and angered by what he has just seen lifts out a crossbow. Connor then throws his Katana at the warrior like a spear killing the warrior but not before being struck by an arrow to the chest. Bleeding to death, Connor staggers back to the barn. Connor pulls out the arrow from his chest and stands fully healed. The Farmer sees this and Connor has him help him appear to be dying from his wound and to leave afterwards knowing that the farmer and his family would be in danger if he stayed. The Farmer agrees and has Connor say his goodbye to the farmer’s wife and Sarah who declares her love for him. Later in the night, Connor and the farmer head for a road where Connor gets off Connor offer his hand which the farmer rejects which Connor understands and walks off into the night. He stops and turns back when the farmer calls to him and says,
“I will not pretend to understand what I have seen this day. I am a simple man. Whatever you are—demon or spirit—I thank you for the life of Sarah and I wish you God’s peace”.
The farmer turns the cart around and leaves Connor staring into the night. (From the original Highlander 3 script)
Later, Connor travelled to Edinburgh where he learned to read and write and gather general knowledge.
In 1599 he travels to London where he lives for ten years. In the three and a half centuries, he fights in many wars. During the 18th century, he travels to the Far East and through the years he meets two other immortals whom he kills (The novel implies that these two were among his first)[4]
Later in Seventeenth century England, Connor was riding his horse along a road blanketed by dense forest on each side when he senses an immortal nearby and looks around and sees a horse tied to a tree off the road. He then hears a voice saying “Good day”. Connor looks up and sees [[Thomas Cavanaugh]] seated on a tree branch. He drops from the tree branch in-front of Connor who reaches for his katana ready to fight but Thomas assures him he is not interested in fighting. He then asks Connor about the katana which Connor replies by telling him that it did belong to Ramirez and that he was his teacher. Cavanaugh takes Connor to an ancient church where Connor meets thirty other immortals. Connor listens as Cavanaugh told the gathering about the importance of the prize not being won by evil. Connor is about to leave the church but not before Cavanaugh gives him some words of wisdom. After that, the two men became good friends. (From the original Highlander 3 script).
Some years later, Connor reunited with Cavanaugh who tells Connor that he should start living rather than drifting as he was doing. Taking this advice to heart, Connor left England.
Wanderings in the 18th Century
Connor soon arrived in America in the 1770s. In 1777,Connor encountered Sunda Kastagir a fellow immortal from Africa. The two men served in General George Washington’s continental army at Valley Forge during the War of Independence.
Connor met back with Cavanaugh and took a ship with him to France where Connor met a young woman named [[Isabelle Tourez]]. However, remembering what Thomas said to him many years later about falling in love with mortals, Connor gave Isabelle a ring to remember him by. The two immortal get involved in a skirmish in a castle and are captured. Cavanaugh was guillotined and Macleod was forced to receive his quickening. With the distraction, Connor manages to escape. (Original Highlander 3 script).[3]
Connor is stabbed by Basset in a duel.
In 1783, Connor was in Boston, where he attended a party thrown by Kastagir. During the party, Connor became highly inebriated, and ended up insulting the wife of local businessman Mr. Bassett, who was trying to seduce him. Enraged, Bassett challenged MacLeod to a duel, and easily ran the drunken Connor through. Because the Highlander was so drunk, he forgot to act "dead," and stood back up again. In disbelief, Bassett stabbed MacLeod again and again, until the drunken Highlander, sick of the whole business, apologized for his words and staggered away. Connor swore off any more of Kastagir's alcohol and parties for the rest of his days.[1]
Around this time, Connor met back up with Cavanaugh and took a ship with him to France, where Connor met Isabelle Tourez. However, remembering what Cavanaugh said about falling in love with mortals, MacLeod gave Isabelle a ring to remember him by. Soon afterwards, Connor and Cavanaugh were captured. Cavanaugh was guillotined, and MacLeod was forced to take his Quickening. With the distraction, Connor managed to escape.[5]
In 1796, under his identity of Adrian Montague, Connor purchased the Hudson Street property in New York City. Some year later, he would use it to house Nash Antiques.[3] In 1800, Connor again encountered Kastagir in the West Indies.[3]
Wanderings in the 19th Century
Connor on board the H.M.S. Victory.
In 1804, while serving aboard the H.M.S. Victory commanded by Admiral Nelson, Connor faced off against The Kurgan whilst the latter was serving aboard a French vessel. Connor was able to stab The Kurgan fatally. But before MacLeod could behead him, a mainmast fell on Lt. Cavanaugh. Connor was forced to abandon his fight and save Cavanaugh. The ship sank, taking The Kurgan to the sea's bottom, where he revived and claimed MacLeod's katana as his own.[6]
In 1815, Connor took part in the Battle of Waterloo fighting by the Duke of Wellington’s side.
Approximately half a century later, in 1853, Connor commanded a trading vessel, the HMS Rosemary, when the vessel experienced some form of disaster while at sea. MacLeod drifted alone for some time, having revived from death following the deaths of his entire crew. On 3 September of that year, Connor decided to retire the persona of "Captain MacLeod" and begin a new identity elsewhere.
South Africa
In 1879, Connor was in South Africa where he served in the British army in the 17th Lancers as a private soldier during the Zulu Wars against the forces of Zulu king Cetawayo. During the Battle of Isandlwana, the Zulu’s killed all of the soldiers near the River Singasi till only Connor was the only survivor. Connor was captured the Zulus and put in a cage and taken with them to their encampment where he was poked at through the bars by the women of the village as sport which didn’t bother him. In captivity, Connor using signs and signals came to understand that he was being fattened up for ritual combat. Eventually, Kastagir who was living with the Zulus meets Connor and tells him that the warrior he will face is a fellow immortal. Conner expresses doubt that two immortals of the same tribe would be immortal as there are only a handful of them on earth. Connor asks him if him how he knows and Kastagir tell him that the man uses a broadax in the ritual battle while he will only use a spear. Connor tries to escape but is re-captured. On the day of the battle, Conner is led before Cetewayo and into the ring to face the tall Zulu champion. In the fight, Conner avoids the broad axe swings of the warrior. In a disparate move, He thrusts the spear into the champion’s chest in hopes that he can get a breather and manage to get the Axe away from him but only to notice that the champion was mortal. Connor is led before Cetawayo where Kastagir interprets that the chief praises him and is led back to the cage despite his protests that he thought that he would be let go to which Kastagir cheerfully tells him ‘I lied about that. Too” Later that night, Kastagir helps him escape and leads him to a British Camp.[3]
In 1888, Connor was walking in the Whitechapel district of London when he heard a woman scream. He soon found an Immortal who turned out to be the notorious [[Jack the Ripper]] trying to kill a prostitute. Connor challenged Jack which allowed the prostitute to escape. After a quick fight, Connor was able to take Jack’s head and received his quickening putting an end to the Ripper. (Original Highlander 3 script)
Wanderings in the 20th Century and Fatherhood
Connor during WW2
During the Second World War, Connor was in Europe where he fought as a
Partisan in France. During the war in a local French village which was being attacked by the Nazi’s, Connor ran into a barn where he encountered an orphaned little girl named while carrying the girl, Connor is fatally shot by a Nazi soldier and revives within seconds with Rachel in his arms who whispers asking him why he didn’t die to which Connor replies “Hey, it’s a kind of magic”. The soldier approaches to see if Connor and Rachel are dead and Connor kicks the soldier and grabs his weapon and shoots him dead. He leaves the barn with
Rachel in tow. Connor adopts the young girl as his daughter.[1]
Connor finds Rachel.
The Return of Masamune
Connor fighting Guerin in Paris.
In 1966, Connor received word from his friend, Ian, who managed to track down a Japanese Masamune sword in an auction in Paris. While in the city, Connor met Immortal Guerin Billuad, and the two agreed to meet that night. MacLeod and Ian then went an antiques shop, where they met mortal woman Elizabeth Direnzo. Connor and Elizabeth quickly got along, and the two went on a date. After returning to his hotel, MacLeod found Ian dead, killed by a sword. Suspecting Guerin, Connor searched for him, and the two fought one another in the streets of Paris. Before Connor could behead Guerin, Elizabeth appeared, telling the two they were at the front of the church of Saint Julien le Pauvre, where the auction was being held.[6] At the auction, Guerin quickly left, while Connor met back up with Kastagir as well as another Immortal named Toshiro Nakayata. MacLeod soon learned that the katana was not for sale because Antonio, Elizabeth's brother, had already sold it to someone else. After spending a night with Elizabeth, Connor went to fight Guerin. The two Immortals dueled in an alleyway near a cinema, Connor having the upper hand. Guerin took refuge in the cinema, but MacLeod was able to pursue him. As the two fought inside, Connor learned that Guerin had not, in fact, killed Ian. Despite this, Connor was able to take Guerin's head and his Quickening. With Guerin dead, Connor soon began to think about who could have actually killed Ian.[7]
Connor fighting Toshiro in Florence.
Connor left Paris with Elizabeth for Italy in order to bury Elizabeth's brother, who had been killed by Toshiro. MacLeod then went to Japan, where he met with his friend, Amika, who told him that the Masamune was now in the hands of Toshiro, who was actually the adopted son of the original smith Masamune. Upon arriving at Toshiro's residence, the two Immortals began fighting. Despite a stab in the shoulder, Connor was able to cut off Toshiro's hand and recover the Masamune.[8] MacLeod returned to Italy to be with Elizabeth, and the two traveled around the country. Two weeks later, Toshiro reappeared, armed with a prosthetic arm with a katana blade attached to it, and challenged Connor. As they fought, Toshiro disarmed the Highlander. Elizabeth then picked up the Masamune to hit Toshiro, only for Toshiro to stab her and kill her. Enraged, Connor was able to behead Toshiro with his own blade-arm. Later, after saying his final respects to Elizabeth and Antonio's graves, Connor left Florence for New York.[9]
The Gathering
Connor and Fasil
In 1985, Connor had returned to New York City, where he was living with Rachel under the guise of Russell Nash, an antiques dealer. One night while attending a wrestling match in Madison Square Garden, Connor sensed an Immortal close by, and left the match. He went to the parking garage, where he encountered Iman Fasil. After some quick pleasantries, the two fought, with each of them hiding in the shadows to attack the other. Despite Fasil temporarily disarming Connor, Connor was able to gain back his sword and slice off Fasil's hand. With no weapon to defend, Connor was able to take Fasil's head and his Quickening.[1]
Connor receives Fasil's quickening.
Hearing police arrive to investigate the disturbance, Connor hid his sword in an overhead grating and tried to drive off, only to be arrested. At the station, Connor was questioned on the deaths of Fasil, as well as Immortal Osta Vazilek, who in reality had been killed by The Kurgan several days ago. However, with no evidence to connect him to the killings, Connor was free to go. Returning to Madison Square Garden in order to get the Masamune, Connor saw that forensics expert Brenda Wyatt was looking for the blade. Connor followed her to a bar and tried striking up a conversation. Brenda quickly left, but wanting to know more about him, started following Connor. As Connor walked home, he was attacked by The Kurgan. Without his katana, Connor used a nearby pipe to defend himself. The fight was interrupted when a police helicopter flew by, forcing both men to flee.[1]
Brenda went to Nash Antiques to speak with Connor, and MacLeod quickly invited her out on a date. After talking to Rachel, Connor went to Brenda's apartment, and quickly (and amusingly) saw that Brenda was wired. He soon confronted her, showing that he knew of Brenda's profession. It quickly devolved into an argument and Connor left. MacLeod would head to the subway, where he would encounter his good friend Sunda Kastagir again. The next day, Connor met with Kastagir in Central Park, and, putting aside the inevitability of The Gathering aside, the two men went out for a drink.[1] The two men went to a bar, where they encountered Bedsoe, one of the cops that Connor had met at the police station earlier. The three got drunk, as Connor and Kastagir began reminiscing about their past adventures.[10]
"Kastagir is Gone."
Not long afterwards, Kastagir lost his head after being challenged by The Kurgan. Fortunately, a witness to the scene was able to confirm to the police that Connor was not the headhunter. In his yearly remembrance to Heather, MacLeod went to a church and lit a candle. His reflection was disturbed by The Kurgan, who gloated about Kastagir's death, and the fact that The Gathering was almost over. He mocked Connor, told him how Ramirez died, and how he raped Heather, thinking she was Ramirez's woman. Connor, with anger in his heart, soon told him that their next meeting would be their last. At Nash Antiques, Brenda confronted Connor, having learned of Connor's use of aliases. MacLeod told her about his immortality, stabbing himself to prove it. Connor let down his guard, and the two spent that night making love.[1]
Brenda confronts Connor
The following night, the Kurgan kidnapped Brenda, seeing her as a weak point for Connor. Sending in a threat to kill Brenda if he failed to show up, MacLeod was forced to take his challenge. Before leaving, he gave one final goodbye to Rachel, leaving Nash Antiques to his adopted daughter. Connor followed them to the site, where he and The Kurgan faced each other in deadly combat, with Brenda's life at stake.
Seemingly wild with excitement, probably because the end of The Game was so close, The Kurgan destroyed everything in his path in a flurry of sparks and flame. Then, without warning, the two warriors crashed through a skylight and landed inside the derelict building. The Kurgan was the first to recover, batting Connor's sword away, and readying his blade for the final strike. Brenda came up from behind, bashing The Kurgan over the head with a pipe. The distraction gave Connor the time needed to recover his sword and gather his composure. MacLeod's calmness, maturity, and skill all proved to be superior to The Kurgan's brute strength and rage.
Connor receives The Kurgan's Quickening.
After one final strike and seemingly endless silence, The Kurgan's head finally fell from his neck. The Highlander was victorious, and he won the Prize. Afterwards, he returned to the loft, where he told Rachel that he was leaving New York with Brenda, and that Russell Nash was dead. This upset Rachel, who could not keep from crying. He wiped a tear from her eye, murmuring that there had been no one in his life but her since WWII, but that now it was time for him to move on. She was fearful of being alone, but he told her she need never be alone, or afraid, and that she had much to offer. Connor made known his hate for good-byes. After saying his goodbye, he teased her by saying, "It's a kind of magic."
He then met up with Brenda at the airport, and the two headed to his native Scotland. They toured Scotland for two months, and then opened an antique shop in Camden Alley. On one occasion, he returned to the Scottish Uplands alone, and stared at the remnants of his home with Heather. There was no croft there, but he found a few stones from the fallen tor, and located the burial place of Ramirez and Heather. He also found two timbers, and used them to fashion a rude cross, telling Heather that she would like Brenda. "She is much like you," he said. He stayed until night fell, comfortable in the company of loved ones and the ghosts of his distant past. The Prize was revealed to be that he could now lead a normal life, for he was now mortal.
NOTE: In the novelization of the first film, the Prize is still not explained, but Connor feels complete for the first time in his life, as opposed to suggesting that he is now mortal, as the film states.
The Prize
Connor with Brenda after winning the Prize.
Afterwards, Connor explained to Brenda that the Prize had given him the ability to know what everyone in the world was thinking. He was also now mortal, could have children, grow old, and eventually die. MacLeod could hear Ramirez's voice, telling him he was at one with all living things, and that he should use this power wisely and not lose his head. Connor and Brenda went to Scotland, and they eventually married.[1]
From the Dawn of Time
Note: This section deals with the prehistorical events depicted in Highlander 2: The Quickening
In a time long before known history, in a place lost in time and a civilization long forgotten, Immortals and mortals lived with one another under the rule of Immortal dictator General Katana. However, an early incarnation of Ramirez had started a movement against him, at some point, and eventually that movement had amounted to a full-scale rebellion against him.
Connor and Ramirez in the Distant Past.
In a gathering of the rebels, that incarnation of Ramirez had an early incarnation of Connor MacLeod to be the leader of a rebellion against the rule of the evil General Katana. This incarnation of Ramírez, who seemed to possess semmingly magical powers, made a magical bond with Connor that could never be broken. Whenever Connor needed his help, Ramirez would come. However, despite their best efforts, the rebellion failed, and Ramírez and Connor were exiled by Priests, who acted as Katana's council, to be reincarnated into the future, so they would fulfill their Gathering in a time much more distant to their own, effectively securing their power and ensuring the Game would go on for a long time. Whichever of the two had managed to actually make it to the Gathering and win the Prize, would also have the additional choice of returning to their time.[2]
The Ozone Layer
By 1995, the Earth's ozone layer had began to rapidly disappear, and the hole covered most of planet. Brenda Wyatt died in this year because of the harmful radiation of the sun, and Connor, now a mortal, promised her on her deathbed that he would do something to stop this. He became the supervisor of a team attempting to create an artificial shield, which would cover the planet and protect it from the Sun's radiation. In 1999, the team succeeded in its goal, and Earth gained its artificial shield filtering sunlight in place of the ozone layer.
MacLeod was proud in having apparently saved humanity. However, the shield had the side-effect of condemning the planet to a state of constant night, and humanity could no longer see the sun, the moon, or the stars. Humanity began to lose hope, and fell into a decline. The Shield fell under the control of the Shield Corporation, its co-developer, taxing its services for profit. Meanwhile, MacLeod, as years passed, had physically aged into a frail old man, and was expected to eventually die of natural causes. He had also been able to learn that he had a previous life, in a distant civilization long ago. In fact, even Ramirez had been part of his previous life, too.[2]
Connor MacLeod in 2024
In 2024, a number of terrorists, led by Louise Marcus, tried to take down The Shield. Louise discovered that the ozone layer had repaired itself, and that The Shield was no longer needed. The Corporation was aware of this, and hid it from the general public to maintain its profit margins. Meanwhile, in the distant past, General Katana was still alive. His information seemed to indicate that Connor wanted to return to his time period. He decided that nothing like that could be allowed to happen, and thus, he sent his Immortal henchmen Corda and Reno to the future (not reincarnated, though) to decapitate him. Louise managed to reach Connor first, and asked for his help in taking down The Shield. To Louise's disappointment, she found the passionate person she once admired to have grown into "a tired old man." MacLeod explained that he was dying, and expressed his disapproval of terrorism. But before Connor and Louise could finish their conversation, Corda and Reno reached Earth, which led MacLeod to become Immortal again.[2]
Corda and Reno located MacLeod and attacked. Connor, however, decapitated them both, and in the process, through the Quickening, regained his youth. While he absorbed their energy, Connor summoned Ramírez, who revived in Glencoe, Scotland, the location of his death. Meanwhile, Connor found a new lover in Louise. Elsewhere, Katana also arrived in 2024 (also not reincarnated) and had a brief, indecisive meeting with Connor. Soon enough, Ramírez also reached MacLeod. Then he joined MacLeod and Louise in their plan to take down The Shield.
Katana predicted this, and forged an uneasy alliance with the Shield Corporation. MacLeod, Louise, and Ramirez went into a rescue attempt to free Connor's old friend and co-supervisor of the construction of The Shield, Dr. Allan Neyman, from a high security prison. Neyman had betrayed the Shield Corporation by telling Connor the truth about the ozone layer's status — that the radiation levels above The Shield were now nominal again. Neyman eventually died in Connor's arms. Ramírez also gave his life for Connor and Louise in the prison. Afterward, Connor and Louise witness the restoration of the ozone layer, thanks to Allan's coordinates that he had given to Connor previously, and the Highlander then decided to take down The Shield.
As he arrived at the power station of the Shield, Katana was there to greet MacLeod, and given that they were also the last two Immortals around, a fight ensued. Eventually, Connor defeated Katana and decapitated him in the main generator room, and with Katana's Quickening, MacLeod succeeded in taking down The Shield once and for all. Connor, having successfully defended the Prize, became mortal again, and began a new life with Louise.[2]
Friends and Foes
Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez
Connor and Ramirez
Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez, was one of the most legendary and greatest of the Immortals. Born (or reborn) in Egypt as Tak Ne, he suffered his First Death when a runaway cart fell on to him, thus making him Immortal. By 1541, at the age of 2,437 years old, he was living in Spain, working as the Chief Metallurgist to King Charles V under the name of "Ramírez." He sought out Connor MacLeod and took him under his wing, teaching him the Rules of the Immortals. Most importantly, he warned him of The Kurgan, who gave him his First Death, and prepared him for it, believing that Connor would be the one to end his reign of terror. Connor and Ramirez enjoyed a good friendship, rising from father-son to equals. Although their training lasted for a very short time, Ramirez left an indelible impression on the young Highlander: a taste of the theatrical, the wonder of the world beyond Scotland, and most of all, the connection between "all living things." Ramirez asked Connor to leave Heather, to save him from the pain of her inevitable loss from old age. Connor refused to do so. In 1542, while Connor was away hunting, the Kurgan returned. Ramirez, although leaving a permanent scar in Kurgan's neck, lost the fight, and died at the hands of the Kurgan. Connor buried Ramírez next to his home in Glencoe and, after Heather died, he used his own broadsword as Heather's grave marker, and he began using his mentor's katana, a tribute to his old mentor.
Heather MacLeod
Connor with his beloved wife Heather
Heather was Connor's second and most beloved wife, who was present at the death of Ramírez, and was raped by the Kurgan, which she never revealed to Connor. There were recurring instances of Heather's depression at Connor's Immortality during her life. Connor remained with Heather until her natural death and was so disillusioned that he abandoned his beloved Scotland and began wandering the world. However, Connor never forgot Heather, and continued to honor her memory until his own death, always lightning a candle to her memory every year on her birthday.
Sunda Kastagir
Kastagir was an ancient African Immortal who befriended MacLeod in the 1700s. They fought together during the American War of Independence. The last time they meet each other before The Gathering is in 1966 at an antiques auction in Paris, the two play along at not knowing each other because there are several other immortals there. He survived until the tail end of the Gathering, before being defeated by The Kurgan in 1985.
The Kurgan
The Kurgan was Connor MacLeod's archenemy, and his greatest opponent. After killing his Bedouin mentor, The Kurgan began having visions of his future life, and one of the events depicted in those visions involved a young Connor MacLeod killing him in a bloody struggle. Although the Highlander had not been born yet, The Kurgan's quest for him had lasted for a long time, before eventually meeting him in AD 1536, and triggering his Immortality. By 1985, the both of them had survived to The Gathering, and his desire for the Prize overcame his initial fear of MacLeod. However, after learning that the woman he raped following Ramirez's death was actually Connor's wife, Heather, he went on to kidnap Brenda Wyatt to ensure he had another hold over MacLeod. However, the Highlander was still victorious, and The Kurgan was defeated by him, just as his visions had warned him. During the final Quickening, The Kurgan's life-experience flashed before Connor's eyes, finally learning why was The Kurgan so obsessed with him at that time of his life.
Iman Fasil
Not much is known about their relationship, but they seemed to know each other prior to the gathering. While their fight was brutal, it wasn't anything personal between them. When Connor disarms him, he faces his eventual beheading with dignity. However, it was Fasil's death that inadvertently made the NYPD believe, Connor, known to them as Russel Nash, was a serial killer.
Weapon
Throughout his life, Connor has used three swords. The first was a Scottish Claymore which bore the name MacLeod. He would later use the sword as a headstone for Heather’s grave. His second sword which would be his signature weapon was an Ivory-Handled Masumune Katana which originally belonged to his mentor and best friend Ramirez. Connor took the sword as his own years after Ramirez’s death. The sword is different from other katanas in that it was one of the first of its kind to be forged 2000+ years using revolutionary techniques which would not become common until the 14th century. The katana was forged in a way that it was folded over two hundred times which created the sword’s infamous razor-sharp edge. Connor loses the sword in the year 1804 to the Kurgan who kept the sword as his. Connor’s third sword was another katana which he used until he regained the Masumune katana in 1966 from Toshiro Nakayata.
Connor MacLeod in the Game
Connor in the Game
Connor MacLeod was the final immortal warrior in the game and the winner of the prize in the movie continuity. Although the number of immortals he has killed in his 400 plus years is unknown, it can be assumed that they may have been fewer. His immortal kills include:
- Unknown Immortal,§
18th century(Novelization), possibly his first immortal kill
- Unknown Immortal (Film Novelization), 18th century(Novelization)
- Jack the Ripper, 1888 (Original Screenplay Draft for Highlander: The Final Dimension)
- John Hooke, 1985(Highlander: American Dream)
- Guerin Billuad, 1966 (Highlander: Way Of The Sword #2)
- Toshiro Nakayata, 1966 (Highlander: Way Of The Sword #4)
- Iman Fasil, 1985 (Highlander)
- The Kurgan, 1985 (Highlander)
Behind the scenes
Miscellaneous Information
Christopher Lambert's appearance in the pilot was his first and, for years, only American appearance on TV.
- Before Christopher Lambert was cast as Connor, Kurt Russell was originally cast in the role; other actors considered for the role included, Michael Douglas, Ed Harris, Kevin Costner, Sam Shepard, Mel Gibson, David Kieth, Scott Glenn (who was also considered for the role of the Kurgan) and Peter Weller. British Musician Sting was also considered to play Conner as well as provide music and songs for the film.
- Although he was instrumental in having the TV series being developed, Christopher Lambert, refused to reprise his role in it as he was not interested in doing television
at the time. Up until 2014 when he had a recurring role in NCIS: Los Angeles, Highlander: The Series was his only American television appearance.
- Connor was said to have been born in 1518, and to have become Immortal in 1536. This means that Connor was about 18 years old when he became Immortal. However, Lambert was actually 27 years of age when he was cast in the role.
- Conner MacLeod is still alive in terms of the original film and its first sequel. His death in Highlander: Endgame is part of the TV series universe.
- In the first draft of the original script of the movie, Conner Macleod was a very different character than the one well known to most fans. He was a darker, stoic and
cynical man born in the year 1403. He had a mother and a father and a younger brother. After he becomes immortal, he is made an outcast by his fellow clansmen rather than being violently attacked and threatened with being burned at the stake before Angus intervened and banished him for his safety. Five years after he left his home, he established himself as a blacksmith and never married (Heather didn’t exist in the script). Throughout his life, Connor had married nine women and had 38 children whom he buried. Interestingly, Conner didn’t use his trademark dragonhead katana that he took as his own after Ramirez’s death and instead used an assortment of swords.
- Ironically, Ramirez warns Connor that if an evil immortal like the Kurgan was to win the prize, mankind would suffer an eternity of darkness from which it wouldn’t recover
from. Connor who won the prize would end up being instrumental in the building of the shield, a field that would cover the Earth and block out the sun thus bringing the world into darkness in Highlander II
Quotes
- "I'm Connor MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod."
- "You look like a woman, you stupid haggis!"
- "If it came down to us two, would you take my head?"
- "Whatever you say, Jack. You're the master race."
- "It seems like 100 years."
- "I'm Immortal."
- "Love is for poets."
- "It's a kind of magic!"
- "Don't worry. We'll be okay."
- "You're not counting that scratch!"
- "Nice to see you, Kurgan. Who cuts your hair?"
Appearances
Movies
- Highlander (First appearance)
- Highlander II: The Quickening
Comics
- 5 (flashback portion only)
- Highlander: The Way of the Sword #1-4
- Highlander Origins: Kurgan #1-2
External links
References
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