Mira (Spartacus)

Mira is a pivotal character in Spartacus, introduced as a former house slave serving Lucretia in the House of Batiatus. She plays a significant role in Spartacus' uprising, transitioning from a servant to a fighter, and ultimately becoming his lover during the early stages of the Third Servile War.

Names	Ganos (ガノス Ganosu)
Gender	Female
Race	Human
Occupation	House Slave (Formally), Rebel, Freedom Fighter
Origin	Spartacus: Blood and Sand Episode 9: "Whore" (March 19, 2010)
Alignment	Good
Age	20s
Created By	Daniel Knauf, Steven S. DeKnight
Height	1.73 m (5ft 8in)
Weight	60kg (132 lbs)

Appearance

As a slave in Batiatus' household, Mira wears the typical tattered garments of her station, devoid of jewelry or adornments. Her usual attire is a tan draped robe accented with an orange-red stripe across the chest. She has dark brown hair, brown eyes, and lightly freckled cheeks. Mira's beauty draws attention, and she is selected to attempt seduction of Spartacus, a task that later impacts their relationship.

Personality

Mira begins as an obedient servant, outwardly complying with her masters' demands while harboring a fierce and determined spirit. Though initially resigned to her life of servitude, her interactions with Spartacus hint at deeper emotions and a desire for connection, likely stemming from the deprivation of affection in her enslaved existence.

After escaping the ludus, Mira comes into her own, demonstrating leadership, strength, and combat prowess. Confident and strong-willed, she balances her fierce resolve with kindness and compassion toward her allies. However, she can be ruthless when dealing with enemies, willing to make personal sacrifices for the cause.

Mira develops deep feelings for Spartacus, longing for his affection despite knowing she cannot replace the void left by his wife, Sura. Her complexity is further revealed in moments of vulnerability and jealousy, such as when she attempts to strangle Ilithyia in a fit of rage, believing she may be carrying Spartacus' child.

Mira's evolution from a subservient slave to a strong, multifaceted leader highlights her resilience and the depth of her character.

Biography

Blood & Sand

Mira makes her first appearance as one of the house slaves under Lucretia's service, presenting a selection of masks to Licinia. Among them, she dons the mask of the goddess Diana, which catches Licinia's attention. Afterward, Mira and the other slaves are dismissed.

Recognizing Mira's beauty, Lucretia decides to use her to "prepare" Spartacus before his night with Licinia, ensuring the encounter meets Licinia's expectations. Lucretia sends Mira to Spartacus' chambers, where she appears naked, but Spartacus rejects her advances, viewing the situation as degrading and insulting. Lucretia, angered by Mira's failure, threatens her life and orders her to try again.

Mira returns to Spartacus, who refuses her a second time. However, he allows her to stay in his room to give the impression they were together, avoiding further repercussions for her. In exchange, Spartacus requests that she leave the villa and locate Varro's family. Mira successfully fulfills this task, building a foundation of trust between them.

Over time, their relationship evolves from mere acquaintance to a budding friendship. Her success in finding Varro's wife, Aurelia, further strengthens the bond between Mira and Spartacus.

When Spartacus finds Mira being threatened by Hector, who accuses her of stealing, he intervenes and injures the guard in her defense. Later, during the celebration of Numerius' birthday, Mira thanks Spartacus for standing up for her. However, Spartacus feigns indifference, claiming he would have done the same for anyone, prompting Mira to sarcastically call him "an ass," much to Varro's amusement. Mira witnesses the sparring match between Spartacus and Varro, expecting it to be a harmless display like the rest of the crowd. After Varro’s tragic death, she goes to Spartacus' room to comfort him as he grieves and vents his rage.

Mira is later sent to care for Spartacus’ wounds from his fight with Varro, as Batiatus believes there might be affection between them that could aid Spartacus' recovery. When Spartacus awakens, he sees Mira watching over him, assuring him everything is alright. Noticing the man responsible for bringing his wife nearby, Spartacus demands answers about her fate. Mira obliges his request to unstrap him and keep watch at the door while Spartacus interrogates the man. After Spartacus strangles the man to death, Mira helps cover up the incident by strapping Spartacus back to the bed and lying about the cause of death.

Mira continues to show compassion and loyalty by looking after Aurelia, Varro’s widow, when she begins working in the Ludus. She helps Aurelia adjust to her new life as a slave and shields her from Ashur’s unwanted advances, reinforcing her role as a protector and ally.

After Naevia’s banishment from the Ludus, Mira and Aurelia are elevated to the roles of Lucretia’s personal body slaves, taking on more prominent duties in the household.

One night, Spartacus summons Mira to his chambers under the pretense of intimacy. However, he reveals his true intentions: he needs her help to aid the slaves’ revolt by opening the gate separating the ludus from the villa. Mira agrees but on one condition—that Spartacus sleep with her and offer her a glimpse of the love he once had for his late wife, Sura. Spartacus consents, and the two share a night together.

On the day of the revolt, during a grand celebration of Glaber’s patronage, Mira seizes her chance. While the nobles of Capua are distracted by a sparring match between Spartacus and Crixus, she slips away unnoticed. Using a shard of broken pottery, she brutally kills Linus, the guard at the gate, stabbing him in the neck multiple times. Despite her bloodied dress, she avoids detection.

When the gladiators launch their rebellion, Mira successfully opens the gate, enabling them to storm the villa and massacre the Roman guests. Following the violent uprising, she escapes alongside Spartacus and the other freed slaves and gladiators, solidifying her role as an integral member of the revolt.

Vengeance

In the aftermath of the breakout, Mira and Spartacus form a romantic relationship. While Mira finds happiness in their union, Spartacus remains emotionally tied to the memory of his late wife, Sura. His inability to fully open up to her causes Mira deep pain.

Mira suggests that the rebels would have better chances of survival in the mountains rather than the sewers of Capua. Spartacus agrees with her reasoning, but when she asks why they remain, he remains silent. Mira, however, already suspects the truth behind his reluctance.

The rebels soon learn that Gaius Claudius Glaber is marching toward them with an army of Roman soldiers. While most agree that fleeing is the safest option, Spartacus insists they are ready to face the Romans in battle. This stance is met with opposition from Oenomaus, Crixus, and Mira, who challenge his judgment. Mira eventually persuades Spartacus to abandon Capua and focus on finding Naevia with Crixus.

The following morning, Mira wakes to discover Spartacus has left without warning to confront Glaber alone. His reckless actions nearly result in his death, but he is rescued at the last moment by Crixus and the other rebels. Back in the sewers, Mira angrily confronts him, likening his actions to those of a reckless and vengeful boy. Spartacus retorts that he cannot allow Glaber to live after all he has done to him and his wife. Mira counters by urging him to see the bigger picture—that all the escaped slaves depend on him if they are ever to achieve true freedom.

The rebels invade a nearby villa, recruiting its enslaved inhabitants to their cause. During this time, Mira has a conversation with Chadara, whose remarks cause her to question the depth of her relationship with Spartacus and her significance in his life. Despite this, Mira grows more determined, joining Spartacus on missions and adopting a more serious and fearless demeanor.

During the mission to rescue Naevia from the Mines, Mira takes on a crucial role. Disguised as newly acquired slaves, the rebels infiltrate the Mines with Nasir posing as a messenger for the fictitious slaver, Ferox. Mira offers to retrieve a map from the overseer’s tent, using her wits and bravery to gain access. When the overseer attempts to assault her, she turns the situation in her favor, using his own knife to threaten him into revealing Naevia’s location. However, when he tries to attack her, she kills him in self-defense.

After freeing Naevia, the rebels are pursued by Marcus and his forces. Mira proves her growing combat prowess by killing a soldier during the chase. As casualties mount and Nasir is injured, Spartacus begins to blame himself, but Mira reassures him, saying that his actions have led to their newfound freedom.

When Marcus and his men confront them, Mira attempts to aid Spartacus in the battle but is knocked down. Spartacus intervenes, injuring Marcus and defeating the soldiers. The next day, as the group reaches Mount Vesuvius, they spot approaching figures. Spartacus urges Mira to take the others and flee, but she refuses, determined to stay by his side. The tension dissipates when the figures reveal themselves to be Agron and other returning rebels.

The group establishes a base at the Vesuvius Temple, where they meet Lucius Caelius, a Roman hermit who has turned against his people. Through him, the rebels learn of Crixus’ survival and impending execution at the Arena. Spartacus devises a rescue plan, with Mira playing a key role. While Spartacus and Agron infiltrate the Arena in disguise, Mira’s group is tasked with causing a massive distraction by destroying the structure itself.

Mira’s team successfully brings down the Arena, killing many Romans and allowing Spartacus to rescue Crixus and Oenomaus amidst the chaos. The mission solidifies her value to the rebellion and her evolution from a timid slave to a formidable and resourceful fighter.

After the fall of the Arena, the rebels begin preparing for the impending confrontation with Glaber and his forces. Under Lucius Caelius' guidance, Mira develops a friendship with him and learns to use a bow and arrow, quickly becoming highly skilled.

When Spartacus and Gannicus engage in a duel, Mira wishes to intervene but is advised to respect the fight. During the battle, she notices Chadara attempting to sneak away. Picking up her bow, Mira fires an arrow to stop her but accidentally kills Chadara. She then reveals that Chadara was planning to betray the rebels and frame Gannicus.

Despite the growing bond between Mira and Spartacus, she remains troubled by his lingering love for his deceased wife, Sura. Their relationship is further strained when Gannicus returns to camp with Ilithyia as a captive. Spartacus hesitates to harm Ilithyia, especially after she claims her unborn child is his. Mira, unwilling to see Spartacus kill the child—or one claimed to be his—takes matters into her own hands and attempts to strangle Ilithyia. Spartacus stops her, and Ilithyia is eventually released into the woods after Glaber dismissively states that her fate is of no concern to him, even inviting Spartacus to kill her.

Following Ilithyia's release, Mira notices a change in Spartacus. He grows distant, no longer sleeping beside her and speaking to her only to issue commands. When confronted, Spartacus admits their relationship is over, stating it ended because she tried to kill Ilithyia for the wrong reasons. Mira counters that she only wanted more of his love, but Spartacus replies that he had given her all that was left of his heart. Mira retorts that it wasn't enough, to which Spartacus quietly agrees.

To unite the Rebels, Spartacus devises a plan involving a staged attack on a cart of wine. The ploy brings everyone together as they feast and participate in team-based challenges. Mira is paired with Saxa, and the two work seamlessly to defeat their opponents. They celebrate their victory exuberantly, with Saxa even kissing Mira in gratitude.

Meanwhile, Ashur discovers Spartacus' hideout and shares the information with Glaber, who launches an attack with a large army. The Rebels retreat to the barren heights of Mount Vesuvius, leveraging its elevation for strategic advantage. When a group of restless Germans recklessly tries to break through the Roman forces, Spartacus, Mira, Gannicus, and others intervene to save them.

During the chaos, Mira sacrifices herself to save Spartacus, falling to Salvius’ axe, which had been aimed at him. Spartacus carries her body to the mountain's peak, where he wraps her in cloth and vines, creating a makeshift casket. The act of weaving vines gives Spartacus the idea to craft ropes that allow the Rebels to descend the unguarded side of the mountain. Mira’s death becomes a pivotal moment, inspiring the Rebels to escape and ultimately triumph over the Romans. Spartacus avenges her by killing both Salvius and Glaber.

War of the Dammed

In War of the Damned, Mira’s memory continues to be honored. After Crixus' death, a pyre is lit for the fallen, with Spartacus paying tribute to Mira alongside Sura and Varro during a ceremony for loved ones who were lost.

During Spartacus' final battle with Crassus, he experiences flashbacks of Mira, Sura, and Varro, drawing strength from their memories to continue fighting until the end.

Trivia

• The scene where Mira is introduced to Spartacus is notably similar to the introduction of Spartacus and Varinia in Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus film, leading fans to speculate that Mira might become Spartacus' second wife. This was partially realized in season 2.
• Mira also appears in Spartacus: Vengeance The Game.
• Initially, the creators intended for Mira to survive the Battle of Vesuvius and possibly become Gannicus's new lover, but this was changed during the writing of the final episode.
• Among Spartacus' lovers, Mira is the only one he technically breaks up with before their deaths.
• Mira is one of the characters most affected by Spartacus, having once been content with her life as a slave. Her love for Spartacus motivates her to join his rebellion and support his quest for revenge. Her jealousy and desire for his affection drive her to murderous actions when she learns of Ilithyia's possible pregnancy with his child.
• Mira was the eighth main character to be killed in the series.
• If Mira is from Hispania, her origins could either be Celtiberian (from the Guadalajara Province, Soria Province, or Castile-La Mancha in central Spain) or from the Lusitani tribal confederation (encompassing parts of Portugal and western Spain).
• The Latin term for a female slave is Ancilla (hand-maiden).
• The literal Latin rendering for a female body slave is Serva Corporis.
• The Latin word for "archer" is Sagittarius. Mira learned archery from the Roman exile Lucius Caelius.
• The name Mira is of Latin origin, meaning "wonder."