Sydney Fox is a Professor of Ancient Studies at the American University Trinity College who also somehow finds the time to travel the world retrieving lost or stolen antiquities.
She was portrayed by Tia Carrere in the 1999-2002 television series Relic Hunter created by Gil Grant.
Background[]
Sydney Fox is a Professor of Ancient Studies and a world-renowned relic hunter, blending academic expertise with a passion for adventure. Born and raised in Hawaii, Sydney's life was shaped by the loss of her mother at a young age. Left in the care of her father, Randal, a civil engineer who traveled the world constructing bridges and dams, Sydney was immersed in a life of exploration from the start. Surrounded by her father's adventurous colleagues, she developed a deep love for history and a thirst for discovery that would define her life's work.
During her formative years, Sydney moved frequently, gaining firsthand experience with diverse cultures across the globe. Her upbringing granted her an immense knowledge of history, languages, and archaeology, which would later serve her well in both the classroom and the field.
While still a small child, she was sent to boarding school. There, Alistair Newell, one of her teachers, became a mentor, introducing her to the world of relics. She eventually settled in San Francisco long enough to attend high school, where she excelled academically while also participating as a cheerleader before going on to college.
Sydney's academic achievements led her to a distinguished career as a professor, where she teaches courses on archaeology, cultural anthropology, history, and architecture. While her teaching methods can be unconventional—sometimes incorporating tribal dance rituals in ways that captivate and occasionally scandalize her students—her passion for education is undeniable. Despite her university obligations, Sydney often finds herself drawn into daring expeditions to recover lost relics. Her supervisors tolerate her frequent absences due to the invaluable artifacts she contributes to the university’s museum.
As a relic hunter, Sydney travels the world retrieving stolen or lost artifacts, ensuring they are returned to their rightful owners or preserved in museums rather than sold on the black market. Unlike rival treasure hunters who seek fortune and fame, Sydney’s motivation is purely academic and moral. She believes that relics should be studied and appreciated by humanity, not hoarded for personal gain. She is particularly determined to prevent powerful artifacts from falling into the wrong hands, aware that many hold dangerous secrets capable of causing harm if misused.
Sydney’s combat skills make her a formidable opponent in the field. Trained in Tai Chi Chuan and other martial arts, she is highly proficient in hand-to-hand combat and weapons training. While she relies on her intelligence and agility to navigate treacherous situations, she is not afraid to engage in a fight when necessary. Her weapon of choice is a Persian hand-crossbow, which she primarily uses to disable traps rather than as an offensive tool.
Her expeditions are often accompanied by her loyal assistant, Nigel Bailey, a skilled linguist and historian. While he initially struggled to keep up with her unorthodox methods, Nigel has become an invaluable partner in her adventures. Sydney is also aided by her secretary, first Claudia and later Karen, both of whom provide logistical support from the university. Her extensive global network includes contacts in archaeology, law enforcement, and the black market, making her well-connected in both academic and underground circles.
Despite her fearless nature, Sydney is fiercely protective of her friends and colleagues. She will go to great lengths to rescue or avenge those she cares about, often embarking on dangerous missions without hesitation. Her recklessness sometimes lands her in perilous situations, but her quick thinking and combat prowess allow her to emerge victorious more often than not.
Comfortable in her own skin, Sydney exudes confidence both in battle and in everyday life. She is unbothered by societal conventions about modesty, often nonchalantly walking around in minimal clothing, much to the discomfort or amusement of those around her. Her daring, intelligence, and charisma make her an unforgettable figure in both academia and the world of relic hunting.
External Links[]
- Relic Hunter at Wikipedia
- Relic Hunter at TV Tropes
- Sydney Fox at Relic Hunter Wiki