Ramírez trained Connor MacLeod primarily to ensure MacLeod could defend himself and to cultivate him as an ally against powerful evils like the Kurgan.
Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, an ancient Immortal, took on the mentorship of Connor MacLeod, the Highlander, soon after MacLeod's own realization of his immortality. This rigorous training, which lasted for over a year, was crucial for MacLeod's survival and future role in the Game.
There were two main motivations behind Ramírez's decision to train MacLeod:
-
Self-Defense and Survival:
- Upon realizing his immortality, MacLeod was vulnerable and inexperienced in the ways of Immortals. He was unaware of the "Game" – the ongoing battle where Immortals seek to decapitate each other to absorb their Quickening.
- Ramírez understood the immediate danger MacLeod faced from other Immortals, particularly the ruthless Kurgan. Without proper training, MacLeod would quickly fall victim.
- Ramírez taught MacLeod vital skills:
- Swordsmanship, including various combat styles and techniques.
- Understanding the nature of immortality and the rules of the Game.
- Strategies for survival, evasion, and engaging other Immortals.
- The importance of remaining unnoticed by mortals.
-
Alliance Against Evil (Specifically the Kurgan):
- Ramírez recognized MacLeod's inherent good nature and potential. He believed MacLeod could become a formidable force for good in the eternal struggle against malevolent Immortals.
- The Kurgan was a significant threat, a powerful and destructive Immortal who had already proven his brutality. Ramírez hoped that by training MacLeod, he would create a champion capable of standing against the Kurgan and ultimately defeating him.
- This aspect of the training was not just about MacLeod's personal safety but about protecting humanity from the Kurgan's destructive path and ensuring that the "Prize" (the ultimate power gained by the last remaining Immortal) would fall into honorable hands.
| Aspect of Training | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Combat Skills | To enable MacLeod to fight and survive other Immortals. |
| Rules of the Game | To understand the unique existence of Immortals and their ultimate goal. |
| Strategic Thinking | To prepare MacLeod for the long-term conflict and eventual confrontation with the Kurgan. |
Ramírez's mentorship was foundational for Connor MacLeod, transforming him from a bewildered Highlander into a skilled warrior ready to face the challenges of his immortal life.
