Sineya: The First Slayer

Played by Sharon Ferguson, Sineya made her first appearance in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 4, episode 22, "Restless". Having been evoked in a spell to defeat Adam, Sineya tried to kill Buffy, Willow, Xander, and Giles. Believing their brief union to be an affront to the role of The Slayer, she attacked them in their dreams. Fortunately, the Scooby Gang was able to defeat her. However, Sineya foreshadowed several events that would come to fruition during Buffy the Vampire Slayer seasons 5 and 6.

A spiritual being known as The Guide would later take Sineya's form to impart further prophetic wisdom —  even alluding to the sacrifice Buffy would make after her battle with Glory. Sineya would feature in several more visions during the Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic books. She never had an official Watcher and so the circumstances of her death were never recorded. Her powers would directly on, however, birthing the entire Slayer Line.

The Slayer Line: Pre-Buffy (40 - 1899)

Following Sineya, there were several Slayers written about in various tie-in novels and short stories. Unfortunately, earning nary a mention or reference on either Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Angel, they were largely deemed non-canonical. It wouldn't be until the official comic book continuation that the history of the Slayer line was firmly expanded upon.

Related: Buffy The Vampire Slayer: How A Forgotten Holiday Created A Plot Hole

• Unnamed Roman Slayer: Little is known about this Slayer, even their Watcher's name. However, they were confirmed to have been active between 40 and 41 A.D. They operated almost entirely in Rome, Italy.
• Unnamed Aztec Slayer: Though never given a name, this Slayer appeared in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 comic series. During the issues Return to Sunnydale, Part One and Part Two it was revealed that this particular Slayer was the nemesis of a creature known as the Soul Glutton. Having traveled to its Hell dimension, she slew its entire family. Active in the 14th century, she often fought with a mystical, energy-draining sword. She would again be mentioned in the later season 10 issue, In Pieces on the Ground, Part Four.
• Unnamed Italian Slayer: Also active in the 14th century, the next Slayer was based in Italy and doubled as a barmaid. She made her debut in The Origin, Part One. Though preceding multiple seasons of the show and the entire comic book continuation, Whedon himself deemed it canonical. This was mostly due to its faithful blending of his original film script and elements established by the TV series. Whedon especially praised the removal of Sutherland's Merrick in favor of the TV version. The Italian Slayer was designed in Swanson's likeness.
• Unnamed British Slayer: Following the death of her Italian predecessor, a noblewoman was called at the age of 16. Though she initially refused her destiny, she ultimately took the stake and the opportunity to become something more. She was also designed in Swanson's likeness.
• Unnamed British Slayer #2: A second unnamed Slayer emerged in England during the Middle Ages. She debuted within the pages of Tales of the Slayers graphic novel — namely the second story, Righteous. Learning of her destiny in a church, she eventually pursued her calling with a religious conviction. In the process, she battled and defeated a notorious vampire named Saint Just. Tragically, her village subsequently labeled her a witch and burned her at the stake. In revenge, her Watcher allowed Saint Just's followers to return and massacre the village.
• Unnamed Spanish Slayer: This particular Slayer is mentioned by Angel in the eason 8, issue 35, "Twilight, Part Four". As he and Buffy ascend to the Twilight realm, their clothes and environment are frequently changed. After Buffy's switched to a Spanish mourning dress, Angel noted it was the traditional attire of a previous Slayer. She had been active in Spain during the 1590s.
• Unnamed South Asian Slayer: Like above, Buffy's attire switched to that of this Slayer while on the Twilight plane of existence. It was comprised of an orange sari and was again noted by Angel. This Slayer was active throughout India during the 17th century. As well as referenced in Twilight, Part Four, she appeared via flashbacks in Twilight, Part Three, during visions in Tales of the Slayers, and again via flashbacks in Fray: Ready, Steady...
• Unnamed Japanese Slayer: Details on this subsequent Slayer are extremely scarce. Active in Japan, they were merely recorded to have died in 1612.
• Unnamed Twilight Slayer: Active during the 1680s, this Slayer was mentioned in Twilight, Part Three. The Watchers Council of the era had mistakenly believed she would be responsible for causing the Twilight apocalypse. In their fear, they all committed suicide by poisoning their own drinks while dining.
• Unnamed Weaponsmith Slayer: This Slayer was mentioned during Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 5, episode 7, "Fool for Love". With Buffy eager to learn more about Slayers and, most especially, their last battles, she and Giles combed through the Watcher diaries. One such entry mentioned a Slayer active in the 18th century — one that forged all of her own weapons.
• Unnamed Hong Kong Slayer: Also active during the 18th century, she debuted alongside some of the above in The Origin, Part One. Active in Hong Kong, she had also worked as a prostitute. With the saga fleshing out the history of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie villain, Lothos, she was one of the many Slayers he'd killed over the centuries.
• Claudine: Active in Paris during the French revolution, Claudine debuted in the third story of Tales of the Slayers graphic novel, titled The Innocent. She would later also feature in the Lost and Found one-shot, Notes from the Underground, Part Three, and Twilight, Part Three. Claudine was noted as having a romantic relationship with her Watcher. Ultimately, however, he tricked her into killing an aristocrat, telling her he was a vampire. Afterward, she worked and hunted alone. Unfortunately, she was killed by a random vampire in 1792.
• Yuki Makimura: Originally a non-canonical character, Yuki was eventually elevated to the main continuity, courtesy of an appearance in the final story of the Tales of the Slayers graphic novel. She would later return in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 8, issue 5, "The Chain". Yuki was called as a Slayer in the 18th century. Trained by a samurai Watcher, she served for two years. Tragically, after her Watcher committed Seppuku, Yuki was captured and sired by The Master (Mark Metcalf). After becoming a vampire, she remained fiercely loyal to The Master. In service of that loyalty, she would attack Sunnydale in an effort to kill Buffy for killing him, and Spike (James Marsters) for ruining The Master's posthumous plans by killing the Anointed One. Yuki would go on to try and resurrect The Master, using Xander Harris as a vessel. She was ultimately killed by Buffy.
• Elizabeth Weston: Throughout 1813, Elizabeth was active throughout Somerset, England. ed by her unnamed Watcher, Elizabeth assumed the identity of Edward Weston. She did this so that she could better navigate society, avoiding the restrictions imposed on women at the time. The disguise would ultimately pay dividends, with her allowed to attend an exclusive ball as a result. It was there that she landed her most famous kill, slaying an aristocratic vampire named Catherine.
• Naayéé'neizgháni: This Native American Slayer debuted in the fifth story in Tales of the Slayers, titled The Glittering World. She was active circa 1841. After her Watcher was killed, she would track the vampire responsible to the area that would one day become Sunnydale. Already host to various demons and vampires, Naayéé'neizgháni was mortally wounded in the conflict. Regardless, she was successful in avenging her Watcher before she succumbed. Her story would later be relayed to Richard Wilkins (Harry Groener), who wanted to know the land's accursed history prior to establishing the town.

Xin Rong

Originally credited as Chinese Slayer, Xin Rong would later be given a name in subsequent graphic novels. Played by Ming Qiu, Xin first appeared in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 5, episode 7, "Fool for Love". With Buffy nearly bested by an ordinary vampire, she was eager to learn about previous Slayer defeats. Notorious for defeating two Slayers, Buffy sought to hear from Spike the details of those battles. The first occurred during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900, in, then, Peking, China — back when Spike still traveled with Darla (Julie Benz), Drusilla (Juliet Landau), and Angelus, collectively known as The Whirlwind. Despite Xin being extremely disciplined, Spike was ultimately able to get the upper hand. Xin would make further appearances through flashbacks and visions in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 8, Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 10, and finally, Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 12.

The Slayer Line: Pre-Buffy (1920 - 1970)

• Unnamed 1920s Slayer: This particular Slayer was one of two noted to have been active in the 1920s. No name or further specifics were ever offered.
• Unnamed 1920s Slayer #2: This particular Slayer was second of two noted to have been active in the 1920s. No name or further specifics were ever offered.
• Unnamed Korean Slayer: Directly mentioned by Sid the Puppet in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 1, episode 9, "The Puppet Show", this Slayer was active in the 1930s. Prior to being trapped in the body of the ventriloquist's dummy, Sid had been a notable demon hunter. He referenced knowing and as having enjoyed some good times with her, offering no details beyond her being "Korean" and "very hot".
• Unnamed Pilot Slayer: Appearing in the meta comic book series Tales, this Slayer was also active in the 1930s. Details for her are scarce. She was, however, distinguished by her choice to always wear a pilot helmet into battle.
• Rachel O'Connor: Active in 1937, Rachel operated in and around New York City. Her methods usually involved her posing as a blind pencil salesman, in order to lure vampires and monsters to slay. In Tales of the Slayers: Broken Bottle of Djinn, she was recruited by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). On their behalf, she intercepted and defeated a Nazi spy who was smuggling supernatural artifacts into the United States. Though the spy successfully released a Djinn, Rachel was able to trap it in its bottle again — where it remained until 1997, when it found its way to Sunnydale High School.
• Anni "Sonnenblume": Anni became the Slayer in 1938. Born and raised in , she was indoctrinated into the Hitler Youth growing up. Called at 15, she was guided by her Watcher in recognizing evil. As such, Anni came to see it in the humans around her as well as within demons. From then on, she dedicated herself to combating Nazis as well as vampires. On Kristallnacht (the Night of Broken Glass), Anni even saved the Green family from being taken to a concentration camp. After debuting in Tales of the Slayers: Sonnenblume, the character returned via flashbacks and visions in several other comic stories.

Nikki Wood

Initially credited as the Subway Slayer, Nikki was the second Slayer to appear via flashback in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 5, episode 7, "Fool for Love". Played by April Weeden, the flashback depicted her similarly engaging Spike in an ill-fated battle, albeit aboard a subway train in New York City. By that point, Nikki had been the Slayer for an impressive seven years. The character would also later be revisited on-screen in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 7. She first appeared in a new flashback, showing an earlier, less fatal clash with Spike in Central Park. Nikki was this time played by K.D Aubert.

Related: Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Every Major Filming Location In The TV Show

Once it was revealed that Robin Wood (D.B. Woodside) was her son, The First assumed her form to torment and manipulate him. The comics would further flesh out her tenure as a Slayer. In Tales of the Slayers, Nikki was depicted to have been in a relationship with an NYPD police officer named Li. After Li was killed by a vampire named Le Banc, Nikki would personally get revenge upon both him and the giant bat he called a pet.  It was also revealed she'd been forced to undergo the traditional Tento di Cruiiamentum trial (battling a vampire without powers) despite being pregnant. Nikki also figured into Buffy's dilemma when she mistakenly believed she was pregnant in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 9, issue 6, "On Your Own, Part One".

India Cohen

India Cohen's inclusion in the official canon has been widely debated over the years. She was never directly named on either of the shows, nor did she make an appearance in the subsequent comic book continuations. However, appearing in The Book of Fours novel and a short story titled The Code of the Samurai, she perfectly fills one of the most questioned gaps in the Slayer timeline. Active between 1993 and 1996, India was Buffy's direct predecessor. As such, she is held in official esteem by many Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans. Equally, nothing ever overtly contradicted her position.

Born in North Carolina, India became the Slayer while living in Japan. Like Claudine, India fell in love with her young Watcher, Christopher "Kit" Botwell. She would ultimately sacrifice herself to save both him and her family. India's ghost would go on to briefly possess Willow before she once again sacrificed herself. India was briefly referenced in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 2, episode 21, "Becoming, Part One" — when Angel's associate, Whistler (Max Perlich), remarked that Buffy was "prettier than the last one".

Buffy Summers

Gellar debuted as Buffy Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 1, episode 1, "Welcome to the Hellmouth". With a history that already felt lived in, Buffy would go on to save the world... a lot. In of Big Bads alone, Buffy and her friends successfully defeated The Master, Angelus, The Mayor, Adam (George Hertzberg), Glory (Clare Kramer), The Trio plus Dark Willow, and, finally, The First Evil. She would occasionally lose her life in the process. However, much like the quality of the show itself, she would always bounce back. With Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 7, episode 22, "Chosen", the journey of Buffy Summers was left with a brief smile and the question of, "What are we gonna do now?"

Related: Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Actresses Who Almost Played Buffy Summers

The answer to that question would come in the official Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic books. Having turned every potential Slayer into a full-fledged one, Buffy helped to establish the Slayer Organization. As the world became more and more aware of the supernatural elements among them, Buffy remained steadfast in her duty to protect it. Firstly, she became aware of an ancient and prophesized threat known as Twilight. Though Buffy successfully defeated it, she did so at the cost of all magic in the world. Buffy then settled in San Francisco and continued her duties as fresh threats emerged from the new status quo. Once magic was restored, Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 12 saw her tackle one last apocalypse in the form of The Reckoning — an event that, even when defeated, irrevocably affected the entire timeline. When last seen, Buffy sat down to enjoy the closest thing she'd had to a day off since her brief tenure as a rat in season 2.

Kendra Young

Played by Bianca Lawson, Kendra served as a Slayer from May 1997 to May 1998. Acknowledged as a potential Slayer from a young age, her parents gave up custody of Kendra to her Watcher. As a result, she would grow up extremely well-versed in the lore, and became fiercely dedicated to her calling. After Buffy briefly died at the hands of The Master, Kendra was officially activated. She made her official debut in season 2, episode 9, "What's My Line, Part One", having traveled from Jamaica to Sunnydale. Her interactions with the Scooby Gang served to soften and lighten her demeanor. She would later return in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 2, episode 21, "Becoming, Part One". During that episode, she was tragically killed by Drusilla. Throughout the show, she never had a surname. Whedon himself, however, attributed one to her ahead of a subsequent video game. Kendra would only make one brief appearance in the comics, courtesy of a vision in the last issue.

Faith Lehane

Played by Eliza Dushku, Faith made her debut in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 3, episode 3, "Faith, Hope & Trick". Like Kendra, she initially wasn't given a last name until the video game. Activated in the wake of Kendra's death, Faith fled to Sunnydale when her Watcher was murdered. She quickly ed the Scooby ranks, operating as the Yin to Buffy's Yang. After killing the Deputy Mayor, mistaking him for a vampire, she quickly descended to the dark side. Siding with The Mayor, who became somewhat of a father figure, she murderously helped him towards his ascension. After his defeat and some time in a coma, Faith would engage in some more acts of villainy. Defeated yet again by Buffy and her friends, she left Sunnydale for Los Angeles.

Once there, she was hired by Wolfram & Hart to kill Angel in Angel season 1, episode 18, "Five by Five". At first, Faith embraced the task, attacking Angel openly and torturing Wesley Wyndam-Price. However, she eventually gave in to her inner turmoil, and broke down in Angel's arms. With his help, Faith committed to a path of redemption — even surrendering to the police and willingly going to prison for her crimes. She would later escape in order to help restore Angel's soul before returning to Sunnydale and helping Buffy defeat The First. Surviving the final battle, Faith's redemptive journey would continue in the comics. She appeared in every comic book season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, yet again surviving loyally (if sometimes contrastingly) alongside Buffy to the very end. Faith also featured heavily in Angel's own on-the-page continuation and partnered up with him for the titular Faith & Angel comics.

Related: Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Why Faith’s Original Plan Would’ve Been Much Worse

Kennedy

Played by Iyari Limon, Kennedy was one of the potential Slayers who arrived in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 7. As one of the more outspoken, she often questioned Buffy's leadership, and later concurred with evicting Buffy from the team. She also developed a romantic relationship with Willow. Both elements would continue long into the comics after Kennedy had been activated as a full Slayer and survived the final battle in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series finale. After briefly moving to Brazil and then to New York, however, Kennedy and Willow would part ways. Regardless, Kennedy remained a steadfast ally when needed. She would also go on to form her own security company, Deepscan, which, at one point or another, would go on to briefly count Buffy, Faith, and several other Slayers as employees.