She is a strong hard working woman, mother to Samson. She has deep religious beliefs and is sterile. She receives the visit of God´s messenger enthusiastically. The messenger proclaims that she will give birth to a son who will begin to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines. Zila then becomes a harsh and rigid person, especially when Samson fails to live up to her expectations. She tries to help her son to become the man he is destined to be, but she is unaware that her demands contribute to move Samson away from his village. She builds strength through faith.