Castration (also referred to as gelding, spaying, neutering, fixing, orchiectomy, oophorectomy) is any action, surgical, chemical, or otherwise, by which a male loses the functions of the testicles or a female loses the functions of the ovaries.

The practice of castration has its roots before recorded human history. Castration was frequently used for religious or social reasons in certain cultures in Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and East Asia. After battles in some cases, winners castrated their captives or the corpses of the defeated to symbolize their victory and "seize" their power. Castrated men — eunuchs – were often admitted to special social classes and were used particularly to staff bureaucracies and palace households: in particular, the harem. Castration also figured in a number of religious castration cults. Other religions, for example Judaism, were strongly opposed to the practice. The Leviticus Holiness code, for example, specifically excludes eunuchs or any males with defective genitals from the priesthood, just as castrated animals are excluded from sacrifice.

Alfie Evan Allen (born 12 September 1986) is an English actor, best known for his role as Theon Greyjoy in the HBO series Game of Thrones.

Allen was born in Hammersmith, London, the son of actor and musician Keith Allen, and film producer Alison Owen. His older sister is singer Lily Allen. "Alfie", the eleventh song on her debut album Alright, Still is about him.

Allen went to St John's College in Southsea, Portsmouth; and the Fine Arts College, Hampstead where he studied for his A levels.

Allen's first professional appearance was in a one-off Channel 4 comedy, You Are Here in 1998, co-written by Matt Lucas and David Walliams. The same year, Allen and his sister Lily appeared in the 1998 film, Elizabeth, which was produced by their mother. His early work included small roles in Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London, directed by his uncle Kevin Allen, the film Atonement and in BBC1's historical hospital drama, Casualty 1907, as Nobby Clark.

Starting in Chichester on 31 January 2008, he took over Daniel Radcliffe's role in a revival of Equus on a nationwide tour. In April 2009, he co-starred with then partner Jaime Winstone in the music video for "Dust Devil" by Madness. He also had a role in the BBC2 film, Freefall.

Manuel Zarzo (born 26 April 26 1932) is a Spanish film actor. He has appeared in over 150 films since 1951. He was born in Madrid, Spain.