The Definitive Transformation: Yennefer's Epic Journey Unraveled in The Witcher – A Spectacular Evolution Beyond Controversial Book Adaptations

Warning: spoilers for The Witcher season 3 part 2

Summary

In The Witcher season 3, Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri are finally united as a family. However, their joy is short-lived as they are forced to separate for their own safety. Yennefer's endearing reference to Ciri as "my daughter" not only resolves contentious book alterations in the show, but also strengthens their unbreakable mother-daughter relationship.

Yennefer's character undergoes development and embarks on a new path in season 3 of The Witcher, but her future remains uncertain as she faces the threat of both capture and torture. The season also showcases heartwarming moments between Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer before their eventual separation. Additionally, a significant interaction between Ciri and Yennefer addresses controversial changes from the previous seasons. After exploring prequel stories in other formats, The Witcher universe returns to the main series to continue the narratives of Yennefer of Vengerberg, Geralt of Rivia, and Ciri. Despite spending two seasons apart, the third season finally brings these three characters together, forming a unique and temporary family dynamic.

Why Yennefer Calling Ciri "Daughter" Is So Important In The Witcher

Amidst the relentless pursuit of Ciri due to her rare Elder Blood, Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri diligently strived to conceal themselves and ensure their safety. However, the Thanedd Coup caused a profound upheaval for everyone involved, prompting this resilient family to part ways in order to protect themselves. Prior to their separation, Yennefer reassured Ciri and Geralt that they would always reunite ("never lost, always found"), marking a pivotal moment in the series as the sorceress finally referred to the Lion Cub of Cintra as "my daughter." In doing so, The Witcher rectified two contentious book alterations spanning across two seasons.

The universe of The Witcher is filled with countless events and adventures, whether in the books or the video games. However, at the core of the series lies a beautiful familial bond between Ciri, Yennefer, and Geralt. Ciri, the Princess of Cintra, comes to view the sorceress and the witcher as her beloved parents, while they reciprocate by loving her as their own daughter. In the first season of The Witcher, we only begin to scratch the surface of this relationship between Yennefer, Geralt, and Ciri. It is understandable, as the season primarily focuses on introducing the characters, delving into their backgrounds, and establishing their integral roles within the overarching storyline.

The Witcher season 2 was anticipated to showcase the development of a familial bond between Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri, particularly based on the novel Blood of Elves, which explores the relationship between Yennefer and Ciri. However, Netflix’s The Witcher took a controversial departure from the source material and made significant changes to the characters and their narratives, primarily focusing on Yennefer. After losing her powers due to her use of fire magic in the Battle of Sodden Hill at the conclusion of The Witcher season 1, Yennefer made a pact with the Voleth Meir to regain her abilities - the catch being that the Deathless Mother demanded Ciri in return. Although Yennefer initially intended to sacrifice Ciri, she ultimately redeemed herself in the finale of The Witcher season 2 by offering herself as a vessel for the Deathless Mother.

Understandably, it took Geralt and Ciri some time to rebuild their trust in Yennefer during the initial episodes of The Witcher season 3. However, their bond quickly strengthened as Yennefer trained Ciri in the art of magic. As they prepared to part ways once again during the Thanedd Coup, Yennefer assured Ciri that they would always find each other, expressing her love for her daughter with a heartfelt kiss on the cheek before departing. Finally, Yennefer and Ciri have the mother-daughter relationship depicted in the books, giving Yennefer a new sense of purpose and satisfying her deepest desires.

The Witcher Season 3, Part 2 Makes Yennefer's Story Much Better

What's Next For Yennefer In The Witcher?

The Witcher season 1 primarily focused on introducing the main characters and delving into their backstories, providing an understanding of their roles within the series. However, in season 2, there was a significant regression in Yennefer's character development. Instead of further exploring her role as a powerful sorceress and mother figure to Ciri, she became a self-centered antagonist, betraying an innocent girl to regain her lost powers. Fortunately, in The Witcher season 3, Yennefer's character is given more depth and growth. Although it took her some time to overcome the mistakes of the previous season, she has finally found her rightful place.

With the destruction of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers, the demise of Tissaia, and the disappearance of Ciri, Yennefer's journey is set to become even more intense. The Witcher season 3 finale unveils Yennefer and the surviving sorceresses embarking on the formation of the Lodge of Sorceresses. However, if the series stays true to the books, Yennefer's fate will lead her into the clutches of Vilgefortz, where she will endure capture and torment.

Depending on the extent of its progression, The Witcher series on Netflix may depict Ciri successfully advocating for Yennefer's release and Geralt's subsequent attempt to rescue them. However, the sorceress and the witcher might end up being apprehended by the White Flame. The fate of Yennefer in the Netflix series remains uncertain, as it remains to be seen whether her story will align with the tragic ending depicted in The Witcher books or if the series will introduce a different conclusion for her character.