The Fierce Falka: Unveiling the Enigmatic Hooded Scottish Woman's Role in Ciri's New Identity

Warning: spoilers for The Witcher season 3 Part 2.

Summary

Falka is a female character featured in the books of Andrzej Sapkowski. She is a woman of quarter-elf heritage who initiates a rebellion with the aim of reclaiming her rightful position as the King's eldest offspring. In the concluding part of season 3, Ciri adopts the name Falka, embracing a more sinister aspect of her persona.

The Witcher season 3 concluded with the introduction of Falka, a enigmatic woman who unexpectedly appeared to Ciri during her vulnerable state. The reason behind Ciri adopting Falka's name in the season finale remains a mystery. Season 3 of Netflix's The Witcher was highly anticipated due to it being Henry Cavill's final season as Geralt of Rivia, as well as the multitude of significant events it encompassed. With numerous factions searching for Ciri for varying motives, Geralt, Yennefer of Vengerberg, and Ciri made every effort to stay together and safe throughout the season. However, the finale of Part 1 ultimately forced them to once again part ways. The Thanedd Coup shook the lives of all the characters in The Witcher, and after Vilgefortz defeated Geralt, Ciri unintentionally transported herself through a portal to Korath's desert. During this journey, Ciri, also known as the Lion Cub of Cintra, experienced visions and hallucinations of her loved ones before encountering a mysterious entity that had been silently tracking her: Falka. In the final moments of The Witcher season 3, Ciri used Falka's name to safeguard her identity when encountering the Rats. The significance and true identity of Falka remain unknown, leaving audiences to ponder her connection to Ciri.

Falka's Backstory In The Witcher Explained

Falka, unlike other characters in Netflix's The Witcher, originates from Andrzej Sapkowski's books. She is a quarter-elf woman and the eldest daughter of Redania's King Vridank and his first wife, Beatrix of Kovir. When King Vridank met Cerro, he divorced Queen Beatrix, sending her and their one-year-old daughter Falka back to Kovir. Years later, Falka was determined to reclaim her rightful position as the King's eldest child and initiated a rebellion. She killed her father, her half-brothers Heltmult and Denhard, and Queen Cerro. Meanwhile, Riannon, Cerro's adopted daughter and Ciri's fourth great-grandmother, was imprisoned in Houtborg Castle while pregnant. Riannon gave birth to twins and went insane. Around the same time, Falka also gave birth to a daughter and left her in the care of the mentally unstable Riannon. Eventually, the rebellion was suppressed and Falka was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to death by burning at the stake. According to legend, Falka cursed all those present and pledged that they and their descendants would suffer at the hands of a child carrying her blood.

Who Plays Falka In The Witcher Season 3

Falka's character in The Witcher season 3 Part 2 is portrayed by Hiftu Quasem. Quasem embarked on her acting journey in 2015, starring in short films Last Night in Edinburgh and Tehzeeb. Over the following years, she took on supporting roles in various TV series including Traces, Deadwater Fell, Casualty, Endeavour, The Nest, and Killing Eve. In 2022, Quasem played Misha Virani in the TV series Ten Percent and Sandy Hepburn in Granite Harbour. Before her appearance in season 3 Part 2, Quasem made her initial connection to The Witcher universe through a voice cameo in the prequel miniseries The Witcher: Blood Origin, where she portrayed the "voice of light" that the druid Balor encounters in another realm. The future of Hiftu Quasem's involvement as Falka in future seasons of The Witcher remains uncertain, but she has undoubtedly made an impact on Ciri's narrative.

Why Ciri Calls Herself Falka In The Witcher Season 3's Ending

The inclusion of Ciri adopting Falka's name in the finale of The Witcher season 3 mirrors its origin from the books. In the original source material, Falka manifested to Ciri through a pyromantic vision resulting from her manipulation of fire magic. However, the Netflix adaptation takes a different approach, as Falka appears to the vulnerable Princess of Cintra amidst her trials in the harsh Korath desert. During their encounter, Falka conveys their shared experiences as princesses forsaken by those entrusted to keep them safe, highlighting their shared insanity. Furthermore, Falka divulges the location where Ciri will eventually be held captive, and it is in this moment that Ciri recognizes her true identity.

In the finale of The Witcher season 3, following her rescue by the Rats with Kayleigh, Ciri revealed herself as Falka when asked for her name. This symbolic act signifies her commitment to unleashing her anger and utterly dismantling the oppressive system she despises. Ciri's newfound embrace of her darker side is a response to the harrowing and life-threatening situations she has found herself in. Identifying as "Falka" serves as a clear distinction between her previous roles as the Lion Cub of Cintra and a witcher, and her current identity as a possible ruthless killer.