Attention: spoilers for The Witcher Season 3 and the books lie ahead.
With the upcoming season 3 of The Witcher, major developments are in store for Geralt of Rivia, Yennefer of Vengerberg, and Ciri. Notably, Ciri's fate unfolds in the aftermath of season 3. Netflix has decided to present The Witcher season 3 as a momentous occasion, dividing it into two parts. This decision holds significance as it marks Henry Cavill's final season portraying Geralt of Rivia. Consequently, the introduction of Liam Hemsworth as the new Geralt in season 4 has generated heightened anticipation and curiosity surrounding season 3. However, the departure of Cavill poses a potential risk for The Witcher, as it may result in a significant portion of its viewership being lost.
The Witcher season 3 brings Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer together as they strive to remain united and evade various factions pursuing Ciri following the previous season's events. However, the true danger they face lies much closer than they anticipated. Ciri finds herself in immense peril as numerous entities across the Continent seek to capture her for her Elder blood, dashing any hopes of a happy ending. Netflix's The Witcher has much more of Ciri's journey to explore, but for those who understandably choose to discontinue watching after season 3, here are eight pivotal moments in Ciri's tale following the events of The Witcher season 3 and the novel Time of Contempt.
8 Ciri Joins The Gang Known As “The Rats”
After the Thanedd Coup, depicted in Time of Contempt, Ciri finds herself taken captive by Nilfgaardian bounty hunters. In a parallel turn of events, Kayleigh, a member of the Rats, becomes a prisoner of the rival Nissir faction. When these two groups intersect in Glyswen, Ciri courageously aids Kayleigh in evading her captors upon discovering the imminent danger they pose. In a fortuitous twist, the remaining Rats arrive just in time to fend off the threat. Witnessing Ciri's remarkable swordsmanship, the Rats are both astounded and captivated, ultimately granting her freedom among their ranks. Although the Rats are united by their criminal inclinations and penchant for luxury, they also share a commonality as war refugees, which offers Ciri a newfound sense of belonging.
7 A Fake Ciri Is Presented In Nilfgaard
Ciri joins the Rats and assumes the identity of Falka. In alignment with the Rats' penchant for violence, Ciri regularly engages in acts of murder, ultimately succumbing to an unhealthy obsession with it. While with the Rats, she develops a toxic romantic relationship with Mistle, a fellow member, but their bond dissolves when Ciri discovers the existence of a counterfeit version of herself in Nilfgaard.
As the pursuit of Ciri persists, a counterfeit Ciri is introduced in Nilfgaard. This imposter is an orphan from the noble lineage of Cintra, abducted by Rience and his cohorts and transported to Nilfgaard as the purported Ciri. Naturally, the Emperor swiftly discerns the deception, yet he bestows upon her the titles meant for the real Ciri while commanding the relentless search for his rightful daughter to proceed. Emhyr dispatches her to Darn Rowan, a distant location far from the capital, where she is entrusted to the care of Countess Stella Congreve.
6 Ciri Gets Her Revenge On Rience
Despite her contentment with the Rats, Ciri departs upon discovering the existence of a counterfeit version of herself. Her motive is to regain her rightful position and expose the lies perpetrated by Emhyr. Tragically, the Rats meet their demise at the hands of bounty hunter Leo Bonhart. In an attempt to rescue her friends, Ciri confronts Bonhart but is defeated and ultimately kidnapped. Unbeknownst to her, Bonhart was covertly hired by Imperial coroner Stefen Skellen. Subsequently, Bonhart compels Ciri to fight for her life in a gladiatorial arena, thereby confirming her identity and her training as a witcher. Several months later, Bonhart, Skellen, and Rience converge, but Ciri manages to escape with the aid of a traitor in Skellen's faction. Unfortunately, Skellen inflicts a facial wound upon her in the process.
In her injured state, Ciri encounters Vysogota, an aged philosopher, to whom she recounts her dramatic tale. Upon discovering that Skellen's operatives lie in wait, she swiftly equips herself with a pair of ice skates and flees. Ciri lures Bonhart, Skellen, and Rience to a frozen lake, prompting Skellen to demand that Rience employ his magic to halt the princess. Afraid, Rience casts a spell that partially succeeds, causing the ice beneath them to crack. Falling into the icy water, Rience clings to the periphery of the ice, pleading for assistance, but the remainder of the group hastily escapes. Rience attempts to negotiate with Ciri, hoping she will save him, but instead, she skillfully maneuvers along the edge of the ice, slicing through his fingers and ultimately leading to his demise by drowning.
5 Ciri Portals To The World Of The Aen Elle
To Bonhart's surprise, the legendary Tower of the Swallow emerges from the mist, allowing Ciri to enter and transporting her to an alternate reality. In this realm, she finds herself in the world of the Aen Elle elves, where the formidable Wild Hunt resides. There, she encounters the wise Avallac'h, who enlightens her about her Elven ancestry and reveals that her child is destined to become the most formidable wielder of magic in history, capable of saving the world from imminent catastrophe. Reluctantly, Ciri agrees to bear this child with their king, Auberon. Sadly, Auberon proves unsuccessful in fulfilling his duty, and Ciri manages to escape after his demise, caused by Eredin's ingestion of an aphrodisiac potion.
Eredin, relentless in his pursuit, engages in a fierce battle with Ciri. She inflicts a significant wound upon him before hurling him into the river. With the assistance of her trusted old unicorn companion named Ihuarraquax, she successfully escapes from this realm. Despite her efforts to traverse various worlds and time periods, Ciri fails to locate her true place. It is only when she encounters Nimue and Condwiramurs in the distant future that she finally finds the guidance she needs. They assist her in conjuring the correct portal.
4 Ciri Is Imprisoned By Vilgefortz
Once immersed in her rightful reality, Ciri successfully reaches Stygga Castle with the aim of rescuing Yennefer and sacrificing herself to Vilgefortz in exchange for the sorceress' liberation. However, Vilgefortz harbors alternate intentions. Unveiling his plot to exploit Ciri's Elder Blood by impregnating her, he proceeds to imprison the princess. Thankfully, Geralt and his newfound allies launch an assault on the stronghold, securing the release of Yennefer and Ciri. Nevertheless, along her journey, Ciri crosses paths with Leo Bonhart, a relentless bounty hunter. Engaging in a fierce battle with the assailant, Ciri inflicts severe wounds upon him. Just as it appears Bonhart may have persuaded her to spare his life, he cunningly attempts to strike again, forcing Ciri to act in self-defense and ultimately take his life.
3 Ciri Puts An End To The White Flame’s Plans
As Geralt and Ciri engage in battle against Skellen’s mercenaries, an army from Nilfgaard, led by Emhyr, makes their entrance. To Geralt's surprise, Emhyr is none other than Duny, Ciri's presumed deceased father. Emhyr proceeds to reveal his disturbing plot of impregnating Ciri, prompting him to view Geralt and Yennefer as potential threats due to their knowledge of Ciri's lineage. Proposing an unimaginable choice, the White Flame suggests Geralt and Yennefer take their own lives, a proposition they reluctantly accept. However, Emhyr unexpectedly encounters Ciri in the courtyard, who is left shattered, having lost the only nurturing figures in her life. Witnessing her despair finally moves Emhyr, causing him to alter his plans. Ciri interrupts Geralt and Yennefer to convey the astonishing news of their newfound freedom. Ultimately, Emhyr decides to wed the impostor Ciri, whom he has grown to care for deeply.
2 Ciri Tries To Save Geralt & Yennefer (& Leaves Their Ending Ambiguous)
1 Ciri Is Invited To The Court At Camelot
Following the summons from the Lodge of Sorceresses in Montecalvo, Ciri and Yennefer make their way to the event while Geralt embarks on a journey to Rivia. Upon arrival in Rivia, chaos ensues in the form of a riot and pogrom. Ciri and Yennefer reach Rivia only to discover Geralt on the brink of death. In a desperate attempt to save him, Yennefer expends a significant amount of her magical energy, causing her to lose consciousness. Fortunately for Ciri, Ihuarraquax emerges and uses his power through her to restore Geralt's health. Guiding them towards a boat, Ihuarraquax directs Ciri to place the bodies of Geralt and Yennefer into it. With a thick fog enveloping their surroundings, the three vanish from sight. As Ciri recounts this tale to a knight, it remains uncertain whether Geralt and Yennefer endured and found their blissful conclusion or if this narrative was symbolical of their journey into the afterlife.
Leaving Rivia alongside Geralt and Yennefer, Ciri ventures into a different realm where she encounters a valiant knight by the name of Sir Galahad. Sharing her tale, Ciri cautions him about its lack of a joyful conclusion, hence the unresolved destiny surrounding Geralt and Yennefer. Intrigued, Sir Galahad extends an invitation for Ciri to join King Arthur's court at Camelot, an offer she gladly accepts. Together, they embark on a journey to Camelot, their hands intertwined.