Warning: possible spoilers for upcoming seasons of The Witcher.
Although Henry Cavill's portrayal of Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher season 3 will mark his final appearance, there is still much more to uncover about the captivating story of this renowned witcher. The world of The Witcher gained widespread recognition through its adaptation into video games, and its popularity has only continued to surge in recent years, largely thanks to Netflix. While the streaming giant's portrayal of The Witcher has been highly successful, it hasn't been without its fair share of criticism and controversy. One of the most significant controversies revolves around the departure of its leading actor, Henry Cavill.
Geralt Fights Vilgefortz After The Thanedd Coup
: The Impact of Henry Cavill's Departure and Geralt's Future in The Witcher Season 4During the Thanedd Coup, Dijkstra, Philippa, and their troops ambushed multiple mages, accusing them of conspiring with Nilfgaard, including Vilgefortz. However, Tissaia intervened, freeing Vilgefortz and the other captured mages to allow them a chance to defend themselves. She also lifted the magical barrier that had suppressed the use of magic within Aretuza. Ciri sought refuge in the Tower of Gulls, and when Geralt followed her, he confronted Vilgefortz. Once again, the mage attempted to persuade Geralt to join his cause, but the witcher rebuffed him, leading to a fierce battle.
Geralt & Ciri Are Separated (Again)
Regrettably, Vilgefortz emerged victorious over Geralt, leaving the witcher grievously wounded. In a stroke of fortune, Jaskier stumbled upon Geralt as he convalesced within the enchanted depths of the Brokilon forest, tended to by the benevolent dryads. It was then that Jaskier unveiled the string of calamitous events that had unfolded: the lands of Aedirn, Rivia, and Lyria succumbed to the invading forces of Nilfgaard, King Foltest of Temeria forged an alliance with Emhyr, and Francesca ascended as the sovereign ruler of Dol Blathanna.
In The Witcher season 3, Geralt and Ciri finally had the opportunity to spend more time together. However, their reunion was short-lived as the Thanedd Coup and other unforeseen circumstances once again forced them apart. During the Thanedd Coup, Ciri sought shelter at the Tower of Gulls, but her sanctuary was quickly discovered by Vilgefortz and Geralt. Unfortunately, Geralt was defeated by Vilgefortz, prompting Ciri to escape through an unstable portal. In her escape, a surge of energy caused the tower to collapse, leaving Vilgefortz scarred. Ciri, on the other hand, found solace among the Rats, while Geralt recuperated in Brokilon. Determined to find Ciri, Geralt resumed his search once he regained his strength. However, this also meant that he became separated from Yennefer during this arduous journey.
Geralt Officially Earns His “Rivia” Title
Geralt Forms A New Team
Geralt, who was raised in Kaer Morhen, in the realm of Kaedwen, presents himself as "Geralt of Rivia" to establish a trustworthy image with potential clients, despite not being born in Rivia. His exact place of birth remains unknown, as he was abandoned by his mother and taken in by Vesemir. The significant events of the novel Baptism of Fire led Geralt and his companions to become entangled in the Battle of the Bridge on the Yaruga, where they successfully rescued Queen Meve, the ruler of Lyria and Rivia. As a result, Queen Meve knighted Geralt and officially bestowed upon him the title "of Rivia."
Following his recovery, Geralt and Jaskier embark on a relentless quest to find Ciri, encountering newfound allies along the way. Geralt's group becomes a fascinating blend of individuals, starting with Milva, a highly skilled archer introduced by the queen of the Dryads in Brokilon Forest. Cahir, who had been clandestinely following Geralt and his companions, joins their ranks with Milva's assistance. Regis, a vampire with invaluable medical expertise, also becomes an essential member of the eclectic team. Angoulême, a former member of the ruthless Nightingale gang hired by Schirrú to assassinate Geralt, also joins the fray. And, of course, Jaskier remains an integral part of the group.
Unfortunately, not all of them endure the mission of locating and rescuing Ciri intact. In the wake of discovering Vilgefortz's whereabouts in a conversation, Geralt, Milva, Regis, Cahir, and Angoulême depart, while Jaskier remains behind. Geralt and the remaining group launch an aggressive assault on the castle, successfully liberating Yennefer. However, the tragic outcome unfolds as Milva and Angoulême meet their demise, Cahir falls victim to Bonhart, who is subsequently slain by Ciri herself. Regis valiantly confronts Vilgefortz, only to meet his own demise, yet Geralt finally exacts his revenge by vanquishing Vilgefortz.
Geralt Meets Blood Origin’s Avallac’h
In the novel The Tower of the Swallow, Geralt encounters Avallac'h, an elf introduced in the prequel miniseries The Witcher: Blood Origin. Avallac'h possesses the extraordinary ability to traverse the realms of Aen Elle and Aen Seidhe. Avallac'h imparts to Geralt the knowledge of the Ithlinne prophecy, which serves as the motivation for Francesca and her people's pursuit of Ciri. According to the prophecy, the world is destined to meet its end. Despite Avallac'h's advice to refrain from seeking Ciri, as fate will ultimately take its course, Geralt remains steadfast in his determination to locate her. Should Netflix's The Witcher venture into this storyline, it would effectively integrate Blood Origin into the overarching universe of the main series, eradicating any sense of detachment perceived thus far.
Geralt Has An Affair With Fringilla
Geralt and Yennefer, the central couple in The Witcher series, had other romantic entanglements throughout the books, video games, and TV show. One notable affair was Geralt's relationship with Fringilla. In The Lady of the Lake novel, Geralt and his companions spend the winter in the duchy of Toussaint, ruled by Duchess Anna Henrietta, who happens to be one of Jaskier's former lovers. It is during this time that Geralt becomes involved with Fringilla, a sorceress and the cousin of the Duchess. At this point, Fringilla is a member of the secret organization known as the Lodge of Sorceresses, whose aim is to manipulate the political realm. Fringilla's specific task is to distract Geralt from his search for Yennefer and Ciri, in order for the Lodge to find Ciri first.
However, their romance does not last long. Geralt is assigned a contract to investigate and potentially eliminate monsters in an abandoned castle near Toussaint. While there, he eavesdrops on a conversation between Skellen and Nilfgaardian nobles, who are plotting to overthrow the ruler known as the White Flame. This crucial information leads Geralt to discover the whereabouts of Vilgefortz.
Geralt Learns The True Identity Of The White Flame
After being reunited with Ciri and Yennefer following the battle that claimed the lives of all of Geralt's companions, Geralt and Ciri find themselves engaged in a final confrontation with Skellen's remaining mercenaries. However, their battle is abruptly interrupted when a Nilfgaardian force, led by none other than Emhyr himself, suddenly arrives on the scene. With a shock of recognition, Geralt realizes that Emhyr is in fact Duny, Ciri's long-lost father. Everything falls into place for Geralt - Duny had faked his own death, all in an effort to track down and capture his own daughter. Yennefer, well-versed in the genealogy of the noble families, shares in Geralt's understanding. Realizing the implications of their discovery, Emhyr decides that he must eliminate Geralt and Yennefer to protect his sinister, incestuous plans. Offering them a cruel choice, Emhyr gives them the option to end their own lives. Just as they are about to succumb to this desperate fate, Ciri intervenes. Moved by Ciri's anguished tears, Emhyr experiences a sudden change of heart and departs, leaving behind the only parents Ciri has ever known.
Geralt Meets His End In ‘The Lady of the Lake’
Following his journey, Geralt travels to Rivia to reunite with Yarpen and Zoltan. However, chaos ensues as a riot ensues, resulting in an unjustified attack on non-humans by humans. Determined to protect his dwarf companions, Geralt valiantly fights but is tragically impaled by a pitchfork. In the midst of the turmoil, Ciri, Yennefer, and Triss arrive in Rivia and discover Geralt teetering on the brink of death. Yennefer utilizes her magical abilities to the fullest extent to mend Geralt's wounds, yet loses consciousness in the process. Suddenly, Ihuarraquax emerges, employing his powers through Ciri to restore Geralt's vitality. The subsequent events leave the fates of Geralt and Yennefer open to interpretation, allowing the reader to imagine either their recovery and contentment or the possibility of Geralt and Yennefer transcending into the afterlife, with Ciri's actions serving as a metaphor for their passing.