The Intense Impact of King Radovid in The Witcher Season 4: An Unparalleled Connection to the Books & Games
Unveiling the Intricate Reign of King Radovid in The Witcher Season 4: Unraveling the true ruler behind Redania's throne, impacting the future of The Witcher series on screen A comparison to the books and games reveals the complexities of King Radovid's character
Warning: spoilers for The Witcher books and video games. Potential spoilers for The Witcher season 4.
Summary
In The Witcher season 3, Prince Radovid ascends to the throne of Redania, bearing significant consequences for both the inhabitants and the realm. The cunning influence of his advisors, Dijkstra and Philippa, could potentially usher in a period of darkness for the kingdom.
King Radovid's portrayal in the show differs from the books and games. However, in season 4, it is anticipated that he will be manipulated by Philippa and seek revenge for the deaths of his family. In The Witcher season 3, filled with unexpected twists and turns, Prince Radovid is crowned King of Redania, raising questions about his significance in The Witcher season 4. The Witcher's Netflix universe is continuously expanding, and the third season of the main series was treated as a significant event, divided into two parts. Not only is The Witcher season 3 Henry Cavill's final season as Geralt of Rivia, but it also witnesses significant and surprising developments that will impact the narratives of both primary and secondary characters.
Why Radovid Is Made King Of Redania In The Witcher Season 3
: The Impact of Radovid's Rule on Redania in The Witcher Season 4
Prince Radovid of Redania made his first appearance in season 3 of the Netflix series. He was chosen by his brother, King Vizimir, to assist him in finding Ciri and became his trusted right hand. Working closely with Dijkstra and Philippa, Radovid's vulnerability became apparent to the sorceress. However, this also resulted in King Vizimir keeping certain plans from Dijkstra, which included a ill-advised meeting with Nilfgaard. Dijkstra, fully aware of the negative impact this would have on Redania, orchestrated the murder of Queen Hedwig, deceiving everyone into believing that Nilfgaard was responsible. This plot aimed to undermine Radovid's credibility and regain Vizimir's trust.
What Radovid Being King Means For The Witcher Season 4 & Beyond
Radovid found himself caught in a web of manipulation by both Dijkstra and Philippa, who used his feelings for Jaskier to their advantage only to later betray him. The events of the Thanedd Coup caused Radovid to reassess his place within Redania's royal family, prompting him to inform his brother of his intention to embark on a journey to discover his true purpose. However, when news reached Philippa that she was in danger of being killed due to the coup's failure, she acted swiftly and ordered the assassination of King Vizimir. Seizing the opportunity, Philippa promptly crowned Radovid as the new king of Redania to demonstrate strength in the face of their enemies.
Fans of The Witcher books and video games will recognize a stark contrast between the Radovid portrayed in the Netflix series and the original character. In the source material, Radovid is renowned for his cruelty, a trait that was not emphasized in the show's third season. However, now that he has ascended to the throne as the King of Redania, his true nature may emerge. The TV adaptation portrays Radovid as carefree and kind-hearted, qualities that make him easily influenced, and it is precisely these traits that attracted Philippa to collaborate with him. With Radovid now in power, Philippa can wield significant influence over the kingdom of Redania, a freedom she did not enjoy during the reign of Queen Hedwig and King Vizimir.
Radovid, as a ruler, may not appear to be a bad choice initially due to his empathy, kindness, and intelligence in comparison to his late brother. However, he is susceptible to manipulation unlike Vizimir. With Philippa and Dijkstra's influence, Radovid has the potential to transform into the tyrannical ruler familiar to fans of The Witcher. This would tarnish his image while leaving Philippa and Dijkstra unscathed. Redania, like many others, continues its quest to find Ciri. Despite Radovid's knowledge of Geralt's unwavering determination to protect and bring Ciri home safely, he is likely to be swayed by Philippa to adopt a more aggressive approach in capturing the Princess of Cintra.
Radovid's rule over Redania not only signals the potential onset of a dark era for the kingdom, but also grants Philippa and Dijkstra the long-desired control over Redania. However, Radovid may surprise them by surpassing their expectations in terms of cruelty. He may shift his focus from apprehending Ciri to seeking vengeance for the murders of his brother and Queen Hedwig, particularly once he discovers that Philippa and Dijkstra were behind these heinous acts.
How The Witcher Show's King Radovid Compares To The Books
In the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher, Radovid differs greatly from his portrayal in the books. Contrary to the series, the books establish Radovid as the son of King Vizimir and Queen Hedwig, and he is considerably younger. In the books, Radovid is merely 12 years old when his father is assassinated. Given his tender age, Radovid does not immediately inherit the throne, and his mother is not in a position to assume control either. Consequently, while Queen Hedwig acts as regent until Radovid reaches adulthood, the true governing power lies with the Regency Council, headed by Philippa and Dijkstra.
Eventually, Radovid seizes the throne and earns the moniker "The Stern." In The Witcher books, Radovid evolves into one of the most notorious antagonists, harboring an intense animosity towards mages due to his father's murder at Philippa's command. He embarks on a violent crusade across the Northern lands, even catching Philippa off-guard, as she had raised and manipulated him, but had not anticipated his transformation into a resolute and merciless ruler, driven by a thirst for vengeance for the injustices inflicted upon him and his mother.
How The Witcher Show's King Radovid Compares To The Games
Radovid, the character in The Witcher video games, differs from his portrayal in the Netflix series as he is portrayed as the younger son of King Vizimir and Queen Hedwig. Similar to the books, Radovid assumes the role of a major antagonist within The Witcher video game series, promoting the torture and murder of individuals. In one possible conclusion, Radovid emerges victorious in the Third Northern War against the Nilfgaardian forces, establishing his own empire and earning the title of the "Protector of the North".
However, an alternate ending reveals Radovid's misfortune. Having discovered Philippa's whereabouts from Geralt, Radovid embarks on a mission to kill her but ends up turning against the witcher, ordering his assassination. Nevertheless, Geralt is rescued by the Temerian guerrillas, causing Radovid to flee in fear. Desperate, Radovid seeks refuge in a house where he is unexpectedly greeted by Philippa. She blinds him with powder, causing excruciating pain, and then fatally stabs him with a dagger. While Radovid's background offers potential for a different storyline in Netflix's The Witcher, it is highly likely that Philippa will manipulate him in season 4 and future episodes.
