The Intriguing Journey of Yennefer: Unveiling Her Fate Beyond Witcher Season 3

In The Witcher season 3, Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra) faces dangerous threats. The show has made controversial changes to Andrzej Sapkowski's books, including Yennefer's story in season 2. Yennefer becomes a divisive character, but season 3 attempts to improve her storyline.

In season 3, Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer are finally together, hiding and trying to stay safe. Yennefer trains Ciri while also trying to reconcile with the Brotherhood of Sorcerers. Unbeknownst to her, the biggest threat comes from within the Brotherhood. The events of season 3 will impact Yennefer's future story, as depicted in the novel Time of Contempt.

10 Yennefer, Geralt, & Ciri Are Separated Again

9 Yennefer Is Transformed Into A Jade Statuette By Francesca

Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer, as previously mentioned, finally come together in The Witcher season 3. Regrettably, their reunion is short-lived. During the Thanedd Coup, Yennefer and Geralt fend off the Scoia'tael while Ciri manages to escape and seeks shelter at the Tower of Gulls. The situation becomes increasingly complex for the witcher, the princess, and the sorceress after the Thanedd incident. It takes a considerable amount of time and numerous challenges for each of them before they are able to reunite permanently.

During the battle against the Scoia’tael at Thanedd, Yennefer encounters Francesca Findabair. Despite Francesca's past alliance with the Scoia’tael and Nilfgaard, she does not fully support their cause and is aware of Rience's personal grudge against Yennefer. To protect the sorceress, Francesca employs a potent artifact compression spell, transforming Yennefer into a jade figurine. Carrying her discreetly, Francesca successfully smuggles Yennefer away from the island. For a duration of 47 days, Yennefer remains trapped within the intricacies of the jade statuette until Francesca eventually releases her.

8 Yennefer Is Brought To The Lodge of Sorceresses (But Escapes Thanks To Fringilla)

7 Yennefer Is Captured (& Tortured) By Vilgefortz

Three months after the Thanedd Coup and the disbandment of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers, Francesca assembles a group of female sorceresses, known as the Lodge of Sorceresses. Francesca releases Yennefer from her confinement and fills her in on all the events that have transpired since she was imprisoned. Yennefer, now labeled as a treasonous Nilfgaardian, receives an invitation from Francesca to join the Lodge, but is cautioned against opposing their intentions. Within the Lodge, Yennefer discovers their scheme to marry Ciri to Prince Tankred Thyssen of Kovir, leaving her in a state of fear. Unexpectedly, Fringilla comes to Yennefer's aid, disclosing the means to create a portal, enabling her escape in order to locate Ciri.

Yennefer's teleportation brings her to Skellige, where she awaits Crach an Craite's assistance in locating Vilgefortz. Following a conversation with Triss, Yennefer discovers that Triss is now loyal to the Lodge and that Yennefer is viewed as a traitor. Driven by determination, Yennefer tracks down Vilgefortz in a treacherous area of the sea beyond Skellige. As the sorceress ventures into the depths, an unnatural storm unexpectedly transports the ship and everyone aboard, ultimately leading them to Stygga Castle, Vilgefortz's primary sanctuary. Unfortunately, Yennefer's capture swiftly follows, and she endures torture in an attempt to extract vital information from her.

6 Ciri Tries To Negotiate Yennefer’s Freedom

Upon returning to her correct world, Ciri makes her way to Stygga Castle in order to rescue Yennefer and attempts to negotiate for her release. Aware that Geralt is nowhere to be found, Ciri realizes that Yennefer’s safety is in serious jeopardy without her intervention. Therefore, she offers herself as a bargaining chip in exchange for Yennefer’s freedom. Much to her dismay, Vilgefortz dismisses this proposition and proceeds to imprison the princess. Vilgefortz's motive behind detaining Ciri is his desire to impregnate her and claim the foretold magic wielder. Therefore, upon her arrival of her own volition, he seizes the opportunity with utmost determination.

5 Yennefer Is Freed By Geralt

Fortunately for Ciri and Yennefer, Geralt arrives just in time to rescue them. Geralt eavesdrops on a meeting between Skellen and Nilfgaardian nobles who are conspiring to overthrow the White Flame. In their conversation, they reveal Vilgefortz's whereabouts and mention that Yennefer is his captive. Geralt, along with his new companions (excluding Jaskier, who remains behind), then journeys to Stygga Castle to save Yennefer and Ciri.

They infiltrate the castle, with Geralt leading the charge. Unfortunately, Milva and Angoulême, two of his allies, perish in the process. Despite being weakened, Yennefer joins Geralt as they encounter Vilgefortz.

Geralt and Yennefer engage in a fierce battle against the mage. Vilgefortz proves to be a formidable adversary, overpowering Yennefer and causing her severe injuries. However, her life is saved by Regis, another one of Geralt's companions, though he is tragically killed shortly after. Eventually, Geralt manages to defeat Vilgefortz, and they find Ciri, resulting in a long-awaited reunion.

However, their journey is not yet complete, as they still face a few remaining enemies. Their escape route is blocked by Stefan Skellen and his agents, but they are foiled by none other than the Emperor and his forces.

4 Yennefer & Geralt Are Almost Killed By The White Flame

3 Yennefer & Ciri Confront The Lodge of Sorceresses

Geralt's recognition of Emhyr as Ciri's father unveils Emhyr's grand plan to impregnate Ciri and establish dominion over the entire Continent. To ensure the success of his scheme, Emhyr realizes he must eliminate Geralt and Yennefer, as they possess vital information about Ciri's lineage. Cunningly, Emhyr proposes a joint suicide, offering the alternative of them slitting their wrists while in a bath. Accepting their fate, Geralt and Yennefer somberly bid farewell to Ciri. Prior to their final act, Yennefer implores Emhyr to promise that he will spare Ciri's wellbeing and never bring her to tears. Unexpectedly, as they summon a guard to bring forth the knife, Ciri answers the door. It dawns on Emhyr that witnessing Ciri's anguish over the loss of her only parental figures is sufficient to alter his perspectives entirely, prompting him to release them unharmed.

Following their newfound freedom, Yennefer and Ciri receive a summons from the Lodge of Sorceresses, who insist on meeting with both of them. Yennefer arrives first, followed by Ciri, and together they confront the Lodge, holding them accountable for past events. The Lodge reveals their plan to Ciri, with Yennefer advocating for Ciri's right to see Geralt and update him on her situation. However, Yennefer's voice carries no weight as she is not a member of the Lodge. Eventually, the sorceresses collectively vote in favor of Ciri, leading Yennefer to accompany her to Rivia, where they rendezvous with Geralt, accompanied by Triss Merigold.

2 Yennefer Tries To Save Geralt, But Fails

Once in Rivia, a volatile situation unfolds - a riot has erupted and Geralt, the protagonist, suffers severe injuries. Yennefer, also targeted by the attackers, fearlessly employs her magical abilities to defend herself. Collaborating with Triss, they conjure a tempestuous storm to disperse the rioters. However, Geralt's condition remains precarious, teetering on the edge of death. In a desperate act, Yennefer expends all her magical energy attempting to heal him, but the strain overwhelms her, causing her to lose consciousness. Miraculously, Ciri's loyal unicorn companion, Ihuarraquax, arrives just in time. Harnessing his immense power, Ihuarraquax channels it through Ciri, enabling her to successfully heal Geralt. As Ciri looks upon a nearby boat, she solemnly places the bodies of her adopted family onto it, bidding them farewell.

1 Yennefer’s Fate Is Left Ambiguous By Ciri

Ciri recounts the events of The Lady of the Lake to Sir Galahad, leaving the fate of Yennefer and Geralt uncertain. Having placed their bodies in the boat, Ciri ventures into the lake. While narrating her tale, she mournfully suggests that one could argue it concludes with Geralt and Yennefer awakening in an unfamiliar setting and subsequently getting married. However, her melancholic demeanor leaves it open to interpretation whether Geralt and Yennefer truly find happiness in The Witcher or if Ciri's narrative serves as a metaphor for their passage into the afterlife.