The Jaw-Dropping Twist You Missed in The Witcher Season 3: Geralt's Shocking Fate Revealed!

Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Witcher season 3, part 1, as well as Andrzej Sapkowski's Time of Contempt.

Part 1 of The Witcher season 3 ends with an intense cliffhanger for Geralt, setting the stage for the events of part 2. Similar to the format of Stranger Things season 4 and You season 4, The Witcher season 3 was split into two parts. Consequently, part 1 consists of only five episodes. The fate of Geralt and the unfolding of the battle at Thanedd will be addressed in The Witcher season 3, part 2.

The Witcher Season 3, Episode 5 Timeline Explained

The Witcher season 3, featuring Henry Cavill's final portrayal of Geralt of Rivia, delves into the events of Andrzej Sapkowski's Time of Contempt. As Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri now lead a family life, they attempt to escape the numerous conflicts that surround them. Nevertheless, the conclusion of the first part of The Witcher season 3 unveils a shocking revelation – a significant threat to Ciri is far closer than anticipated. Explore the intricate details of episode 5, "The Art of Illusion," and discover how it sets the stage for the second volume of The Witcher season 3.

The timeline of episode 5 in season 3 of The Witcher was not linear. Specifically, "The Art of Illusion" begins with Geralt and Yennefer reflecting on their evening at Aretuza's ball. The previous season's finale revealed that Geralt and Yennefer had achieved their goal, so most scenes in "The Art of Illusion" are actually flashbacks from the party, told from Geralt and Yennefer's perspective. Any scenes in episode 5 featuring Geralt and Yennefer in their room take place after Stregobor's arrest.

In the finale of The Witcher season 3, part 1, Geralt and Yennefer make audiences believe that they have emerged victorious. The episode, titled "The Art of Illusion," explores the concept of unreliable narrators by presenting different versions of the same interactions in flashbacks. For example, it initially portrays Geralt and Istridd fighting during a party, only to later reveal that their altercation was a ploy to create a diversion.

Throughout The Witcher season 3, episode 5, every action taken by Geralt and Yennefer is part of a grand scheme to expose and apprehend Stregobor. Their suspicions are seemingly confirmed when Istredd and Triss inform them that the Book of the Monoliths has been stolen from Aretuza's library. However, while it is intriguing to witness Geralt and Yennefer's plan unfold, the episode also suggests that something is amiss. The closing moments of The Witcher season 3, episode 5 find Geralt and Yennefer realizing that Stregobor is not the traitor they believed him to be and that they missed vital clues during the evening.

What Happened To Geralt In The Witcher Season 3, Part 1’s Finale

Content: The Witcher season 3, part 1 concludes with Dijkstra threatening Geralt with a knife, moments after Geralt and Yennefer uncover Vilgefortz as the true traitor. Together, they piece together the clues and deduce that Stregobor is not responsible for the kidnappings, the missing book, Rience, and the corrupted portal. Instead, it is Vilgefortz. However, before Geralt can begin his search for Vilgefortz, he is captured by Dijkstra. The sound of screams emanates from the halls of Aretuza, indicating an ensuing battle. Geralt's capture by Dijkstra serves as a cliffhanger for The Witcher season 3, part 2.

In one of his final interactions at the ball in The Witcher season 3, part 1, Geralt engages in a conversation with Vilgefortz. Initially, it appears to be a brief exchange before Geralt returns downstairs. However, the ending of The Witcher season 3, part 1 reveals that Geralt and Vilgefortz had a lengthy discussion about their pasts and the origins of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers. This conversation proves instrumental in Geralt and Yennefer's realization of Vilgefortz's betrayal. However, they are not the only ones investigating Vilgefortz, as Dijkstra and Philippa are also involved.

What Dijkstra & Philippa Were Really Doing At The Ball

Dijkstra and Philippa, members of King Vizimir II's court and leaders of the Redanian Intelligence, attended the Thanedd ball with the purpose of uncovering the traitor within the Brotherhood of Sorcerers. Throughout The Witcher season 3, part 1, Dijkstra and Philippa discovered that there was a highly influential mage aligned with Nilfgaard who was also a member of the Brotherhood. Their mission at the ball was to identify the traitor and uncover any hidden supporters of Emperor Emhyr of Nilfgaard among the attendees. While Geralt and Yennefer suspected Stregobor, Dijkstra and Philippa were convinced that all signs pointed to Vilgefortz.

Dijkstra & His Allies Are Arresting Nilfgaard Loyalists

The cliffhanger ending of The Witcher season 3, part 1 comes to a thrilling conclusion as Geralt is startled by chilling screams emanating from downstairs. The urgent cry to "secure the hall" and procure the "dimeritium handcuffs" reveal that Dijkstra, Philippa, and their allies are executing a bold operation to apprehend the Nilfgaard loyalists at the lavish Thanedd ball. These specialized handcuffs, infused with dimeritium, are a vital tool in suppressing a mage's ability to wield magic. Just as Geralt and Yennefer start to formulate a plan to capture the formidable Vilgefortz and rescue Tissaia, the tables turn as Dijkstra and Philippa seize the opportunity and spring into action. Consequently, as Geralt departs from his chamber at the conclusion of The Witcher season 3, episode 5, an intense battle erupts within the opulent halls of Aretuza.

Geralt’s Neutrality Is Being Tested By Dijkstra

Dijkstra put a knife to Geralt's throat because it relates to Geralt's character development in The Witcher season 3. In the beginning of the season, Geralt believed in maintaining neutrality in all upcoming conflicts, including the war between Nilfgaard and the North. He even advised Ciri, who has the power of Elder Blood and the potential to bring humans and elves together, to stay neutral. However, during the ball in episode 5, Dijkstra invited Geralt to fight for Redania.

Geralt chose not to align himself with Redania in their upcoming war against Emhyr var Emreis and the forces of Nilfgaard. He wasn't supporting Nilfgaard either. But from Dijkstra's perspective, Geralt needed to either fight for Redania or be considered an enemy of the North. At this time of uncertainty and lack of trust, Geralt's stance of neutrality is being challenged. The battle at Aretuza is pitting Nilfgaard supporters against those who support the Northern Kingdoms. Dijkstra will only trust Geralt if he picks a side and joins the fight.

What Happens To Geralt Now (Based On The Books)

Geralt's potential escape from Dijkstra may seem likely, but in the beginning of the Thanedd Coup in Time of Contempt, this is not what occurs for the White Wolf. In the novel, a mage allied with Dijkstra blinds Geralt with a spell, making it much easier for Dijkstra and Philippa to keep him captive. Although Geralt's sight is eventually restored, he continues to be viewed as a possible threat by the forces of the North and remains imprisoned. Later, Geralt discovers Dijkstra's plan to abduct Ciri, bring her to King Vizimir II's court, and exploit her for political gain.

Eventually, Geralt manages to escape from the guards, only to find that Ciri has vanished. Time of Contempt then follows Geralt's journey during the unfolding of the Thanedd Coup, where he searches for Ciri as the mages engage in their internal strife. Geralt also crosses paths with Cahir and, finally, Vilgefortz. Consequently, considering Geralt's experiences in Time of Contempt, it is feasible to predict what will unfold in The Witcher season 3. The latter half of The Witcher season 3 will likely depict the mages' civil war, while Geralt endeavors to evade Dijkstra's allies in order to find Ciri.

The Witcher Season 3’s Vilgefortz Twist Explained

In the finale of The Witcher season 3, part 1, viewers are led to believe that Stregobor was the traitor. However, in the ending of The Witcher season 3, episode 5, it is revealed that Stregobor was not guilty in this particular situation. The true culprit behind the kidnapping and experimentation on Aretuza students of elven blood, secretly working for Nilfgaard, was Vilgefortz. Vilgefortz has been a presence in Netflix's The Witcher since season 1. In fact, during the Battle of Sodden in The Witcher season 1's finale, Vilgefortz cold-bloodedly killed another mage, foreshadowing his eventual betrayal unveiled in season 3.

From the start of The Witcher, Vilgefortz has been manipulating the Brotherhood of Sorcerers. With the assistance of Tissaia in season 2, Vilgefortz effectively ascended to a position of leadership within the Brotherhood, gradually consolidating his power and influence. However, it has been revealed that Vilgefortz was secretly working for Nilfgaard all along. Yennefer and Geralt only discovered this unsettling truth towards the end of The Witcher season 3, episode 5, by which time Stregobor had already been apprehended.

Geralt & Yennefer Were Wrong About Stregobor

Contrary to popular belief, Stregobor was not a virtuous individual. However, this particular instance proved Geralt and Yennefer wrong. Considering Stregobor's history in The Witcher season 1, his disdain for those of mixed elven heritage, his penchant for conducting experiments, and his treatment of others, it was understandable that Geralt suspected him as the traitor. The disappearance of the Book of Monoliths from the Aretuza library, a restricted area accessible only by mages from the Brotherhood of Sorceress, seemed to further justify Geralt and Yennefer's suspicions. Despite all this, Stregobor was not aligned with Nilfgaard and did not betray the North.

Vilgefortz Is The Witcher Season 3’s Real Villain

In The Witcher season 3, part 1’s finale, Vilgefortz successfully deceived the Brotherhood of Sorceress, as well as Geralt and Yennefer, despite his limited appearances. Vilgefortz managed to outwit Istredd and Triss, who were investigating the disappearances of the girls and the Book of Monoliths. It turns out that Vilgefortz was the true villain of The Witcher season 3, orchestrating the capture of Ciri by employing Rience. Not only did Vilgefortz heal Rience’s hand after Geralt injured it in The Witcher season 3, episode 1, but he also played a part in the plot involving the missing girls, the dangerous power that almost claimed Yennefer's life, and the imposter Ciri.

How Geralt & Yennefer Realized Vilgerfortz Was The Traitor

Vilgefortz's betrayal in The Witcher season 3 first became apparent through Philippa's insinuations to Yennefer regarding the desire for significant losses among the mages involved in the Battle of Sodden. Leading the Brotherhood into this battle resulted in numerous deaths and a weakening of the Brotherhood. Another clue suggesting Vilgefortz's allegiance to Nilfgaard emerged when he showed Geralt his favorite painting, "The First Landing," depicting the arrival of humans and the formation of the Brotherhood of Sorceress in the future Northern Kingdoms.

The landscape depicted in "The First Landing" remarkably resembled the hill that Yennefer was transported to through the corrupted portal, where she nearly met her demise. It was reasonable to deduce that Vilgefortz had created that portal with the specific intention of killing Yennefer. Lastly, Geralt discerned a connection between the bracelet Vilgefortz had given to Tissaia and a piece of jewelry worn by Lydia, whom Geralt knew had some involvement with Rience. Moreover, scarlet ammonite, the material of the bracelet, is exclusively found in the western region of Redania, where Geralt encountered the fake Ciri.

What Vilgefortz Is Doing To Tissaia & Lydia

For a while now, Vilgefortz has been manipulating Tissaia and Lydia, using what was described as a slow-acting poison. It remains uncertain whether The Witcher season 3 will explore the possibility that Vilgefortz cast a spell through scarlet ammonite to gradually control Tissaia and Lydia, or if the "poison that kills you slowly" is more metaphorical. Regardless, Vilgefortz has been leveraging both Tissaia and Lydia to further his own agenda. Tissaia aided him in securing his influence within the Brotherhood, while Lydia has acted as the intermediary between Vilgefortz and Rience.

Vilgefortz's Experiments & What He Really Wants With Ciri

Vilgefortz relentlessly seeks greater power, recognizing the immense potential of Ciri, who possesses the rare and formidable Elder Blood. She represents the crucial element required for Vilgefortz to attain his desires. Eager to harness Ciri's extraordinary abilities for himself, Vilgefortz conducts experiments on other young women who share elven lineage. These unsettling trials on the abducted Aretuza students serve as a disconcerting prelude to his ultimate goal – the appropriation of Ciri's power. Although Vilgefortz has allied himself with Nilfgaard, his aspirations extend far beyond what Emhyr desires. It is conceivable that he intends to exploit a false Ciri to deceive Emhyr, while reserving the genuine Ciri exclusively for his own purposes.

What Stregobor's Book Of Monoliths Is & Why It Is So Important

In The Witcher season 3, episode 5, Istredd reveals his search for the elusive "Book of Monoliths," which has disappeared from Aretuza's collection. In the world of Netflix's The Witcher, monoliths are enigmatic towers formed from stellacite with magical properties. Season 2 uncovers their purpose as gateways to alternate realms, serving as portals to other dimensions. Moreover, it is discovered that Ciri possesses the ability to activate and open these monoliths, providing access to other worlds.

The potential of harnessing a monolith's power grants the opportunity to exile elves from the Continent, effectively reversing the Conjunction of the Spheres. Istredd and Triss hypothesize that Stregobor aims to exploit the monoliths for this purpose, banishing those of elven lineage to a different realm. Furthermore, the monoliths are interconnected with The Witcher's Wild Hunt, as their desire to physically enter the Continent necessitates the utilization of Ciri's abilities.

What's Happening With Ciri In The Witcher Season 3, Part 1's Ending?

Why Ciri Doesn't Appear In The Witcher Season 3, Part 1 Finale

Despite the fact that Ciri does not make an appearance in the concluding part of The Witcher season 3, part 1, there seems to be a sense of intrigue surrounding her absence. In the previous episode, we witnessed Ciri at the cabin, engaging in banter with Jaskier about her exclusion from the prestigious Conclave of Mages ball. Considered to be in a relatively secure position, especially with Geralt and Yennefer exposing their perceived enemies, our last glimpse of Ciri in episode 4 shows her retiring for the night after a card game with Jaskier. However, with the unexpected involvement of Geralt and Yennefer in the Thanedd Coup and the revelation that Stregobor is not the mastermind behind it all, Ciri's safety is far from guaranteed.

What Happens Next To Ciri In The Witcher Season 3

While Ciri is absent from episode 5 of The Witcher season 3, the events of this episode heavily revolve around her. Vilgerfortz is determined to capture Ciri and harness her power, while Dijkstra aims to bring her to Redania. Ciri's nonappearance in part 1 of The Witcher season 3 emphasizes her lack of agency as Cirila of Cintra. Despite being the focus of contention among the major powers of the Continent, Ciri remains unable to shape her own destiny. Moreover, Ciri's absence in the finale of part 1 builds anticipation for her return in part 2 of The Witcher season 3.

Assuming that The Witcher season 3, part 2 follows the events of Time of Contempt, Ciril will now confront various adversaries amidst the turmoil of the Thanedd Coup. In Time of Contempt, Ciri awakens during the clash between the mages. Assisted by Yennefer, Ciri endeavors to flee and eventually encounters Rience. Furthermore, Ciri falls into the clutches of one of Nilfgaard's mage allies, but Geralt and Philippa come to her rescue. Irrespective of how The Witcher season 3, part 2 adapts this section of the book, Ciri is bound to partake in some significant combat scenes upon the show's return.

The Witcher Season 3, Part 1 Ends With The Thanedd Coup

The climax of The Witcher season 3, part 1 is the commencement of the Thanedd Coup, a conflict between mages supporting the Northern region and those involved in a conspiracy with Nilfgaard. In episode 5 of The Witcher season 3, the catalyst for the Thanedd Coup is Dijkstra's daring act of exposing and apprehending the individuals loyal to Nilfgaard. As Geralt exits the room, he hears the anguished cries of Dijkstra's comrades, who utilize special restraints to seize the mages who have betrayed the Northern Kingdoms. The Thanedd Coup serves as the central event in Time of Contempt and will be further explored in The Witcher season 3, part 2.

The Thanedd Coup Is The Witcher’s Mage Civil War

The Thanedd Coup, also known as The Witcher's mage civil war, depicts a profound division within the mage community. On one side, the loyalists align with the Northern Kingdoms, upholding the long-standing alliance established by the Brotherhood. However, Vilgefortz leads a faction that has betrayed the North, colluding with Nilfgaard. Dissatisfied with the gradual marginalization of mages and the diminishing of their political influence by the Northern Kingdoms, certain members of the Brotherhood opted to follow Vilgefortz. This discontent paved the way for the violent conflict of the Thanedd Coup, resulting in casualties on both sides and considerably weakening the Brotherhood, aligning closely with Emhyr's desires.

Who Is On Whose Side During The Thanedd Coup

While Lydia van Bredevoort and Tissaia de Vries initially aligned themselves with Vilgerfortz, Tissaia later expressed some regret over her decision. On the other hand, Dijkstra and Philippa, who represented Redania at Thanedd, led the charge for the North. Despite Geralt's attempts to remain neutral, he found himself compelled to join the fight in order to safeguard Ciri. In a similar vein, Yennefer's sole focus was protecting Ciri, regardless of the adversaries she might encounter.

How The Thanedd Coup Sets Up The Witcher Season 3, Part 2

The build-up in The Witcher season 3, part 1 leads to significant events such as the Thanedd Coup and the revelation of Vilgerfortz. However, in episode 5 of the season, the focus was primarily on the Aretuza ball, concluding just as the fight was about to commence. Looking ahead, part 2 of The Witcher season 3 promises to be filled with more action, particularly if the subsequent episode resumes immediately after the events of Volume 1. With Ciri separated from the rest, Yennefer on a quest to find Tissaia, Geralt captured by Dijkstra, and the Thanedd Coup in progress, all these elements set the stage for an exhilarating second part of The Witcher season 3.