The Shocking Fate of the White Flame: What's in Store After The Witcher Season 3

This article contains spoilers for season 3 of The Witcher. Emhyr Var Emreis, also known as The White Flame Dancing on the Barrows of his Enemies, is the Imperator of Nilfgaard in the show. His story is filled with surprising twists and turns. Netflix's adaptation of The Witcher has faced criticism recently, largely due to its significant changes to the source material. However, Emhyr Var Emreis has been adapted quite faithfully to his book counterpart.

While there have been minor changes and additions to Emhyr's story, such as the early reveal of The White Flame's identity in season 2, his character is still following a similar path as in the books. Emhyr is one of the most complex and intriguing characters in The Witcher series, so it is essential to accurately portray his story moving forward. With that in mind, these pivotal moments from Emhyr's story in the books must be included in Netflix's adaptation of The Witcher.

8 Emhyr Secretly Searches For The Real Ciri

7 Emhyr Orders Cahir's Execution

: In the final moments of The Witcher season 3, Emhyr manipulates his court by unveiling a false Ciri, leaving us uncertain about whether he is aware of her true identity. In the original books, Emhyr immediately recognizes the deception, yet chooses to feign ignorance, employing a clever strategy to deceive the entire continent into believing he possesses the genuine Ciri. Emhyr astutely deduces that once the continent is convinced of his possession, they will cease their pursuit of her. Simultaneously, he discreetly dispatches his Secret Service to clandestinely search for the real Ciri, ensuring their true intentions remain undisclosed.

Emhyr has a reputation for executing servants who disappoint him, and unfortunately, Cahir becomes one of those victims after failing to capture Ciri at Thanned. However, in The Witcher show, Cahir deviates from the books by choosing not to pursue Ciri and instead fights to help her escape. While this differs from the original story, it ultimately has the same outcome from Emhyr's perspective. Cahir's failure to capture Ciri at Thanned was his final opportunity to prove himself to Emhyr, and as a result, Emhyr orders his execution. Despite this, Cahir manages to evade Emhyr and joins Geralt's company in their mission to rescue Ciri from both Emhyr and Vilgefortz.

6 Emhyr Learns Vilgefortz Is Playing His Own Game

Emhyr Var Emreis exhibits a formidable level of discernment, as evidenced by his shrewd detection of Vilgefortz's attempts to deceive him. Contrary to his prior assurances, Vilgefortz schemes to exploit Ciri for his personal gains. In the novels, Emhyr quickly grasps this revelation during the events at Thanned. However, in the season 3 finale of The Witcher, Vilgefortz stands alongside Emhyr, indicating their continued alliance in the show's narrative. Nevertheless, it is highly probable that this dynamic will shift in The Witcher season 4, for Emhyr's astuteness renders it impossible for him not to recognize Vilgefortz's true aspirations.

5 Emhyr Finally Captures Ciri At Stygga Castle

Emhyr ultimately discovers Ciri's whereabouts at Stygga Castle, which serves as Vilgefortz's hideout. Arriving with a formidable army, Emhyr finds that Ciri, Geralt, and Yennefer have already vanquished Vilgefortz. Ciri had learned of Yennefer's captivity and made her way to the castle, while Geralt soon followed to rescue her. Within the walls of Stygga Castle, intense duels ensue – Geralt facing off against Vilgefortz once again, and Ciri confronting Leo Bonhart. After arduous battles, both Geralt and Ciri emerge victorious, believing themselves to be free from further danger. However, their relief is short-lived as Emhyr appears with a massive force of his own, seizing Ciri and condemning Geralt and Yennefer to death.

4 Emhyr Unexpectedly Frees Ciri, Geralt, And Yennefer

3 Emhyr Forgets About The Prophecy

After capturing Ciri and beginning their journey back home, Emhyr unexpectedly has a change of heart. It is Ciri's tearful plea that rattles him to the core, compelling him to reconsider his decision. In a remarkable twist, he grants her the freedom to lead her life alongside Geralt and Yennefer. Just as Ciri rushes to deliver the astounding news, she fortuitously arrives in time to prevent Geralt and Yennefer from ending their own lives. This astounding turn of events stands as one of the most mind-bending twists in the entire book series, leaving readers utterly gobsmacked. Although Emhyr's change of heart remains perplexing, it is plausible that Ciri's resemblance to Pavetta, coupled with his lingering guilt over Pavetta's demise, played a pivotal role in his decision to release Ciri.

After permitting Ciri's release, Emhyr seemingly abandons his pursuit of Ciri fulfilling her Witcher destiny and his aspirations of ruling the world. Ciri's Elder Blood possesses extraordinary power, making her a coveted individual. Consequently, Emhyr and Vilgefortz spent years hatching a plan to harness this power, which prompted Emhyr's marriage to Pavetta. Emhyr's entire existence revolved around this prophecy and the potential it held, but upon finally acquiring Ciri, he abandons his ambitions. Though the specific reasons remain unclear, The Witcher may offer insight into Emhyr's decision at this point.

2 Emhyr Marries The False Ciri

1 Emhyr Agrees To The Peace Of Cintra

: After securing Ciri's freedom and abandoning the prophecy, Emhyr returns to Nilfgaard where he enters into a politically advantageous marriage with a decoy Ciri, who is still widely believed to be the real princess. Importantly, it is crucial to note that only Geralt is aware of Emhyr's true connection to Ciri, ensuring that the union poses no complications. This strategic marriage consolidates Emhyr's authority over Cintra, granting Nilfgaard invaluable territory. As time passes, Emhyr unexpectedly grows fond of the imposter Ciri, finding a glimmer of happiness in her presence. Additionally, he relinquishes his ambitions of conquering the Northern Realms, content with governing his already expansively fortified frontiers.

Emhyr finalizes his relinquishment of past ambitions by accepting the terms of a peace treaty known as The Peace of Cintra. This landmark agreement effectively brings an end to the Second Northern War and facilitates a prolonged era of tranquility on The Witcher's continent. Evidently compelled by their defeat in the decisive Battle of Brenna against the Northern forces led by Jan Natalis, Nilfgaard is coerced into reaching this accord.

Despite this, Emhyr appears to have become weary of war at this juncture, choosing instead to sign the treaty and bring an end to the conflict. Although the Peace of Cintra demands certain concessions from Nilfgaard, the Empire's territorial borders have significantly expanded since before the war. Remarkably, Emhyr successfully enhances the Empire's power and position, despite essentially losing both conflicts against the Northern Realms. Additionally, the North bears the brunt of devastation during the war, while Nilfgaard remains relatively unscathed. Therefore, in many respects, Nilfgaard and Emhyr emerge as the victors in The Witcher.