The Surprising Twist Behind Tissaia's Decision in The Witcher Season 3 & Its Game-Changing Implications for Season 4

Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Witcher Season 3, Part 2.

Summary

Tissaia's choice to end her own life in Season 3, Part 2 of The Witcher is motivated by her remorse for the Thanedd coup and her failure to see through Vilgefortz's deceit. In a letter left for Yennefer, she conveys heartfelt emotions and cautionary advice regarding the ramifications of employing aggressive sorcery.

Tissaia's demise sets the stage for Yennefer to assume the role of headmistress at Aretuza, continuing her mentor's teachings and possibly rekindling hope within the realms.

Content warning: This article includes a reference to suicide.

Tissaia de Vries, played by MyAnna Buring, had a significant role in Season 3 of The Witcher. Initially portrayed as a strong and authoritative headmistress at Aretuza, she becomes a tragic figure in relation to Yennefer, serving as a motherly figure. Despite her legacy and attempts to protect Ciri and her students, she fails to prevent the destruction caused by Vilgefortz and the aftermath of the Thanedd coup. In Episode 6 of Part 2, Tissaia's underestimation of Vilgefortz's plan leads her to inadvertently aid in the development of a war between Redania and Nilfgaard by freeing Phillippa. Throughout these events, Buring delivers a powerful performance as the obsessed mentor haunted by the consequences of her actions. In the Season 3 finale, Episode 8, Tissaia shocks viewers by choosing to end her own life, setting the stage for the inevitable impact it will have on various characters in Season 4.

Tissaia Takes Her Own Life Due To Guilt Over The Thanedd Coup & Vilgefortz's Deception

Tissaia's decision to end her own life is a complex one that cannot be attributed to just a few factors. The guilt she carried for her involvement in the Thanedd coup and her inability to see through Vilgefortz's deceit weighed heavily on her. Even the empowering words of Yennefer, who described her as the strongest person she knew, could not alleviate her sense of hopelessness. Approaching the Brotherhood in desperation and making numerous mistakes only led to her paying the ultimate price for the chaos she had unleashed on Thanedd Island.

It may seem irrational for Tissaia, one of the most powerful mages, to act in such a way in the season 3 finale. Even calling upon Alzur's Thunder, a spell typically reserved for dire situations, had minimal impact. Tissaia, much like her protégé, the Savior of Sodden, was not known for giving up easily. However, her overwhelming grief, pain, and shame over her perceived failures became unbearable. With Aretuza suffering significant damage, her lover turning out to be the enemy, and the Brotherhood experiencing devastating losses, she lost faith in herself and her ability to make sound judgments.

"A Flower Is Just A Flower" - What Tissaia's Letter To Yennefer Means

Tissaia's letter to Yennefer is filled with deep emotions and important warnings about the chaotic nature of magic. She highlights the significance of accepting the natural cycle of life and death, explaining that sometimes a flower's best contribution is to wither away. Tissaia, however, recognizes that she was more than just a flower; she was a symbol of hope and strength for others, especially in her final act of powerful magic.

Furthermore, she emphasizes the inevitable consequences of chaos, stating that there is always a price to pay for wielding violent magic, as was evident in the battle at the tower where lives were taken. The juxtaposition of Tissaia's funeral scene with the fallen mages and her final moments underscores the gravity of her sacrifice. It becomes clear that in addition to Vilgefortz's betrayal and the potential future bloodshed caused by her actions, Tissaia's greatest remorse stems from her inability to protect her girls.

This moment is particularly heart-wrenching for Yennefer, as her relationship with Tissaia, her mother figure, Aretuza, and the Sisterhood has been a source of personal pain and suffering. However, even in death, Tissaia ensures that her most promising student is not left without guidance in restoring peace to The Continent's conflict.

How Tissaia Dies In The Witcher Books

Tissaia undergoes a significant transformation in The Witcher show compared to the books by Andrzej Sapkowski. In the series, she evolves from a strict and humorless authority figure into a slightly more benevolent headmistress at Aretuza, radiating strength. Her imposing characterization allows for a simpler interpretation of her suicide as a result of regret over the Thanedd coup. In the books, Tissaia's decision to free Vilgefortz enabled him to carry out his plan. However, the Netflix fantasy series introduced an emotional element by depicting a romantic involvement between the two characters.

While both the book and on-screen versions of Tissaia share a tragic ending, the series makes an effort to delve deeper into her feelings of failure. Unlike the past, where the Brotherhood would not accept pregnant women due to concerns about divided loyalties, Tissaia is portrayed as a humanized character with her own desires. Her relationship with Vilgefortz humanizes her and trusting him does not equate to failure. However, this trust clouds her judgment when it comes to those she loves even more - her students.

What Tissaia's Death Means For The Witcher Season 4

Now, it's not just Henry Cavill who is leaving The Witcher, but MyAnna Buring as well. However, there is a positive aspect that lessens the impact of Tissaia's death and Buring's departure. Yennefer has the potential to become the headmistress of Aretuza. With their mother-daughter relationship, Tissaia's passing symbolizes the transfer of knowledge to one of her most talented students. This student's growth in magic effectively captures the essence of Tissaia's teachings. Undoubtedly, Yennefer will require ample time to recover from the events on Thanedd Island and the loss of her friends. Nevertheless, she can draw strength from her mentor's messages to find Ciri and potentially bring hope back to the realms.

If The Witcher follows the events from the books, the Brotherhood of Sorcerers may be replaced by The Lodge of Sorceresses, a secret organization comprised entirely of women. This organization has the ability to rally Yennefer and the other survivors. A particular line in Tissaia's farewell letter provides intriguing insight into her character. She writes, "I would love to see you through the next leg of your journey. I know you will do great things, my daughter, but I'm afraid I cannot." The pauses in this passage can be interpreted as expressing regret for missing out on witnessing Yennefer's future and acknowledging Tissaia's limitations. However, by consistently equipping her students with the necessary skills and mindset to achieve greatness, Tissaia continues to accomplish "great things" even in death.