The Witcher Season 3: Astounding Departures from the Source Material

Netflix has released season 3 of The Witcher, which promises significant developments in the show. With Henry Cavill's departure and Liam Hemsworth taking on the role of Geralt, fans can expect major changes. Furthermore, the show has already deviated from the source material, as avid followers familiar with the gaming franchise and books will attest. This distinction in storyline and character portrayal sets The Witcher series apart, even before introducing Hemsworth as the new Geralt of Rivia.

WARNING! Spoilers ahead for The Witcher season 3, part 1!

6 The Family Dynamic

Throughout the initial stages of season three, Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer embark on a continuous journey across the Continent, encountering various challenges along the way. Their main objective is to ensure their mutual happiness and safety as Yennefer takes on the role of mentor, training Ciri in the ways of magic. As Ciri gradually becomes the protagonist, these circumstances reflect a logical progression from the events depicted in the book series, albeit with notable alterations.

In the Witcher book series, these three characters rarely find themselves in each other's company. Each of them yearns for the elusive happiness of a genuine family, but their aspirations remain unfulfilled, serving as a driving force for their actions. Additionally, Geralt is absent during Ciri's magical tutelage under Yennefer, which predominantly occurs at Aretuza.

5 The Battle of Shaerrawedd

In the first episode of season three, the fallen Elven Palace known as Shaerrawedd makes its appearance. Geralt and Ciri, disguised as members of Yarpen's caravan, find themselves targeted by the Scoi'tael who are in pursuit of Ciri. However, the dwarves manage to prevail in the ensuing battle, resulting in a victorious atmosphere filled with both joy and rage, as they mercilessly eliminate their non-human kin.

4 Radovid

happens quite differently in the books. The dwarves in the books were deeply saddened by the necessity of killing the elves and dwarves of the Scoi’tael, as it seemed pointless and violent to them to harm other non-humans. Moreover, the Scoi’tael's objectives in the books didn't involve searching for Ciri within the caravan; instead, they were solely focused on stealing the dwarves' supplies for their own needs.

Introduced in season three of The Witcher, Prince Radovid emerges as a captivating character. Although he portrays himself as a lazy prince under King Vizimir's rule, he proves to possess remarkable capabilities. However, the most intriguing element of his character is his developing bond with Jaskier.

However, in the book series of The Witcher, Radovid's role is significantly different. While the character portrayed in the books is known for his quiet cunning, it is revealed that he is the son of King Vizimir and eventually becomes the King himself. Additionally, Radovid harbors a strong animosity towards mages in the books, leading him to actively pursue and exterminate them, in stark contrast to his collaborative relationship with them in the Netflix series. Consequently, Radovid assumes a much darker persona in alternative versions of the story.

3 The Elves Subplot

Francesca and her elves embark on a unique journey in season 3 of The Witcher, where Gallatin endeavors to protect the elves from getting too entangled in the pursuit of Ciri. Although this subplot adds intrigue to the Netflix series, it deviates significantly from the original events involving Francesca and her elves in the books.

2 The Thanedd Ball

Firstly, in the section of the books that The Witcher season 3 takes inspiration from, hardly anyone is searching for Ciri. Secondly, Francesca and her elves have no involvement in the search for her and are not connected to Geralt and his loved ones in any way. The entire subplot, created solely by Netflix, is entirely separate from the events portrayed in the books.

In the first part of season 3 of The Witcher, the concluding episode showcases a captivating event called The Thanedd Ball organized by Yennefer. The ball is attended by mages and various other guests at Aretuza. It takes place prior to the Conclave and concludes with a shocking revelation that Vilgefortz, the character responsible for orchestrating most of the events, has been working against Ciri. However, it is worth mentioning that the book series presents this storyline in a significantly different manner.

The Thanedd Ball, depicted in the books, was orchestrated by Emhyr, driven by his desire for revenge against the Brotherhood of Mages for their role in the Battle of Sodden Hill. This notorious event resulted in a brutal massacre and the downfall of the Brotherhood, although such a catastrophic incident has yet to unfold in The Witcher Netflix series. Geralt, in his relentless quest to evade war, remains embroiled in his endeavors while the looming possibility of this devastation persists.

1 The Fake Ciri

The Witcher Netflix Series and the Thanedd Ball's Devastating Outcome

In The Witcher season 3, there is a highly disturbing moment that leaves both Geralt and Ciri utterly shocked. They come across a young girl who has undergone cruel experiments and has been manipulated into believing she is Ciri. The complexity of this situation deeply rattles both characters, as it suggests the involvement of unimaginable forms of torture. However, it is important to note that in the Witcher books, the character known as the "Fake Ciri" has a completely different backstory.

Vilgefortz did not play a role in the books, and Aretuza's kidnapping of girls was not a major plot point in The Witcher season 3. In the show, however, Rience kidnaps an orphan girl and forces her to impersonate Ciri, intending to hand her over to the White Flame. While the end results are likely similar, the TV series expands on this storyline significantly compared to the books.

The first part of The Witcher Season 3 premiered on Netflix on June 29th, 2023, with the second part scheduled for release on July 27th, 2023.