In The Witcher season 3, the presence of the Wild Hunt is more prominent, however, a new enemy is introduced. The Witcher universe is vast and diverse, featuring a multitude of creatures coexisting with humans. While previous seasons focused on the conflict between elves and humans, season 3 expands upon the rivalries between different species. A significant character is introduced in this season, exploring the consequences of the Thanedd Coup and the ongoing search for Ciri due to her Elder blood. Despite Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer's efforts to stay safe, Ciri remains in danger, with the Wild Hunt among her enemies. However, the final episodes of the season unveil a powerful ally and an enemy of the Wild Hunt: Ihuarraquax, the unicorn.
The Witcher Season 3, Part 2 Introduces A Unicorn - Ihuarraquax Explained
In the universe of The Witcher, unicorns are among the many creatures that exist, and one unicorn, in particular, plays a significant role in Ciri's journey. These unicorns possess a multidimensional nature and have the ability to travel through various dimensions. Unlikeable by those who wield Power, they tend to eliminate those they perceive as threats. However, in certain circumstances, they assist and guide lesser beings in fulfilling their destinies.
During the events of Time of Contempt, Ciri encounters Ihuarraquax, a young white unicorn wandering in the harsh terrain of the Korath desert. Following her escape through a portal in Tor Lara during the Thanedd Coup, Ciri finds herself stranded in the Korath desert, barely managing to survive.
Ciri names the unicorn "Little Horse" (Ihuarraquax) and relies on their friendship to endure the extreme conditions of the desert. Ihuarraquax leads Ciri to water and sustenance, while Ciri uses her magic from the fire to save Ihuarraquax after he falls victim to a poisonous sand monster. In the final novel of The Witcher series, The Lady of the Lake, Ihuarraquax makes a crucial appearance, aiding Ciri's escape from the Aen Elle and playing a pivotal role in her, Geralt, and Yennefer's intertwined journey.
Unicorns In The Witcher Are Natural Enemies Of The Wild Hunt
Unicorns possess their own well-organized society, guided by a council of elders. Their method of communication is simple, relying on affirmations and negations. They refer to less advanced species as "Beings." Besides their disdain for those who wield Power and their duty to eradicate dangerous entities based on their own judgment, Unicorns harbor a strong dislike toward the Aen Elle. These elves, hailing from a different realm due to the Conjunction of the Spheres, encountered the pre-existing Unicorns upon arriving in this new world. The Aen Elle persistently engage in conflict with the Unicorns, desiring the ability to traverse both space and time, which they had possessed before the Conjunction of the Spheres.
The Aen Elle are responsible for the creation of the Wild Hunt, a mounted unit deployed to invade other realms and enslave young humanoids. However, in due course, the Unicorns wrested control of the Gate of the Worlds from the Aen Elle, thereby denying the elves access to space-time travel. The elves managed to partially regain this ability, resulting in the Wild Hunt altering their tactics in order to continue their interdimensional invasions. Adding further complexity to the conflict between Unicorns and the Aen Elle, Ihuarraquax aided Ciri in escaping from the clutches of the elves.
Unicorns Add To The Witcher's Multiverse Setup
The Witcher is part of the current trend of multiverses in film and TV, but its multiverse is more intricate than others. In season 2, the Netflix series introduced the audience to the multiverse when Ciri accidentally transported herself, Yennefer, and Geralt to the Voleth Meir's home world. There, they encountered the Wild Hunt and witnessed the Voleth Meir joining them. This implies that The Witcher will continue to delve into the multiverse in the future. The inclusion of Unicorns not only adds conflict to the storyline involving Ciri and the Wild Hunt, but also provides Ciri with a powerful ally. Additionally, it allows the series to further explore the workings of traveling through these different worlds.