The Witcher: Unleashing the Forbidden Secrets of Fire Magic

Summary

Fire magic is forbidden in The Witcher because of its destructive nature and the corrupting effects it has on those who use it.

Yennefer and other sorceresses are the main practitioners of fire magic in the show, but its usage comes with a significant cost. Despite the inherent dangers, both Ciri and Stregobor also employ fire magic, which ultimately leads to perilous outcomes and the possibility of corruption.

Netflix's The Witcher showcases various forms of magic in its two seasons, while also establishing a strict rule: fire magic is prohibited in this magical realm. The fantasy genre is known for its expansive and popular universes with intricate mythologies, and The Witcher, created by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, has proven to be one of the most successful in recent years. Originally a series of novels and short stories, The Witcher gained widespread recognition through its video game adaptations and was later adapted into a movie and a TV series in Poland in 2001 and 2002.

In 2019, Netflix brought The Witcher to the English-speaking audience with its own adaptation. The show took a unique approach by presenting Sapkowski's stories in a non-linear narrative, following three distinct characters placed in different locations and time periods. Eventually, their paths intertwine towards the end of the season. However, season 2 offers a more coherent and easily comprehensible storyline, enabling viewers to develop a deeper understanding of the characters. These characters consist of Geralt of Rivia, Yennefer of Vengerberg, and Ciri. Through their journeys, viewers are introduced to diverse types of Witcher magic. Yet, the question remains: why is fire magic forbidden in The Witcher?

The Reason Fire Magic Is Forbidden In The Witcher

Fire Magic In The Witcher Seasons 1 & 2

The use of fire magic is prohibited in The Witcher universe due to its all-consuming nature and its varying effects on practitioners. Unlike the other elements of chaos such as water, earth, and air, fire possesses the unique ability to both destroy and consume. To harness this power, individuals must tap into their inner negativity, as Yennefer did by tapping into her inner rage. However, the dangerous nature of fire magic is evident in its corrupting influence on those who survive its use, as seen with characters like Rience and the potential danger it posed to Ciri in the books. It is therefore understandable why fire magic is considered one of the forbidden practices in this universe.

In The Witcher series, Yennefer and her fellow sorceresses possessed the ability to wield fire magic. Meanwhile, Ciri, although displaying immense power, struggled to control it. By the end of season 1, the sorceresses united during the Battle of Sodden Hill. Triss Merigold, at one point, highlighted the forbidden nature of fire magic, along with demonology and necromancy. However, Fringilla disregarded these warnings. Triss' concerns were justified when the mages under Fringilla's command, while casting powerful fireballs at their enemies, were ultimately consumed by their own magic.

Fire Magic In The Witcher Season 3

After Yennefer harnessed all her chaotic energy to cast fire magic and defeat the Nilfgaardians, she discovered its costly consequences. Though she managed to survive, she paid the price by losing her connection to chaos, rendering her powerless throughout season 2. Unlike Yennefer, the mages serving Fringilla were instantly consumed by the flames of fire magic. However, the price of wielding such power is not always the lives of its users. Meanwhile, Rience, who extensively employed fire magic to inflect torment upon others like Jaskier, revealed the sacrificial nature of its usage. According to Rience, channeling fire magic demands a sacrifice, and in his case, it was his very soul.

In season 3 of The Witcher, fire magic makes a triumphant return, showcasing numerous instances of individuals willing to harness its forbidden power, consequences be damned. Ciri's journey takes a dark twist as she ventures down a perilous path, defying the taboo and unleashing fire magic upon The Witcher. However, Ciri's initiation into the world of fire magic is not the only notable occurrence in the latest season. Stregobor seizes the spotlight with a mesmerizing display of fire magic during the climactic clash between Nilfgaard and Redania. His fiery sorcery affords his fellow mages a means of escape from the relentless Scoia'tael warriors.

However, in The Witcher season 3 finale, Ciri displayed her mastery of fire magic. After traversing the Tor Lara portal, she found herself in the vast Korath desert, where she experienced vivid visions of her mother, Pavett, and grandmother, Calanthe. These extraordinary encounters were orchestrated by Falka, who managed to persuade Ciri to utilize her fire magic abilities in order to heal a wounded unicorn. Despite delving deep into her powers, Ciri showed restraint and refrained from employing fire magic in combat. Falka sought to manipulate her into using this destructive force as a weapon of revenge against the Continent. However, in a moment of strength and self-preservation, Ciri relinquished her magic, thus ending the haunting visions of Geralt and Yennefer and shielding herself from the corrupting influence of fire magic, at least for the time being.