In the first season of The Witcher, the main plot points focused on telling the stories of Geralt of Rivia, Yennefer of Vengerberg, and Cirilla of Cintra. The action-packed fantasy utilized flashbacks to show crucial memories of how each character came to be and how they impact the world around them. In addition, the writers highlighted the significance of the world known as the Continent and how the politics, magic, and overall way of life influence how each major and minor character is shaped. While I am remotely new to the world of The Witcher, I find myself gravitating towards the way the screenwriters opted to carry the next season of the film adaptation. With that being said, here are different ways each major character experienced some form of loss in the second season. As a warning, there will be spoilers ahead and now would be the time to stop reading.
Geralt’s Loss
In the second season, Geralt of Rivia loses contact with three significant characters that push forth the concept of loss and the morally grey aspect of the life of a witcher. He loses his friend, Nivellen, after finding out he turned a blind eye to a group of people being killed by his bruxa lover; He loses his brother and fellow witcher, Eskel, who is possessed by a leshy and is forced to kill him; And finally, he loses the famous and beloved horse, Roach, after a fight with a chernobog. While loss is a common occurrence in Geralt’s life, there is a deeper significance of it that helps add to the complications of his life. Witchers are forced to appear emotionless and neutral, only going after something for financial gain; However, this season shows a glimpse of his emotions and the pain he experiences despite acting as a protector to his new daughter.
Cirilla’s Loss
Cirilla of Cintra’s loss begins in the first season, specifically when her grandmother dies and her kingdom of Cintra is lost to the Nilfgaardians. However, this season was pivotal for her in the sense that viewers no longer saw her running to find Geralt. Instead, they watched her stop and attempt to figure out why she has a form of power and why her family lied and concealed her elven heritage. In this season, she comes to terms with the fact that her life is never going to be the same in this season, but she also accepts what she has lost— that being the reasons why her family tried to protect her and keep her powers and lineage a secret. This is seen through the final episode of the series when her mother, grandmother, and advisors fade away at the end of this season. This plot point heavily impacts the series, as she not only learns how to fight in the ways of a witcher, but navigates the world as thousands of political figures are after her for her power or claim to the throne of Cintra.
Yennefer’s Loss
Yennefer of Vengerberg’s loss becomes abundantly clear when she can no longer cast spells and open portals after the season one finale, which consisted of her using fire magic to stop a Nilfgaardian raid. Her power represented her to the extent that it brought her confidence and purpose to her life, however she is forced to live temporarily without the help of her abilities. She resorts to using different objects as weapons. Her character choices differ from the book adaptation in this season, however Yennefer appears to slightly redeem herself after becoming a teacher to Ciri and showing her how to control her magical abilities. Watchers only saw a glimpse of what Ciri was capable of doing, yet she showed great promise through Yennefer’s guide and teachings. This only puts the final puzzle piece in place for the trio the series fixates on, and puts forth the beginning of the journey that many love.
With the Continent bringing endless possibilities on what the three main characters will encounter, the screenwriters and actors show promise in what will come following the next season. Whether it be demons or recognizable faces from the book or video game adaptation, there is clear potential for how this story will unfold. Suffice to say, I eagerly await the release of the new season, along with any other film adaptation that will come from the world of The Witcher.