The Witcher Books: Character Endings and Their Final Stories

The Witcher, a captivating book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, not only introduced readers to a rich fantasy realm but also inspired a highly acclaimed TV adaptation. The novels, consisting of 14 short stories and 6 full-length books, culminated in profound character arcs but left certain questions unanswered, particularly regarding the fate of Geralt of Rivia. The series began in 1986, with its latest addition, *Season of Storms*, published in 2013. It chronicles the adventures of Geralt, a monster-hunter endowed with extraordinary abilities. Throughout the narrative, the characters undergo remarkable transformations, presenting a tapestry of personal growth and emotional complexity.

At the heart of *The Witcher* lies Geralt’s protective nature toward his adopted daughter, Ciri, and his tumultuous romance with Yennefer. However, the plot extends well beyond these central relationships. The concluding novel, The Lady of the Lake, wraps up the main narrative threads, but not every character emerges unscathed. The series finale presents unique destinies for both primary and supporting characters, mixing death with alternate realities in a manner that heightens the intrigue of their stories.

7 Geralt Of Rivia

The Ultimate Witcher

Liam Hemsworth as Geralt in The Witcher, sporting white hair and looking stoic.

Geralt’s fate remains shrouded in ambiguity by the end of *The Lady of the Lake*. His deep bond with Ciri and his fraught connection to Yennefer significantly shaped his journey. This complex romance, filled with ups and downs, notably influenced Geralt’s character development. As the narrative reaches its climax, Geralt suffers a lethal injury during a riot in Rivia, leaving his ultimate fate in limbo.

Though Yennefer attempts to use her magical powers to rescue him, she collapses, leaving readers uncertain about her survival as well. Ultimately, the pair awaken in an unspecified location, hinting at different interpretations of their fate. While some fans speculate that Geralt’s final moments signify his death and a reunion with Yennefer in the afterlife, the series does not provide a definitive answer. This ambiguous ending, while unconventional for a hero, reflects the complexity of Geralt’s character, offering a sense of closure amid chaos.

6 Features

The Princess Of Cintra

Freya Allan as Ciri in The Witcher season 4.

Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, known as Ciri, initially appears as a naive young woman propelled by necessity into bravery throughout *The Witcher* series. Over time, she develops a profound father-daughter relationship with Geralt, intertwining their fates. Her journey concludes with her entering an alternative dimension during *The Tower of the Swallow*. There, she encounters the legendary Sir Galahad, further complicating her narrative.

After Geralt and Yennefer seemingly perish, Ciri is seen recounting her escapades to Galahad, ultimately choosing to join him in Camelot rather than returning to her own reality. This development subtly emphasizes Ciri’s status as a central figure in the saga. Despite her sorrow over Geralt’s fate, his influence shapes her conclusion, which, like Geralt’s, remains open to interpretation.

5 Yennefer Of Vengerberg

A Powerful Young Sorceress

Anya Chalotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg looking over her shoulder in The Witcher.

Yennefer’s narrative arc also delves deeply into themes of personal growth and resilience, shaped by her difficult upbringing and her evolution into a formidable sorceress. Abused in her youth and initially marked by a hunchback, she transformed herself and ultimately became a member of the influential Lodge of Sorceresses. Her intricate relationship with Geralt, marked by love and loss, significantly impacts her character.

In the story, Yennefer’s fate appears intertwined with Ciri’s transport of her and Geralt to Avalon. Although Ciri hints at their marriage, this remains ambiguous. Yennefer’s desperate bid to save Geralt during the riot adds further complexity to her narrative. The implication of her unconsciousness suggests that she might meet a tragic end alongside Geralt.

4 Cahir

The Black Knight

Eamon Farren as Cahir stood in a dark woodland in The Witcher season 3.

Cahir’s introduction in *Blood of Elves* presents him as a complex character with conflicting loyalties. Originally sent to capture Ciri for Emhyr, he soon develops an emotional attachment to her. Despite his tumultuous past and challenges with Geralt, Cahir eventually finds redemption by sacrificing himself for Ciri’s escape during an intense confrontation with Leon Bonhart in *The Lady of the Lake*.

His admittance of love for Ciri before his demise adds significant weight to his character’s journey, culminating in a powerful act of selflessness. Though Cahir’s death was tragic, it played a vital role in Ciri’s final escape, leading to her eventual vengeance against Bonhart, tying his tale back to the overarching themes of sacrifice in the series.

3 Triss Merigold

A Powerful Witch & Escaper Of Death

Triss looks off in the distance with concern on her face in The Witcher.

Triss Merigold’s narrative, like those of her peers, is rich and layered. Often overshadowed by Yennefer’s powerful presence, Triss is an equally competent sorceress, known for her resilience and healing abilities. She is survived by the events of the Battle of Sodden Hill, having been mistakenly thought dead in the aftermath. Her friendship with both Geralt and Yennefer showcases her loyalty and depth of character.

In *The Lady of the Lake*, she plays a pivotal role in combating the chaos of Rivia through the use of her magic alongside Yennefer. While she bids farewell to Ciri and Geralt’s lifeless bodies, her farewell captures her strength. Triss faces her fear of mortality with grace, emerging from the battle with newfound purpose and hope.

2 Dandelion

Geralt’s Beloved Bard & Best Friend

Jaskier sat on a hill next to some rope in The Witcher season 3 part 1.

Dandelion, also known as Jaskier in the television series, serves as both comic relief and loyal friend to Geralt. Bursting with charisma, he is renowned for his ballads celebrating the hero’s exploits and his tumultuous romance with Yennefer. His adventures with Geralt further underscore his importance as a backstory character, often finding himself in precarious situations due to his naivety.

Although he faces danger due to romantic complications, like an attempted execution by Anna Henrietta, he navigates these obstacles with his wit. By the end of *The Lady of the Lake*, he emerges as the sole survivor of Geralt’s circle, ensuring that the tales of their exploits throughout the series will continue to resonate.

1 Leo Bonhart

The Witcher’s Most Famous Bounty Hunter

Leo Bonhart capturing Ciri in The Witcher books. — via: Anthony Star

Leo Bonhart emerges as a complex and menacing figure within *The Witcher*. Renowned for his skill with a sword and ruthless determination, he becomes obsessed with capturing Ciri, showcasing a darker side to the narrative. Despite his role as a hired killer, Bonhart’s actions often lead him to overstep boundaries, showcasing a deep-rooted obsession.

His demise, fitting for the story’s antagonist, occurs during the intense showdown at Stygga. Ciri, having endured his cruelty, ultimately exacts revenge, utilizing the skills she learned from him against her abuser. This poetic justice not only marks a significant turning point for Ciri but also emphasizes the themes of retribution prevalent throughout the series.

How Likely It Is That The Witcher Show Changes These Endings

As The Witcher television series continues to evolve, there’s a strong possibility of character endings being altered significantly. Notably, viewers have expressed concerns regarding the book portrayals of Ciri and Yennefer, often finding their television adaptations to be richer and more engaging.

One major difference is the series’ depiction of Ciri as a more proactive hero, a role that aligns with her ongoing development in the books. Additionally, the show’s inclusion of moments where Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri share happiness—absent in the novels—suggests potential deviations in their stories. The dynamics of their relationships could lead to different fates for these characters.

The recasting of Geralt from Henry Cavill to Liam Hemsworth injects another layer of unpredictability into the narrative, potentially reshaping his interactions with both Ciri and Yennefer. Furthermore, Bonhart’s role as a mentor to Ciri diverges from the books, complicating the narrative threads. Finally, characters like Cahir and Triss have undergone extensive transformations in the series adaptation, setting the stage for significant alterations to their respective fates.

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