Netflix’s The Witcher: A Date with Destiny

Geralt of Rivia is played by the most ripped geek ever, Henry Cavill.

Game of Thrones just ended its run a few months back, and despite mixed reviews, it left a giant epic-fantasy shaped hole in the hearts of viewers everywhere. Some have looked to Netflix’s new series, The Witcher, to fill the void, and based on the first season, it may just fit the bill. 

Who’s who

The main protagonist is Geralt of Rivia, (played by the most ripped geek ever, Henry Cavill), the titular Witcher. Though a monster-slayer by trade, there are often hints that he wants a life that has long eluded him. Destiny guides him to Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra). Once a young girl from an abusive home, she grows to be a powerful sorceress, whose fate seems entwined with the Witcher’s. We are also shown the journey of Princess Cirilla (Freya Allan). As the granddaughter of one of the fiercest queens on the continent, she grows up with a strong adventurous streak, but when her world is turned upside down, she if left with only four words: “Find Geralt of Rivia.”

The story and pacing of the episodes is very well executed, but much of the world building is done implicitly such as through peasants commenting on recent events in their town, or the condescension with which a noble speaks to elves or dwarves they encounter. Consider this as a brief primer for those of you who may want to know a little about the source material before taking the plunge, or simply want a better idea of the easter eggs in the series. 

Backstory

The Witcher is based on a series of short stories of the same name written by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. First published in 1986, the property was relatively unknown outside Poland until CD Projekt Red released a role-playing game based on the series in 2007. 

The continent where the stories take place is divided into several kingdoms, with their own political motivations and tactics, but that’s about where the Game of Thrones similarities end. Destiny is an almost palpable force in the lore. Strange occurrences and chaotic events always seem to befall those who seek to defy the course that fate has laid out for them. Though still a rare gift, magic is vastly more pronounced in this world. A council of mages trains and oversees those with the talent and eventually sends them to act as advisors to the rulers of the land, to influence events that shape the continent. Outside of the grand cities, peasants live simple lives in their tiny villages. Far from palace guards though, these people are easy prey to wild beasts and monsters that stalk the night. To continue their peaceful existence, these people must depend on those that hunt these creatures: the Witchers.

What is a Witcher?

While there are many skilled fighters or wizards who may dispatch the monsters that stalk the innocent, none are more skilled than the Witchers. 

Each Witcher is a mutant. As children, they are subjected to a series of trials which leads them to develop enhanced physical prowess and gifts them with a greatly extended lifespan, but also leaves them infertile. Besides swordsmanship, Witchers are also taught how to identify monsters based on forensic evidence like their tracks or the marks left on their victims. With knowledge of their prey, they can then better prepare their tools to match their foes.

As part of their mutation, a Witcher can digest powerful potions which would kill a normal man. They may further enhance his strength and speed, or even grant him the ability to see in the dark. Though they lack the full command of the chaotic forces that mages possess, Witchers can also cast simple spells called Signs by drawing a rune with one hand. Though Signs are nowhere near as grandiose as the spells of a sorceress, a Witcher can topple objects and adversaries with a telekinetic blast, or influence the minds of others. 

Perhaps most important of all, though, are a Witcher’s skills with the sword. Each is trained in a fighting style that is both fierce and graceful, allowing them to appear as if they are dancing a deadly ballet as they cut down their foes. They carry not one, but two swords, one made of steel for humans, and one of silver for “creatures of the land.” As Geralt puts it, though, “Both are for monsters.”

Here be monsters

The theme of questioning who the actual monsters are is central to The Witcher. Fantastic beasts may be found across the continent, but it is often the humans themselves who possess the more monstrous qualities. Sure, there may be a bruxa preying on a hapless village now and then, but the lords obsessed with expanding their territory even if they must slaughter a tribe of elves are depicted as an even worse blight upon the land. Due to their emotionally detached nature and strange appearance, Witchers themselves are generally mistrusted by the superstitious people of the continent. Geralt, despite his stoic, sometimes cold demeanor is undoubtedly a hero. He demands compensation for his monster slaying services, yet he is often shown going out of his way to help the oppressed even at the risk of his own person. 

At a glance, The Witcher may not have the same budget or epic scale as Game of Thrones, but the series makes for compelling viewing. Each of the central characters’ motivations and personality are fleshed out pretty well over the course of the first season. By the end of it, we’re left with that paradoxical feeling of being satisfied with what’s been delivered, yet craving for more. 

Less than a week since its debut, the series already holds the honor of being one of the highest rated original shows on Netflix. It almost seems like it was destined to be a hit; it was renewed for a second season weeks before it even aired. 

The Witcher is currently streaming on Netflix.