Kikimoras are the name of the monster that Geralt kills in this episode. In the short novel The Lesser Evil, it is described as having a “spidery shape with its dry black skin, that glassy eye with its vertical pupil, [and] needle-like fangs in the bleeding mouth.”
Geralt’s Story
Although in the story The Voice of Reason, he tells a priestess named Iola rather than his horse, Geralt’s account to Roach of killing his first monster—a rapist—comes directly from the books.
The Aard sign
Geralt employs one of his most well-known skills—the Aard sign, which throws opponents back with a telekinetic blast—during the market battle in Blaviken.
The Butcher of Blaviken
This episode’s events are what gave Geralt one of his most infamous moniker—the Butcher of Blaviken. Granted, the event is depicted differently in the books, when Geralt discovers that Renfri’s goons are ready to kidnap the market’s patrons.
Your Daughter’s Betrothal Feast
When Eist Tuirseach remarks to Calanthe that these celebrations “remind [him] of your daughter’s betrothal feast,” he is alluding to a crucial episode 4 scene that takes place.
The Wild Hunt
Calanthe references the Wild Hunt in the same moment. These fabled, ghostly horsemen are significant to the plot of the series; they first appear in the book Time of Contempt and then play a significant part in The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt.
Ciri’s Powers
In the original stories, Ciri hadn’t yet learned about or used the abilities she uses in this episode at the same time. These abilities, however, are akin to those that her mother Pavetta displayed at the feast that Eist Tuirseach previously mentioned.
Multiple Timelines Hints
The showrunner of The Witcher, Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, intentionally left the audience in the dark about the numerous, interconnected histories in the hopes that they would just go along for the trip. There are some hints in this episode, though: Ciri is cautioned by Mousesack about incidents that occurred “many years ago,” but which are much more recent in the scenes involving Geralt and Stregobor. Furthermore, Renfri mentions the war at Hochebuz to Geralt as if it had just happened as Calanthe and Ciri talk about Calanthe’s victory there in the distant past.
Cahir’s Winged Helmet
Ciri notices the feathered helmet of this Nilfgaardian soldier, which is referred to in the texts as having “wings.” The soldier’s name is Cahir, and if the series stays true to the source material, he’ll have a significant future. He currently appears in Ciri’s dreams.
The Lute
In the novels, Jaskier keeps the lute that the elves give him in exchange for letting the bard and Geralt go free. The character in the short story The Edge of the World regretfully remarks that it’s much nicer than his last lute.
Meet Istredd
Istredd, a supporting figure from the books, has had a distinctly larger part in the television series. He and Geralt argue over Yennefer’s love in the short novella A Shard of Ice. Although Yennefer and Istredd had a past together, it is never discussed in the show, hence the character’s function has been created specifically for the screen.
Yenn’s Uterus
In the books, Yennefer has already undergone a significant transition before Geralt first encounters her, going from what he surmises was probably a hunchback to the stunning sorceress she is now. The primary material states that all sorceresses are sterile, but the program devised the notion that the uterus must be removed in order to undergo the physical transition.
Another Multiple Timelines Hint
Another indication that the narratives are set decades apart can be found in this episode: At the party Yennefer attends, King Foltest, who assigns Geralt the duty of eliminating the Striga, makes an appearance as a young child. If you’re not paying attention to every single piece of dialogue, it’s simple to miss this one.
The Selkiemore
This chapter details Geralt’s encounters with “selkiemores,” a creature that hasn’t previously been described in the series’ novels or video games. However, it sounds like a marine creature that lives in the water.
Geralt Takes a Bath
The fact that Geralt took a bath was not merely important since he obviously needed one. Thanks to a certain scenario in The Witcher 3, it has developed into a sizable meme. Given that one of the things Netflix showcased at San Diego Comic-Con this year was an image of Geralt in the bathtub, the show at the very least appears to be aware of that.
Conjunction of the Spheres
The Conjunction of the Spheres is mentioned in Ciri’s scenes in the forest Brokilon. In the lore of the series, this is a mythical occurrence where various planes of reality united, bringing magic—and dangerous magical creatures—to the world of mortals.
The Sacking of Kaer Morhen
The Sacking of Kaer Morhen is another topic that is brought up in this episode. The witchers’ traditional residence and training ground is Kaer Morehn. Before the events of the episode, the witchers were fired, and this led to their increased secrecy.
The Law of Surprise
The law of surprise plays a significant role in both the plot of the novels and, consequently, the show, but it isn’t actually well addressed in this episode. The law of surprise permits those who owe a debt to make a claim for property that the debtor is not yet aware they own. Ciri, the unborn daughter of Duny and Pavetta, is that something.
The Waters of Brokilon
The Waters of Brokilon are consumed by Ciri in this episode, albeit they don’t appear to have the same significance they do in the original. According to the literature, girls who consume the Waters lose their identity and change into Dryads. Obviously not in the show, where Ciri just sees a tree in a desert.
Dimeritium
In Episode 5, Yenn faces a dimeritium menace. The wizardry is dampened by this metal. It is mentioned numerous times in the literature, and in the games, you can make equipment from it.
Dopplers
Cahir employs a doppler, a sentient creature that can change the shape of its body into that of other creatures with comparable body weights. The doppler in the program, however, is very dissimilar from those in the books. For starters, his natural appearance is different (as we will discover in a later episode). More importantly, dopplers in the source material tend to be non-aggressive and primarily use their capacity to blend in.
The Sword of Destiny
The phrase “the sword of destiny has two edges” is taken directly from the text. Sword of Destiny is the title of the second collection of short stories, which takes place after The Last Wish but before the first novel, Blood of Elves. The phrase “two edges” alludes to Ciri and Geralt.
Lilac and Gooseberries
Geralt observes that Yennefer smells strongly of lilac and gooseberries, a perfume he’ll never be able to get rid of. It’s one of the key characteristics he associates with Yenn from the books that he keeps in mind.
Dandelion’s Name
Jaskier reveals Julien Alfred Pankratz as his full name in Episode 6. He seems to be going to add his title as well, Viscount de Lettenhove, despite being cut off. An associated fact is this: In English, “jaskier” is translated as “buttercup.” Jaskier is known as Dandelion in the localizations used in the West. They used his old name for the show, possibly because it had the least ridiculous sound to it.
The Hirikka
The animal that Eyck brutally kills is known as a Hirikka. It is said to be nearly extinct in Witcher legend and even rarer than a dragon, which only serves to highlight how ridiculous Eyck is.
The Harry Potter Tent
The Harry Potter tent that Yennefer is using is not one from the novels; it is larger inside (does that make it a Doctor Who tent?). However, it is cool.
The Last Wish
Near the conclusion of Episode 6, Yennefer finally understands how Geralt saved her from the djinn (by using his last wish to tie their fates together). This is explained in much greater detail in the books.
The Stars Reflecting in the Pond
A common quotation from the works, especially “Time of Contempt,” is “You can not mistake the stars reflecting in the pond for the night sky.”
Ithlinne’s Prophecy
The phrase “The time of the sword and axe is approaching” from the conversation between Cahir and Fringilla is taken from the Prophecy of Ithlinne, a pivotal passage in the novels’ story.
The Puppet Show
The puppet performance that Ciri sees in Episode 7 seems to be making fun of Cintra’s dismissal. This scenario makes me think of the scenes where Arya witnessed the mummer troupe perform the Purple Wedding on stage in Game of Thrones.
Time of Contempt
This episode makes mention to the “period of scorn.” This is the title of the second book in the original Witcher story, making it the fourth book altogether. The phrase’s meaning is open to interpretation, while any apparent ambiguity could equally indicate a problem with the translation.
The Battle of Sodden Hill
The Battle of Sodden Hill takes up a significant portion of Episode 8. In the novels, this is a significant incident, but it was never explicitly stated, and Geralt only learned about it after the fact. Although that trick where they fire little glass bottles with arrows sounded a little shady, it was still interesting to watch.
Ear Worms
Due to a particularly vile treachery on the side of the Nilfgaardians, the Northerners came dangerously close to losing the Battle of Sodden Hill. Since these mind-controlling “ear worms” are unheard of in the books, their appearance at the end of the season was particularly startling (and perplexing).
Who has a lilac and gooseberry scent?
One of the main characters, Yennefer, is shown as having a perfume that smells like lilac and gooseberries in the popular video game “The Witcher.” To many fans of the game and the current Netflix adaptation, the fragrance is still a myth.
Lilac has a powerful, sweet scent. It is a widespread plant that is growing everywhere. Gooseberries thrive in environments that are frigid in the winter and humid and hot in the summer. The plant is a straggling bush with bell-shaped flowers and delectable berries that is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. There are also red, white, and yellow variations of the berries with the translucent hairy skin.
The berries offer a great deal of vitamin C. They have a pleasant aroma that is both sweet and slightly acidic. Can you picture the current fragrance of Yennefer?
“Plants & Nations” is a collection of essays and images about common plants from around the globe. It acts as a guide to lovely plants from many nations.
Tutelage at Aretuza[]
A young woman with a twisted spine and partial facial paralysis makes an attempt to return a flower to two passionate lovers outside of a barn in her hometown of Vengerberg. Her name is Yennefer. They attack Yennefer because they are disgusted by her appearance, forcing her to the ground and calling her names until she naturally portals to Aretuza. She encounters a young sorcerer named Istredd there, who tells her she has been marked. Then, in order to return Yennefer to her home, he builds an untraceable portal.
A sorceress by the name of Tissaia de Vries locates Yennefer and buys her from her stepfather for four marks, which is less than half the cost of a pig because she has been marked due to her portaling from Aretuza. When Yennefer’s mother objects, her husband declares that Yennefer is not his daughter. The same is true of Yennefer’s cry for assistance. Yennefer is forcibly removed from her Vengerberg home and imprisoned in a space in Aretuza. Disgusted by what she sees when she looks in the mirror, she shatters the mirror and takes a shard of glass as she considers killing herself. Despite cutting her wrists, Yennefer makes it through the following night thanks to Tissaia’s help.
Tissaia discusses the risks associated with magic and how each of them has the ability to manage it, making them conduits for chaos even yet magic is the control of chaos. She has summoned them together for a test in which they must individually lift a stone without touching it as it is set in front of them next to a flower. With the exception of Yennefer, all of the initiates can lift the stone. Yennefer leaves the greenhouse after giving up after failing at her attempt. She goes in search of Istredd and says hello.
Later, the initiates sit across from one another for a test to find out what their companion is most afraid of. Telepathy should happen, but despite spending hours examining her companion, Anica, Yennefer has been unable to pinpoint the source of her dread and the lies she tells to hide her shortcomings. Yennefer withdraws to Istredd and discusses her flaws after Tissaia calls her out on her lie and chastises her in front of the class. He tells her to keep trying because he didn’t give up and that he’s now able to read minds. He even teaches Yennefer to read his mind, giving her hints about things she would like, like cicadas and warm bread.
Later, the initiates are brought to Tor Lara to bottle lightning in order to assess their capacity to master the height of chaos. The lightning struck Yennefer when it was her turn to lift the bottle, sending her flying across the room. Yennefer, who is furious, directs the lightning she is shooting at Tissaia into the sky. According to Tissaia, there are two types of mages: those who can control their emotions and those who allow their emotions to rule them. She continues by relating to Yennefer. It was Yennefer and Tissaia who were left.
Yennefer, who is afraid of being sent home, meets Istredd, who assures her that a solution will be found. He must make sure that the Brotherhood never learns what he knows, therefore he is unable to share it with Yennefer. Instead, Istredd demonstrates to her the elf skulls that were used in the construction of Aretuza while outlining the elf history and how they were the first wizards. He presents Yennefer with a plant called a Feainnewedd, which can only grow where Elder Blood has leaked. With the help of this plant, Yennefer effortlessly conjures a gateway and reveals that her biological father was a half-elf who perished during the Great Cleansing. She was born with a crooked spine due to her half-elf ancestry, and she thinks that this is why no one will ever love her. Istredd gives her a kiss as though to refute Yennefer’s claim that she has no admirers.
It was a test to see if Yennefer could control her emotions long enough to retrieve the flower from Istredd, so she gives it to Tissaia. When Yennefer inquires if this indicates that she is prepared to “ascend,” she is urged to keep an eye out for the knock.
Yennefer follows the directions and waits for the knock. Tissaia knocks on a door, but it’s not hers. She nonetheless uses the chance to see Tissaia as she transforms three of the initiates into eels. She is given the order by Tissaia to shove them into the water. Although Tissaia removed their power, they still possess it. They serve as Aretuza’s conduits. As a result, Aretuza is illuminated by magic when Yennefer pushes them into the ocean while using a broom. [1]
Ascension to Mage[]
Yennefer and Istredd are having sex in front of a makeshift crowd on Aretuza’s initiation day. They then discuss their shared apprehensions about being separated, with Istredd exploring ruins and Yennefer serving King Virfuril as a mage. Yennefer thinks back to the terrified young woman she once was who had no idea of her strength. Going back to Aedirn is what she wants to do in order to stop being that girl.
The enchanter meets with Yennefer. Whatever the challenge, every girl he charms leaves Aretuza a living work of art. He lets Yennefer select, and she goes with the gray dress. They remake themselves on their terms, Tissaia says as she arrives and addresses Yennefer. Yennefer has the ability to permanently “release the victim in the mirror.” Yennefer is told by Tissaia to close her eyes and visualize the most powerful woman in the world. Tissaia then projects that image onto the mirror for Yennefer to see.
Later, after learning that she is being transported to Nilfgaard rather than Aedirn as promised, Yennefer requests a meeting with the Chapter. Tissaia discloses that the Chapter’s decision was finally made with her blood. Cintra would only become even more isolated by sending a quarter-elf to Aedirn given their animosity of elves. Stregobor was the one who revealed Yennifer’s real father to the Chapter, and Yennefer now understands that the only way he could have known was if Istredd had told him.
Yennefer says she won’t go to the initiation. She is discovered by Istredd among the ruins forging her father’s name to claim her as his natural daughter. Istredd wants Stregobor to go back to the Chapter and admit that he lied since she is sorry that he revealed her secret, but it is already too late because Yennefer missed initiation and the enchantments have already been completed. Istredd tries to make amends and invites Yennefer along because the Brotherhood has given him a position on the research chapter. She doesn’t want to spend her life “handling dustpans as he brushes bones,” though. Istredd declares that she is only angry because she missed her opportunity to be attractive before Yennefer storms off. Yennefer acknowledges that she desires power more than just beauty. In her furious withdrawal, she abandons the incomplete deed.
She locates the enchanter and orders him to make her appear more attractive. Yennefer insists that he perform the treatment even though he lacks the appropriate medicines to sedate her. Yennefer strips off and is then secured to a chair. She asks for the enchanter to remove her scars and purple eyes. He warns Yennefer that there is a price to be paid for creation before continuing. Yennefer will stop giving birth in order to be reborn. Yennefer’s reproductive organs are surgically removed by the enchanter. He mixes them with other ingredients to create a paste that, when applied to Yennefer’s skin, transforms her. As internal flames rip through her skin, Yennefer screams in agony. Her body begins to take shape; her jaw and spine both tenaciously straighten. She escapes her restraints because the pain is so severe.
Yennefer appears at the Aretuzan ball after a successful enchantment, attracting everyone’s attention. essentially reborn, and having a completely fresh appearance. She welcomes the Vengerberg king, who rejects Fringilla in favor of her. She wins Aedirn as she originally desired after the two dance in the center of the floor. [2]
Protecting Queen Kalis[]
Yennefer hasn’t aged a day in the past thirty years. She rides in a carriage that is being watched over by the warriors of King Virfuril together with Queen Kalis and her infant. Many people worry about Queen Kalis because she hasn’t given birth to a boy who will succeed Virfuril on the throne. Kalis resents Yennefer’s existence as a royal magician. But Yennefer sacrificed everything to gain her position on the court, and as a result, she has had to spend the last three dreadful decades clearing up political messes. However, Kalis insists that Yennefer made the right decision up to the moment when the horse carriage comes under attack. When Queen Kalis and Yennefer leave the carriage, they discover all but one of the guards to be dead. An assassin and a koshchey are standing no more than fifty feet distant. For Kalis, her daughter, the guard, and herself to escape through, Yennefer opens a gateway.
Yennefer is reasonably certain the assassin was hired to assassinate Queen Kalis since she had consistently failed to provide the monarch a male heir when they emerged through the portal, which was in the middle of a desert. Yennefer and Kalis eventually escape through a different portal as the guard is dead as the assassin follows them to the desert. Now that they have arrived in an unknown town, Yennefer asks Kalis whether she has anything that could be linked back to the king. The assassin hunts them down and quickly joins them, lunging for Yennefer with his koshchey, confirming her suspicion. Yennefer leaves Queen Kalis and her kid on a mountaintop after being pursued for a third time because she manages to slow it down long enough for the queen, the child, and herself to escape through a different portal to that location. It seems to be getting harder and harder for Yennefer to build a new gateway each time.
Yennefer leaves the queen and her child behind and then reappears in a field of sunflowers. When Yennefer finally comes back, Kalis is already dead. Though not before the assassin throws a dagger at her as she passes through the portal, she kills the koshchey, snatches the infant, and portals to safety. Yennefer appears on a beach and carries the child and herself back to land. The knife grazed Yennefer and the baby enough to kill the child, which prevents the princess from surviving. Yennefer sits down on the sand alongside the princess’s newborn body as the sun goes down. She feels that the child would be better off dead than to go through life’s difficulties. She follows that by burying the infant in the sand. [3]