After a long wait of two years, the third season of The Witcher has finally returned to our Netflix screens. The season kicks off with an explosive first episode, packed with thrilling action, captivating adventures, and an air of mystery. Picking up where season 2 left off, the story delves into the aftermath of the terrifying encounter between Voleth Meir and Ciri at Kaer Morhen. As months passed, Geralt, Yennefer and Ciri embarked on a journey, constantly moving from place to place to protect themselves from their enemies. Geralt still harbored trust issues with Yennefer, but deep down he believed that she was committed to ensuring a better future for Ciri.
Spoilers Ahead
Who Sent The Jackapace To Kill Ciri?
Episode 1 opened with Ciri, Geralt, and Yennefer traveling across the continent in search of a safe haven to elude their enemies. However, enemies from various factions relentlessly pursued Ciri, threatening her safety. Geralt, however, skillfully took them out one by one. Geralt and his family took refuge in different locations, compensating the residents for their silence. But as the troops of enemies closed in, Geralt sensed the impending danger and decided to move on, taking Ciri and Yennefer with him.
During their travels, Geralt took it upon himself to train Ciri in the ways of a skilled warrior, while Yennefer focused on helping Ciri master her magical abilities. Despite their efforts, Geralt and Yennefer couldn’t reconcile their relationship due to Geralt’s lingering trust issues. Undeterred, Yennefer remained determined to regain Geralt’s trust and invested her energy into training Ciri to harness her magical powers. Finally, the trio arrived at the cottage of Yarpen Zigrin, a trusted dwarf friend of Geralt’s. They found temporary peace there, spending a few blissful days together. Yennefer’s bond with Geralt deepened during this time, but their peace was short-lived.
During the spring festival of Belleteyn, despite Geralt’s repeated warnings, Ciri went out to experience a moment of joy. However, she soon found a monstrous armadillo-shaped creature known as a Jackapace chasing her. Geralt swiftly killed the creature and deduced that it had been sent by one of their most formidable enemies, Reince. Reince had previously stolen a potion made from Ciri’s blood at Kaer Morhen, using it to track her. He had purchased the Jackapace from a monster-seller and infused it with Ciri’s scent to locate her. Realizing that Reince was their primary threat, Geralt and Yennefer determined that they needed to get rid of him. Ciri, displaying her intelligence, proposed a plan to act as bait and lure Reince out, finally putting an end to his pursuit.
Meanwhile, the elves were in a desperate struggle to maintain their loyalty to Emhyr var Emreis. Many elves yearned to reclaim their lost lands, particularly the Squirrels, a faction within their ranks. Led by Gallatin, the army of the Squirrels fought alongside Queen Francesca in pursuit of this goal. However, Francesca was preparing for a secret mission. She sought to exploit Ciri’s Elder blood and her magical powers to create weapons, allowing the elves to wage war against the humans. But the squirrels found Francesca’s relentless quest to locate Ciri unnecessary because it resulted in a huge loss of elven soldiers.
What Happened In Shaerrawedd? Did Ciri’s Plan Work?
Following Geralt’s suggestion, Yarpen began spreading rumors in the village taverns about caravans hiding Ciri, intending for the information to reach Reince’s men. Even Jaskier was enlisted to aid in the plan. As anticipated, Reince got the news and decided to launch an attack on the caravans. Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer made their way to the ruins of Shaerrawedd, where a statue of Aelirenn, an elven soldier who had rebelled against humans during the Conjunction of Spheres, stood. The tale of Aelirenn inspired Ciri, who desired to bring harmony between elves and humans. She was tired of the destruction and loss that plagued their world. Meanwhile, Geralt sensed Reince approaching, prompting him and Yen to hide behind the pillars. Finding Ciri all alone Reince’s men launched an attack on her.
Ciri, however, initially defended herself with exceptional swordsmanship, but Yennefer came to her aid. Meanwhile, Geralt engaged in a fierce battle with Reince. Yennefer created a portal to give them some room. However, the arrival of the elves, led by Francesca, disrupted the scene. Jaskier and Yarpen joined the battle to impede the elves, while they also fought against Reince’s men. The battle claimed the lives of numerous elven soldiers, including Francesca’s brother. Meanwhile, Yennefer struggled to keep the portal open until Geralt returned. In a desperate move, Geralt broke Reince’s wrist, effectively disabling his magical abilities. The battle reached its conclusion, with Jaskier sustaining an injury from an arrow. But he ultimately survived and Geralt expressed his gratitude to him before going into hiding again.
As night fell, Yennefer revealed her unsettling experience of sensing a strange and chaotic power while creating the portal. This power surpassed Reince’s abilities, suggesting the presence of someone more powerful. She proposed taking Ciri to Aretuza to seek assistance from Tissia. Initially hesitant, Geralt eventually agreed to the suggestion and discussed parting ways temporarily. This way, Geralt could track down Reince and take him out once and for all.
Why Was Redania After Ciri? Was Jaskier A Traitor?
Vizimir, the prince of Redania, saw Ciri as a means to enhance his political power and secure the throne of Cintra. Growing impatient, he put pressure on his reliable spymaster Djikstra to quickly find Ciri. Eventually, Vizimir enlisted the help of his brother, Radovid, who may have appeared a spoiled brat but possessed great intelligence. Concerned about the potential consequences, Philippa approached Jaskier, forcing him to assist in finding Ciri. However, Radovid knew that this approach would not work on Jaskier.
Radovid assured Jaskier that his brother Vizimir had no ulterior motives behind marrying Ciri. He claimed that Vizimir would become a powerful protector for Ciri once they were married. Given that numerous individuals across the continent were pursuing Ciri, Radovid argued that she needed a trustable guardian by her side. Melted by Radovid’s words and witnessing the struggles of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri to stay alive, Jaskier agreed to their terms of finding Ciri. However, he made it clear that in exchange, Redania would need to eliminate Reince first in order to gain his, Ciri’s, and Geralt’s trust. Jaskier, who was driven by good intentions, had a desire to protect Ciri, but he failed to understand that his decision might be seen as a betrayal, particularly by Geralt, who would likely take it seriously and with grave consequences.
In the final moments of the first episode, Emhyr var Emreis, also known as Duny, symbolically burned his past by setting fire to Pavetta and his old portraits. However, he kept Ciri’s portrait and held onto it, hinting at a possible fatherly affection. The true motives behind his actions will be further explored as the story progresses. Meanwhile, Aretuza, the destination where Yennefer was taking Ciri, had become a perilous place filled with enemies. In a secret room within Aretuza, the Brotherhood of Mages, led by Stregobor, was secretly aiding Reince by allowing the mages to heal his broken wrist. This allowed Reince to regain his magical strength once again. If Reince hid within the walls of Aretuza, Yennefer’s decision to bring Ciri there would unknowingly expose her to the danger.
