The Witcher is set to return to the screen this summer with the release of Season 3, continuing the adventures of Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer. This season will be divided into two parts, with the first part consisting of 5 episodes premiering on June 29, and the remaining 3 episodes scheduled to air on July 27.
Recently, the first official teaser for The Witcher Season 3 was released by Netflix. Although it does not reveal too many details related to the plot, this teaser does highlight several significant scenes, including the return of the ghostly Wild Hunt soldiers.
Geralt’s Monster-Hunting Journey
The teaser opens with Geralt stepping into a dark, eerie atmosphere, full of foreboding. He consumes a special potion unique to witchers, suggesting he is preparing for a monster hunt. This scene may correspond to the book “Time of Contempt,” where he encounters a Manticore.
Another potential plot point is Geralt accepting a contract to hunt monsters in the town of Hirundum, reminiscent of events in the book series. This contract involves dealing with a monster that has caused deaths in the area, possibly a Drowner or a Kikimore. Hirundum is also significant as it is where Ciri had her first encounter with the Wild Hunt. This is likely why the teaser highlights this location.
Geralt Confronts a Mysterious Character
Following the earlier scene, the teaser transitions to a completely different setting where Geralt is no longer in armor. Instead, he wields a steel sword, suggesting his opponent at this moment is a human. A notable line from Geralt in this segment is: “Until now, I have understood how every reality is a curse.” This could hint at his fate involving Ciri and Yennefer, or perhaps an encounter with a new adversary.
Based on the figure seen in this teaser segment, it could represent the assassin Rience, or even a greater threat, namely the sorcerer Vilgefortz—an antagonist who has caused Geralt much trouble throughout the book series. Vilgefortz is also the character behind significant upheaval aimed at gaining power and control.
The Return of Rience
Rience, the assassin, will also return in Season 3, portrayed by Sam Woolf in place of Chris Fulton. In a brief segment, Geralt appears to be attacking Rience, suggesting a direct confrontation. This implies that the monster-hunting journey will likely involve Rience.
Rience also appears in another scene, emerging from a building engulfed in flames, while holding a black cat. Fans familiar with the book series will recognize what is happening in this segment. However, to maintain suspense for those who only know The Witcher from the show, we won’t reveal everything. A hint: This segment relates to the duo Codringher and Fenn, who appeared in Season 2.
Ciri on the Run from the Wild Hunt in Hirundum?
The central theme of the teaser revolves around Ciri being pursued by the Wild Hunt, a storyline that has also been explored in the Season 2 finale and the spin-off series Blood Origin. This segment appears to be based on a detail from the book “Time of Contempt,” where Ciri decides to leave Yennefer to find Geralt in Hirundum.
With her ancient bloodline granting her powerful potential that could affect time and space, Ciri becomes a target for many dark forces, including the Wild Hunt. According to the original storyline, she will be hunted by the Wild Hunt in Hirundum, just as Geralt and Yennefer arrive in time to assist her.
Is Yennefer in Danger?
Yennefer only appears briefly in two segments of the teaser. In one, she is depicted casting a spell in an unnamed mountainous area, her expression filled with concern. Following that, Yennefer, dressed in a different outfit, moves to a mysterious location, possibly Shaerrawaedd, the elven realm.
The first episode of Season 3, titled “Shaerrawaedd,” will feature key scenes set in this location, which is vital to the conflict between Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri as they navigate challenges in maintaining their alliance in a chaotic world. Additionally, the episode will include a battle scene at Shaerrawaedd involving the three characters and elven leaders, including Francesca and Filavandrel. Following events from Season 2, this may hint at a significant source of power within Ciri that could be pivotal for her people.
Philippa Eilhart and Jaskier
Jaskier dedicated much of his time in Season 2 to helping the elf escape from oppression in the Northern realms. Sigismund Dijkstra and Philippa Eilhart are the ones who provided financial support for the bard’s adventures. This suggests that Jaskier will seek to regain his previous lifestyle.
Philippa did not have much screen time in Season 2, usually appearing in the form of a joke about a cat. However, given her significance in the original book series, it is likely Philippa will have a more substantial role in the upcoming season, potentially seeking information related to Ciri and Geralt from Jaskier.
Ciri’s Hidden Potential
In the following segment of the teaser, Ciri is shown looking quite determined, gripping a witcher’s sword. Given the context and previous revelations, it is likely that Ciri is preparing to confront Rience alongside Geralt and Yennefer—a detail not found in the book series.
Lost in a Mysterious Labyrinth
The teaser continues with a scene where Yennefer, Geralt, and Ciri appear in elegant clothing, seemingly lost in a labyrinth. Although they are all there, they seem unable to find each other.
This segment may have been cut from a detail involving Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri attending the Belleteyn festival, which would serve as a backdrop for their interactions after the events of Season 2. This is also an original detail created specifically for The Witcher Season 3.
Moreover, after getting lost in the mysterious labyrinth, Ciri unexpectedly encounters a dangerous monster. Judging by the visual effects in the teaser, it appears to be a Shaelmaar, previously seen in the expansion of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Additionally, the labyrinth scene aligns well with the teaser’s details, where Geralt is ready to confront a hidden enemy.
Aretuza’s Magical Domain
The magical domain of Aretuza appears briefly in the teaser. In the book “Time of Contempt,” this is a vital location that hosts many significant events related to Ciri, the sorceress, and the Nilfgaardian army. This could serve as a major turning point in the overarching plot, opening up new adventures for Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri as they navigate the challenges of finding each other.
