Sword of Destiny

Sword of Destiny provides an extensive exploration of Geralt’s search for identity, and his struggle is further complicated by the insidious threads of the destiny that binds him tightly to Ciri. At the outset, Geralt’s self-perception of being a stoic, emotionless witcher endures through many dangers, but as his adventures unfold, the self-imposed limitations of this identity begin to unravel, and each new encounter reveals the witcher’s hidden emotions and deeply nuanced philosophies. For example, in “Bounds of Reason,” Geralt deviates from the witcher code to embark on a dragon hunt for Yennefer, and this morally ambiguous decision signals the first crack in his self-imposed emotional detachment. His claim of being “a servile golem […] a wisp of oakum blown by the wind” (45) reflects his struggle with belonging. The dichotomy between his “otherness” as a witcher and the rejection and prejudice he experiences from humans accentuates the complexities of his quest for identity.

“Shard of Ice” delves deeper into Geralt’s emotional struggle, particularly in his relationship with Yennefer. As the town’s hostility forces Geralt to confront emotions that he believes he should not possess, he eventually acknowledges, “I was stripped of feelings. But not utterly. Whoever did it made a botch of it” (113). This admission reflects the internal conflict between his emotionless witcher identity and the undeniable emotions that surface amidst his daily challenges. Ironically, only through the loss of Yennefer does Geralt begin to integrate these emotions into his evolving identity.

While every story in the collection touches on this theme to some extent, the events in “A Little Sacrifice” play a crucial role in Geralt’s journey of self-discovery, highlighting his growing acceptance of emotions, particularly his love for Yennefer. Throughout this romance-themed narrative, Geralt transforms significantly by cultivating empathy and engaging in introspection. Despite his fondness for Essi, he confronts the realization that he cannot forsake his love for Yennefer, and a crucial element of his character growth comes from the support of his friend. Establishing a sense of belonging with Dandelion is instrumental in reshaping Geralt’s understanding of himself. Their mutual connection is further emphasized by Geralt’s willingness to put himself in harm’s way to protect Dandelion, and this dynamic, coupled with Dandelion’s unfiltered honesty, forces Geralt to reassess his self-perception. The lively give-and-take in their relationship illustrates the profound normalcy that characterizes the man beneath the witcher mutations, and thus, Dandelion’s wildly contrasting personality contributes significantly to Geralt’s ongoing journey of self-discovery.

While Geralt’s continuing adventures allow him to gradually develop a sense of identity that transcends his status as a witcher, he nonetheless remains shackled by the psychological wounds of his mother’s decision to abandon him as a child. The resolution to this largely unarticulated issue arrives with “Something More,” for Geralt finally has the opportunity to confront his mother. The realization that her abandonment was not due to lack of love prompts a profound shift in Geralt’s self-perception and allows him to acknowledge his identity as a “Child of Destiny” just like Ciri. Consequently, he is able to accept his responsibility to protect Ciri, thus breaking the cycle of abandonment and reflecting a newfound understanding of how his identity impacts others. By embracing his doubts and emotions as inevitably human characteristics, Geralt fully accepts his identity and destiny. The collection thus becomes a journey of self-discovery for the witcher, compelling him to peel back the layers of his witcher identity to reveal the complex, emotional human beneath. The integration of his larger destiny into his evolving identity signifies a profound transformation that has lasting effects for Geralt throughout the remainder of the series.